Is Lorne Michaels leaving Saturday Night Live (SNL)? Speculation about his future has persisted for years, fueled by past comments and ongoing rumors. As SNL hits a major milestone, questions about its leadership remain: Will Michaels stay, or is a change coming?
Let’s take a closer look at the latest updates, his past statements, and what it all means for SNL.
Is Lorne Michaels leaving SNL?
Lorne Michaels is not leaving Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Despite previous speculation that he might retire after Season 50, Michaels has confirmed that he will stay for at least Season 51. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Michaels stated, “As long as it’s important and I can be useful, I’ll stay… There’s no immediate plan.”
Michaels, who created SNL in 1975, originally suggested in 2020 that he might step away after the show’s 50th season. However, as the milestone season approached, he walked back those comments and made it clear that he still enjoys running the show. Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost said, “No one who works there thinks he’s leaving,” while Seth Meyers dismissed the speculation, calling it a “false narrative.” (via Rolling Stone)
Recent rumors about Michaels’ departure may have resurfaced because he was absent from a recent episode of SNL. However, there is no credible report of him leaving. Michaels’ absence was not an indication of retirement but rather part of his ongoing leadership style, where he increasingly delegates responsibilities while remaining in charge.
As SNL enters its 51st season in the fall of 2025, no official cast list has been announced, but many key players from Season 50 are expected to return. The show’s legacy remains intact, with Michaels overseeing its future, ensuring continuity and stability. Despite declining linear ratings, SNL continues to be a major force in comedy, with billions of social media views and strong cultural influence.
Michaels has acknowledged that he relies more on his team now, but he remains the key decision-maker. He said, “You really need someone to say, ‘This is what we’re doing.’” As of now, there are no confirmed plans for his departure, and speculation about his exit remains unfounded.
