All Of It: Full Bio – How Lorne Michaels Makes SNL Happen

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: Full Bio: How Lorne Michaels Makes SNL Happen
• Release Date: April 2, 2025
• Description: A deep dive into the life and legacy of Lorne Michaels, the creator and driving force behind "Saturday Night Live," featuring insights from Susan Morrison, author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live.

1. Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart concludes this month’s Full Bio segment by exploring the intricate life and career of Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind the iconic television show Saturday Night Live (SNL). Joined by Ira Flato, the conversation delves into Michaels' personal and professional journey, his management style, and his enduring impact on American culture.

2. Lorne Michaels’ Early Life and Career

Susan Morrison's biography paints a picture of Michaels as a passionate individual from his Canadian roots, whose love for comedy propelled him into the heart of New York City's entertainment scene.

• Alison Stewart introduces Michaels’ early fascination with comedy and his journey from Canada to becoming the linchpin of SNL.

3. Running Saturday Night Live

Michaels is renowned for his meticulous approach to producing SNL, setting strict guidelines to maintain the show's quality and relevance.

• Ira Flato explains, “Lorne Michaels believed that SNL should evolve with the generations. The show is geared towards whatever the zeitgeist is, whether the cast liked it or not” (04:16).

Michaels enforces rules regarding improvisation and the use of props, ensuring that the show remains both innovative and disciplined.

4. Personal Life and Work-Life Balance

Balancing a demanding career with personal life has been pivotal for Michaels. His three marriages and dedication to fatherhood highlight his commitment to family amidst professional success.

• Ira Flato shares, “When he got married to Alice the third time and they started a family, I think that also really... he made a point of making time for fatherhood and not missing the Little League games” (08:04).

Michaels prioritizes leisure and family time, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to work-life balance that he imparts to his cast members.

5. Business Acumen and Financial Growth

Initially unaware of the financial stakes, Michaels eventually mastered the business side of SNL, transforming it into a lucrative enterprise through strategic merchandising and rights acquisitions.

• Ira Flato notes, “He created this thing, but he didn't own any of it. So as time went on, he hired people who could help him with that” (10:28).

Under Michaels' leadership, SNL expanded its revenue streams with T-shirts, movies like Wayne's World, and various merchandise, solidifying his financial success.

6. Diversity on SNL

The show has struggled with diversity, a topic Morrison and Flato discuss extensively. Michaels’ initial reluctance to prioritize diversity led to criticisms, but recent efforts have significantly improved representation.

• Ira Flato asserts, “He held auditions in the middle of the season searching for African American women for the writing room and the cast. And this is how he met Leslie Jones” (15:10).

While these changes were overdue, they have helped SNL better reflect the diverse audience it serves.

7. Relationship with the Press and Public Perception

Michaels has navigated a complex relationship with the press, facing scrutiny over the show's content and leadership. The press accurately criticized the lack of diversity but sometimes misunderstood Michaels’ strategic decisions.

• Ira Flato reflects, “In the mid-90s... there was a terrible period when Lorne almost got fired... he saw ahead into what the next generation of viewers wanted to see, but the network and the critics weren't onto it yet” (18:33).

This period highlighted the tension between creative direction and external expectations.

8. High-Profile Hosts and SNL’s Evolution

In recent years, SNL has hosted controversial figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, raising questions about the show's political stance.

• Ira Flato explains, “I don't think you’d book somebody on the show because of their politics. This is showbiz. Donald Trump is a showbiz creature” (21:02).

Michaels selects hosts based on their cultural impact and ability to attract viewers, rather than political alignment.

9. Lorne Michaels’ Legacy and the Future of SNL

As Michaels approaches 80, discussions arise about the show's future without his leadership. Flato suggests that while replacements have been speculated, Michaels' unique role is irreplaceable.

• Ira Flato posits, “I think he is too essential to the show. His taste, his personality, his demands, and the show is essential to him” (23:33).

He proposes a model where Michaels remains involved in a limited capacity, ensuring continuity while empowering his deputies.

10. Personal Traits and Misconceptions

Contrary to the perception of Michaels as a detached executive, Flato emphasizes his genuine sense of humor and approachable nature.

• Ira Flato clarifies, “He is someone who really does laugh and who is funny himself” (25:30).

This dispels the myth of Michaels as merely a bureaucrat, highlighting his active participation in the creative process.

11. Conclusion

The episode wraps up by acknowledging Susan Morrison's contributions through her biography and reaffirming the lasting influence of Lorne Michaels on American comedy and television.

Notable Quotes

• Ira Flato (04:16):

  "Lorne Michaels believed that SNL should evolve with the generations. The show is geared towards whatever the zeitgeist is, whether the cast liked it or not."

• Ira Flato (08:04):

  "When he got married to Alice the third time and they started a family, I think that also really... he made a point of making time for fatherhood and not missing the Little League games."

• Ira Flato (10:28):

  "He created this thing, but he didn't own any of it. So as time went on, he hired people who could help him with that."

• Ira Flato (15:10):

  "He held auditions in the middle of the season searching for African American women for the writing room and the cast. And this is how he met Leslie Jones."

• Ira Flato (21:02):

  "I don't think you’d book somebody on the show because of their politics. This is showbiz. Donald Trump is a showbiz creature."

• Ira Flato (23:33):

  "I think he is too essential to the show. His taste, his personality, his demands, and the show is essential to him."

• Ira Flato (25:30):

  "He is someone who really does laugh and who is funny himself."

Timestamp References

• 04:16 – Discussion on SNL’s evolution with generational changes.
• 08:04 – Insights into Lorne Michaels’ personal life and fatherhood.
• 10:28 – Exploration of Michaels’ business strategies and financial growth.
• 15:10 – Addressing diversity issues on SNL.
• 21:02 – High-profile hosts and the show's selection criteria.
• 23:33 – The future of SNL and Michaels’ potential retirement.
• 25:30 – Clarifying misconceptions about Michaels’ personality.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussion surrounding Lorne Michaels' pivotal role in shaping SNL, his personal philosophy, and the challenges and triumphs he has experienced over five decades. Through Alison Stewart and Ira Flato's insightful conversation, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of what makes Lorne Michaels a seminal figure in American culture.