The Influence Of SNL On The Television Industry

Throughout television history, we have numerous TV producers that has impacted us in various ways. Such well known TV producers include Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Tina Fey, Oprah Winfrey, Lorne Michaels and more. As they continue to influence their audience, they also influence the industry as well.

Before the hit sensation SNL was created, there was Lorne Michaels. He was on born on November 17, 1944 in Israel. In his early childhood, Michaels then moved to Canada with family where he developed an interest for writing fiction. As he was studying at the University of Toronto, he would direct, co-write, and even perform as well in a revue. Before his career had set off, Michaels had met a young girl in school, Rosie, in which she became

his first wife. After his father died, he was tempted to change his last name as Rosie’s parents were downgrading Lorne not only for his name but his ability to make in the industry. Throughout his childhood, Michaels was definitely drawn to this particular element as he believed he found his true calling. He even attended a summer camp and would mainly show productions. Referring to the Guardian article, Doug Hill stated that Michaels was always into show business by the age of 15. After he graduated, he was ready to start his career within the entertainment industry. In 1966, Michaels moved on to CBC radio with his friend, Hart Pomerantz where they would ridicule political events. At one point, he had sent out several jokes to Woody Allen, himself, but unfortunately Michaels jokes were disregarded. Although, he did happen to receive a phone call from Allen to compliment him on one of his jokes. Michaels was of course ecstatic from this flattering remark.
Within the TV industry, he first worked on NBC shows such as The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In, where he served as a writer. In 1969, Michaels had received his first Emmy for his creative writing.
With that being said, Saturday Night Live was born as Lorne Michaels was the mastermind behind the live comedy show. In 1975, NBC was looking for new faces in order to come up with a show that would replace The Tonight Show as it mainly showed reruns on Saturday Nights. Originally, NBC wanted to show different pilots which would fill in The Tonight’s Show original viewing time. Herbert Schlosser, who was president of the NBC network at the time, suggested for a show to be set in New York and somehow incorporate live television. Along with Michaels, Dick Ebersol helped made SNL happen. Initially, the name of the show was NBC’s Saturday Night considering the fact that Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell was already in use by ABC. Both Michaels and Ebersol came up with the idea of creating fun sketches that would be entertaining in front of a live audience. SNL first aired on October 11, 1975 as George Culin hosted. “Live from New York! It’s Saturday Night!” became the catchy slogan that many are aware of today.
Lorne Michaels has turned out to be such an influential man in the entertainment industry. As popular guests appeared on his show such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers etc., their careers have escalated even further just by starring in several episodes. In the Deadline article, Michaels was interviewed where he mentions his interests and influences. As Michaels was still in high school, he would stay up all night and watch The Tonight Show with Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. From the shows that he would often watch, he was then influenced to create a show of his own. He sat down with several different writers who were apart of those shows and would take strategic notes and learn from their ways. As he began to create SNL, he wanted to make a version where individuals can relate to, considering this was entitled for an upcoming generation. As mentioned previously, Michaels used to perform back in his college years. Referring back to the interview, he indicates the position of being a possible SNL cast member. At first, he thought about doing so but finally decided it was not meant for him as he did not see himself in that kind of light. In another article, The Hollywood Reporter, Michael states about how influential his show has been to viewers along with well known celebrities. “There’s always something in the show that’s worth watching,” Michael stated.
With that being said, SNL is also well known for its political yet humors sketches which influences people to become more openly involved when regarding political conversations.

As mentioned in the Odyssey article, Michaels states how he is interested in politics and how the show manages to take a voice in the political platform. For their various sketches regarding Trump or Hillary Clinton during the election, SNL only tends to emphasize their habits that they tend to do. By doing this, they bring out the humor in a subtle way. As mentioned in the Odyssey article, there have been sketches where they would address issues regarding race, politics, major issues etc., but SNL takes these matters in a more indistinct direction for the viewers entertainment. For example, the Black Jeopardy! sketch which featured black contestants and a white trump supporter. Here, they try to point out particular questions which only black individuals would happen to know. Although to their surprise, the white contestant, Doug happened to be answering certain questions correctly. This sketch also points out race, trump supporters, and financial stability. This particular segment turned out to be such an applauding sketch as it shows how the country is very much divided. However, we may share common interests more than we think or care to acknowledge. As you can see, Michaels had developed a show that people would want to talk about and provided opposing sides with laughter. Nowadays, we are consumed with the media and how we are able to portray various news. SNL is able to take serious issues and manages to inform us through hysterical impersonations and sketches. This political parody can serve as an influence to us, as we are divided by our political viewpoints. It influences individuals to laugh or make fun of such politicians as we can acknowledge their quirks in way where it may be considered to be inappropriate in a formal news

setting.
Throughout the years, the show has won 35 Emmys and was nominated for more than 160 Emmys. Michaels’ reputation has continued to flourish as he was rewarded with the Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004. TIME Magazine also featured him on their list for “100 most influential people” in 2008. Within the next four years, he received yet another award which was the Individual Peabody Award. By 2016, former President Obama had awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In regards to Michaels character, people had their different takes on him. Some found him to be a father figure who would mentor them while others found him to be stern. Although, he admits that he is demanding in some cases.
Despite the struggles that the show have endured, they still managed to be on track with their scheduled time. Referring back to the Hollywood Reporter article, “We don't go on because we’re ready, we go on because it’s 11:30,” as Michaels stated. From all the talented people that Michaels has hired, they all happen to make it successfully on their own which shows a lot about one’s character and how influenced they are. This happens to gratify Michaels in the long run as enjoys seeing people being creative from what they are given. In regards to retirement, Michaels plans to continue working which serves as his primary focus. Considering the fact, Michaels has a family with his wife, Alice Barry and their three children. He still wants to finished what he started. He is a hardworking man who wants to continue striving. As Michaels is devoted to his work, it makes him feel good about himself where he feels that he’s doing something worthwhile. Personally, I respect individuals who have the same mindset as Michaels as they continue to prosper in every aspect while enjoying what they do. The topic of SNL’s fate after Michaels departure has been brought up in several conversations in which cast members felt uneasy about the whole situation. Tina Fey and other members suggested for the show to be over and one with. However, Michaels disapproved and urged for the show to continue on.
Let SNL live on with Michaels legacy.