All of It: Full Bio – Lorne Michaels and the Creation of SNL

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Susan Morrison, Author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of All of It, Alison Stewart welcomes Susan Morrison, the author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. Morrison delves into the intricate backstory of Lorne Michaels, the visionary behind the iconic television show Saturday Night Live (SNL). This episode is part of the "Full Bio" series, which offers deeply researched biographies over several days.

Creating Saturday Night Live: The Backstory

Lorne Michaels' Vision and Opportunity

The journey begins in the mid-1970s when Johnny Carson, the beloved host of The Tonight Show, opted out of hosting weekend shows. This decision left a coveted Saturday night time slot on NBC vacant. Herb Schlosser, the then-president of NBC, recognized the potential to fill this slot creatively. As Alison Stewart explains:

“[Herb Schlosser] had vision for what television could be... He wanted it to be live, done out of New York City in Studio 8H, with rotating hosts. These ideas aligned perfectly with what Lorne Michaels envisioned for a variety show.”
[02:57] Alison Stewart

This convergence of ideas led to the birth of SNL, with Lorne Michaels stepping into the role despite initial hesitations about leaving his comfortable life in Los Angeles.

Herb Schlosser's Contribution

Herb Schlosser was pivotal in shaping SNL’s foundational concepts. His insistence on a live show with rotating hosts and the intention to serve as a breeding ground for future primetime shows mirrored Michaels' aspirations. This synergy set the stage for SNL’s innovative format.

Early Management and Creative Tensions

Dick Ebersol's Involvement

Early in the show's development, Dick Ebersol, a young NBC executive, partnered with Michaels. While Ebersol was instrumental in navigating network politics and securing executive support, creative tensions soon emerged. As Alison Stewart notes:

“As the show became more successful, Ebersol seemed to want more creative credit than warranted, leading to tensions.”
[05:42] Alison Stewart

Morrison elaborates on how these tensions culminated in Ebersol's removal after just five shows, allowing Michaels to reclaim full creative control.

Casting and Finding Talent

Lorne Michaels' Unique Casting Approach

Michaels was adamant about assembling an unconventional and fresh cast, avoiding established television personalities. He sought out emerging talent from comedy clubs, leading to the discovery of future stars like Andy Kaufman and Chevy Chase. As noted in the discussion:

“He went to clubs to catch rising stars, finding talents like Andy Kaufman who embodied his vision for an edgy, cerebral show.”
[08:00] Alison Stewart

Notable Cast Members and Early Dynamics

The early cast included talents such as Chevy Chase, whose meteoric rise created both success and internal jealousy. This dynamic is explored through various anecdotes, highlighting the challenges Michaels faced in managing a rapidly growing and ambitious cast.

Managing the Cast and Internal Conflicts

Handling Conflict: The Garrett Morris Story

One illustrative story involves Garrett Morris, a talented writer who felt his ideas were appropriated by fellow writers. Instead of direct confrontation, Michaels offered Morris a spot in the cast, effectively resolving the tension while retaining his talent:

“Michaels didn’t intervene directly but instead integrated Morris into the cast, diffusing the conflict subtly.”
[10:41] Alison Stewart

Bernie Brillstein's Role and Influence

Bernie Brillstein, Michaels' manager, played a dual role in managing the cast and navigating business aspects. While he provided a "gut check" and maintained middlebrow appeal, his representation of cast members like Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi sometimes led to conflicts of interest. As Susan Morrison explains:

“Brillstein set up deals like the Blues Brothers movie, which, while beneficial for the actors, sometimes strained Michaels’ control over the show.”
[13:13] Alison Stewart

Despite occasional headaches, Brillstein's loyalty and longstanding relationship with Michaels remained invaluable.

Lorne Michaels' Departure from SNL

Reasons for Leaving: Exhaustion and Cast Losses

After five tumultuous seasons, Michaels found himself overwhelmed by exhaustion and the exodus of key cast members pursuing movie careers. The final straw came during negotiations with NBC when Al Franken’s satirical bit mocked NBC's president, Fred Silverman:

“Franken’s bit was a turning point that soured Michaels’ negotiations, leading to his unexpected departure.”
[16:27] Alison Stewart

Michaels' departure marked the end of his initial tenure, leaving SNL in the hands of NBC despite its foundational success.

Hiatus Years: Post-SNL and Pre-Return

Attempts at Film and Primetime Variety Shows

During his hiatus, Michaels ventured into filmmaking, attempting to replicate the success of SNL on the big screen and through primetime TV. However, these efforts largely failed due to misalignment with his strengths and the industry’s fluctuating dynamics:

“His projects, like the adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and The New Show, didn’t capture the live energy that SNL thrived on.”
[21:48] Alison Stewart

These failures reinforced Michaels' understanding of his unique talent for live television, setting the stage for his eventual return.

Return to SNL and Its Challenges

Initial Mistakes with New Cast

Upon returning to SNL in 1985, Michaels faced significant challenges, including poor initial casting decisions that prioritized youth over experience. Hiring actors more accustomed to film rather than ensemble comedy resulted in a lackluster first season:

“He made a colossal mistake by hiring young stars who weren’t seasoned enough for SNL’s demands, leading to a failed season.”
[24:23] Alison Stewart

The Importance of Constant Renewal

Learning from past mistakes, Michaels emphasized the necessity of continual renewal within the cast to keep the show fresh and dynamic. This approach transformed subsequent seasons, culminating in one of the strongest casts in SNL history.

“He compared SNL to a sports franchise, needing both stars and rookies to maintain excellence and adaptability.”
[18:54] Alison Stewart

Conclusion and Insights

Susan Morrison's detailed biography of Lorne Michaels provides an in-depth look into the creation and evolution of Saturday Night Live. From the initial visionary ideas and early casting struggles to the management of internal conflicts and Michaels' eventual return, the story underscores the complexities of maintaining a groundbreaking television show. Michaels' ability to navigate creative tensions, coupled with his commitment to live, intelligent entertainment, cemented his legacy as the man who truly invented Saturday Night Live.

Notable Quotes:

• Lorne Michaels on SNL Ethos:
  “What had happened then was most of the established institutions had been discredited... our job is mostly to entertain, but to do it with a level of intelligence.”
  [01:55] Alison Stewart

• Alfred Start on Party Management:
  “He had a very intuitive grasp of management... he figured out how to handle creative people without getting directly involved in conflicts.”
  [10:41] Alison Stewart

• Reflection on SNL as a Sports Franchise:
  “You have to have your rookies on the bench... SNL has to exist in a constant state of renewal.”
  [18:54] Susan Morrison

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives presented in the episode, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of Lorne Michaels' pivotal role in shaping cultural television through Saturday Night Live.