Podcast Summary: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade – Featuring Susan Morrison

Episode Details:

• Title: Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
• Guest: Susan Morrison, Author of LORNE: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live
• Release Date: February 19, 2025

1. Introduction to Susan Morrison and Her Book

Dana Carvey and David Spade kick off the episode by introducing their guest, Susan Morrison, a writer with deep ties to Saturday Night Live (SNL). Morrison is the author of LORNE: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, a comprehensive exploration of Lorne Michaels' pivotal role in shaping the iconic comedy show.

• Dana Carvey (00:51): "Today we have Susan Morrison, a writer... she wrote a big fat book about Lorne."
• David Spade (01:47): "It's the 50th anniversary of SNL. It's a good time to have it out."

2. Delving into Morrison’s Research and Insights

Morrison discusses her extensive research process, including interviewing numerous SNL alumni and Lorne Michaels himself. She emphasizes the depth and breadth of her work, covering Michaels' childhood, career highs and lows, and his enduring influence on comedy.

• Susan Morrison (03:06): "He's telling things to you listeners that even we don't know."
• David Spade (02:23): "Interviewed. Everyone got interviewed. Everyone talked. And it's just sort of a comprehensive look at Lorne Michaels through his childhood..."

3. Lorne Michaels: The Architect of SNL

The conversation shifts to Lorne Michaels' vision and the challenges he faced in launching SNL. Morrison highlights Michaels' desire to modernize variety television by infusing it with contemporary elements like drugs and relevant social commentary, setting SNL apart from its predecessors.

• Susan Morrison (06:16): "Lauren loved variety TV... His big idea was to take that format and bring it into the modern world."
• David Spade (07:20): "He was the first person who said, let's make variety TV something that has something to do with what people in their 20s are like."

4. The Struggles and Triumphs of Early SNL

Morrison recounts the initial struggles of SNL, including financial losses from unsuccessful shows like Public Spectacular and the challenges of transitioning SNL from live performances to taped episodes. These hurdles tested Michaels' resilience and commitment to his vision.

• Susan Morrison (04:50): "I met Lauren when he was perhaps at an even lower point... It was a big fat flop because it was packed with talent."
• Dana Carvey (08:55): "He just gets to do whatever the hell he felt like. And with no notes, you know, no interference."

5. The Essence of SNL: Live Chaos and Creative Freedom

The hosts and Morrison delve into the unique live environment of SNL, characterized by its controlled chaos and Michaels' hands-off approach. This atmosphere fostered creativity, allowing writers and performers to experiment and push boundaries without excessive oversight.

• Susan Morrison (08:37): "Lauren had trouble hiring people... He just gets to do whatever the hell he felt like."
• David Spade (09:06): "How did you end up writing this book? I'm just, that's popped in."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Morrison shares personal stories from her time working with Michaels, offering listeners intimate glimpses into his leadership style and the camaraderie among the SNL team. Highlights include interactions with legendary cast members like Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase, and the intricate dynamics within the writers' room.

• Susan Morrison (16:30): "I worked for him when he did the new show... I was 23 years old. My job chiefly consisted of ordering shitloads of food from the Carnegie Deli."
• Dana Carvey (55:12): "He'll give you the note, he'll say, maybe this, maybe that, but he isn't going to say, you have to change the ending."

7. Lorne Michaels' Leadership and Legacy

The discussion emphasizes Michaels' pivotal role as the linchpin of SNL, his ability to recognize and nurture talent, and his strategic decisions that have kept the show relevant for five decades. Morrison underscores his enigmatic yet approachable nature, which has earned him profound respect within the entertainment industry.

• Susan Morrison (26:46): "I really respect the hell out of him... he's completely essential."
• David Spade (31:54): "In terms of keeping the Show Consistent. Now 50 years. We have data now a half-century. Where did this guy come from?"

8. The Human Side of Lorne Michaels

Beyond his professional achievements, Morrison delves into Michaels' personal life, exploring the events that shaped his character and leadership style. She highlights his resilience in the face of personal setbacks, such as the loss of his father, and how these experiences influenced his approach to producing and managing SNL.

• Susan Morrison (50:11): "He was completely at sea and his father collapsed... gave him some indication of why you never see Lauren having a yelling match."
• Susan Morrison (51:59): "He always felt like if I do this, then I won't ever be able to do this."

9. The Future of SNL and Michaels' Enduring Influence

As the episode nears its conclusion, Morrison speculates on the future of SNL and Michaels' ongoing influence in the comedy world. She expresses confidence in his ability to sustain the show's success while adapting to changing cultural landscapes.

• Susan Morrison (73:35): "When she has clients going to audition for Lauren, she says, you got to remember, he is the star of the show."
• David Spade (73:43): "Extremely dry, droll wit. Yeah, that hits you pretty hard sometimes."

10. Closing Remarks

Dana Carvey and David Spade wrap up the conversation by congratulating Morrison on her book and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Lorne Michaels. They express appreciation for Morrison's insights and the rich history she has uncovered about one of comedy's greatest figures.

• David Spade (74:02): "Well, I don't know when this podcast airs, but I..."
• Susan Morrison (74:08): "Thank you so much. Really fun, you guys."

Notable Quotes:

• Susan Morrison (02:07): "You're going to hear something that's a little shocking, a little surprising."
• Dana Carvey (18:04): "His whole world got smashed when he was 14 years old."
• Susan Morrison (55:42): "He is the linchpin. He's bigger than any cast member as far as the history of SNL. He is."

This episode offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Lorne Michaels through the lens of Susan Morrison's meticulously researched book. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the man behind SNL, his creative genius, leadership style, and the personal experiences that have shaped the show's enduring success.