Lorne Michaels once said Tina Fey ‘could easily’ succeed him at ‘SNL.’ Here’s what she has to say about that

CNN - Apr 16th, 2025
Open on CNN

Tina Fey has been mentioned as a potential successor to Lorne Michaels, the creator and long-time producer of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Fey reflected on the suggestion made by Michaels himself in January 2024, acknowledging his kind words but expressing her reluctance to consider replacing him. Fey described Michaels as irreplaceable, highlighting his unique skills and keen eye for talent. Michaels, now 80, has been at the helm of SNL since 1975, with only a brief hiatus, and has played a significant role in shaping the show's enduring success.

Fey's connection to SNL is deep-rooted, having been involved with the show as a writer, "Weekend Update" anchor, and cast member since 1997. Beyond SNL, she created and starred in "30 Rock," another NBC success set in the same building as SNL, with Michaels as an executive producer. Their collaborative relationship extends to producing iconic films like "Mean Girls". Despite Michaels' confidence in her capabilities, Fey remains modest, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of her mentor. With SNL celebrating its 50th season, the conversation about succession underscores the show's long-lasting cultural impact and the legacy Michaels has built.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article about Tina Fey potentially succeeding Lorne Michaels as the showrunner of 'Saturday Night Live' is generally accurate and well-written. It effectively communicates the main points with clarity and timeliness, appealing to readers interested in entertainment and television. The piece provides a balanced view of Fey's qualifications and Michaels' endorsement, though it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and additional context about the broader implications of a leadership change. The reliance on a single interview limits the depth of source quality, and transparency could be improved with more detailed disclosures. Overall, the article is engaging and relevant but could enhance its impact and engagement by incorporating a wider range of viewpoints and insights.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story about Tina Fey potentially succeeding Lorne Michaels as the showrunner of 'Saturday Night Live' is largely accurate. The article correctly states that Lorne Michaels expressed that Tina Fey 'could easily' replace him, which is supported by external sources. The history of Fey's involvement with 'SNL' as a writer and performer is also accurately described, aligning with her known career timeline. However, the article could have been more precise about Michaels' current retirement plans, as he has indicated he plans to stay at least until the 50th anniversary special. The story correctly notes that Michaels has been the showrunner since the show's inception, except for a brief hiatus, which is factual. Overall, the article presents verified information but could benefit from more specific details about Fey's interest in the role and Michaels' future plans.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels, providing a detailed perspective on their professional relationship and potential succession plans. While it offers a balanced view of Fey's qualifications and Michaels' endorsement, it lacks broader perspectives on other potential successors or industry opinions. The story could have been more balanced by including viewpoints from other 'SNL' insiders or media analysts on the implications of such a leadership change. However, the article does not exhibit overt bias towards either individual, maintaining a neutral tone throughout.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language. It logically presents the main points, starting with Michaels' endorsement of Fey, followed by Fey's response and their professional history. The narrative is easy to follow, with a neutral tone that aids comprehension. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more context about the broader implications of a leadership change at 'SNL' and potentially including more background on other potential successors. Overall, the piece effectively communicates the essential information without unnecessary complexity.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels, which are credible sources given their direct involvement. However, it lacks a variety of sources and primarily depends on quotes from a single interview published by The Hollywood Reporter. Including additional sources, such as other industry experts or commentators, would enhance the reliability and depth of the reporting. The contribution from CNN's Alli Rosenbloom is mentioned, but the article does not detail her role or the extent of her contribution, which could have bolstered the credibility of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides clear attribution to The Hollywood Reporter for the interview with Tina Fey, which is a positive aspect of transparency. However, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the methodology behind the interview. The lack of detailed context about how the quotes were obtained or any editorial processes involved in crafting the story limits the transparency. Additionally, the article does not explain why CNN's Alli Rosenbloom's contribution is significant, leaving readers without a full understanding of her role.

Sources

  1. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a44689514/tina-fey-lorne-michaels-saturday-night-live/
  2. https://screenrant.com/snl-lorne-michaels-retire-showrunner-replacement-candidates-list/
  3. https://people.com/lorne-michaels-says-tina-fey-could-easily-be-his-successor-at-snl-8430681
  4. https://boston.lti.cs.cmu.edu/appendices/WSDM2018-ConvKNRM/K-NRM/bing/vocab