Lorne Michaels teased a major shake-up for Saturday Night Live as the show gears up for SNL51, even as he weighed in on the surprising cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the future of NBC late-night staples. In a wide-ranging interview, Michaels revealed that auditions for the new season took place last week in Studio 8H, with summer scouting trips also heading to Los Angeles and Chicago. He noted that the shape of SNL’s season will be decided early next week, including returning cast members, new hires, and even who will be behind the Weekend Update desk. He described the changes as a “significant shake-up,” signaling that several current cast members are expected to exit as the show pivots toward its next chapter.
On Colbert’s sudden cancellation, Michaels said he was stunned. He suggested there are now two audiences to cater to: the traditional linear audience and viewers who consume clips and content on TikTok and YouTube. He_distance himself from politics as a driver of Colbert’s removal, stating it’s hard to know what happened behind the scenes. He drew a comparison to the 1969 end of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, noting that being a “martyr” can be exciting in the moment, but show business moves on.
Asked about Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, Michaels expressed confidence in NBC’s continued support, praising Comcast CEO Brian Roberts for his integrity. He emphasized that broadcast licenses factor into decisions but insisted that he and his team will not be swayed by external pressures. He also made a pointed remark about Trump politics, saying, “Whatever crimes Trump is committing, he’s doing it in broad daylight,” underscoring a belief that voters are aware of the issues at hand.
Turning to SNL51, Michaels reflected on why he kept the core cast intact for the 50th season and hinted at the need for reinvention. “Yeah, for sure,” he said when asked about mounting expectations, noting that an announcement about the season’s direction would come in about a week or so. He also confirmed that James Austin Johnson will continue in the role of Trump, a decision that has been a talking point in past interviews. In leadership terms, Michaels said his role has grown, with more voices in the room but with a clear final say on the season’s direction.
Looking beyond the immediate season, Michaels touched on his broader strategy for the show’s evolution. He described a collaborative process in which many opinions exist within the room, yet final decisions rest with him. The forthcoming reinvention for SNL51 is framed as a deliberate effort to refresh the show while maintaining its core identity as it moves past a landmark 50th season.
Key takeaways and value for readers:
– SNL is planning a notable cast shake-up for SNL51, with auditions already completed and casting decisions imminent.
– The show is expanding its footprint with a UK version in development, signaling a broader strategic push.
– Colbert’s cancellation remains a complex topic, with Michaels suggesting it may not be easily attributable to politics and highlighting the changing media landscape with digital viewing habits.
– James Austin Johnson will continue as Trump, a continuity point amid broader changes.
– Michaels signals a concrete reinvention plan for SNL51, balancing fresh energy with the show’s established voice, and he emphasizes a strong leadership structure with final decisions resting with him.
Overall, the interview frames SNL’s upcoming season as a deliberate retooling effort designed to maintain relevance and energy in a shifting media environment, while reaffirming NBC’s commitment to the show and its leadership. A hopeful note for fans: the reinvention aims to preserve what makes SNL distinctive while introducing new dynamics and talent to propel the series into its next chapter.