New Documentary Profiles SNL Creator Lorne Michaels

A new documentary offers an intimate portrait of Lorne Michaels, the producer who created Saturday Night Live and shaped late-night television for decades. Titled Lorne, the film traces Michaels' career from his early days as a Canadian writer to his role as the enduring force behind one of comedy's most influential institutions. Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, the documentary arrives in theaters on April 17, 2026, distributed by Focus Features.

Michaels, now 81, has largely remained out of the spotlight despite his profound impact on American culture. The film provides unprecedented access through exclusive archival footage, behind-the-scenes material and candid interviews with key figures from Saturday Night Live's history. Participants include former cast members and writers such as Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, John Mulaney, Seth Meyers, Colin Jost, Mike Myers and Sarah Sherman, as well as comedians like Steve Martin and Chris Rock. Conan O'Brien also appears, describing Michaels as "the ultimate show business survivor" in trailer footage. "He's still here, and 100 executives are not," O'Brien says.