Molly Shannon has high praise for Saturday Night Live (SNL) legend Lorne Michaels, who she believes is irreplaceable as the iconic show’s creator and showrunner.
However, when it comes to who could step into his shoes when the time comes, Shannon thinks Kenan Thompson would be an “excellent” choice.
Lorne Michaels: A One-of-a-Kind Genius
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Molly Shannon, who was a cast member on SNL from 1995 to 2001, reflected on Michaels’ legacy. Shannon, now 60, called Michaels, 80, a “superstar” and emphasized how unique his vision and leadership are.
“It’s his show, his vision,” Shannon says, acknowledging that Michaels is irreplaceable. She added, “There’s no one who could replace him. It would not be the same show.”
Michaels created SNL in 1975 and has been the driving force behind its success ever since. His brilliance, intellect, and ability to adapt the show over the decades have made SNL a cultural institution. Shannon believes that no one could bring the same magic to the show as Michaels.
Kenan Thompson as a Potential Successor
While Shannon believes Michaels is irreplaceable, she does see a strong candidate for the role of showrunner once Michaels steps down: Kenan Thompson.
A beloved member of the SNL cast since 2003, Thompson has been a staple of the show for over two decades. His longevity on the show and immense talent make him a natural fit for a leadership position, according to Shannon.
“I love this idea. He’s the greatest — I adore Kenan,” Shannon says. She went on to call Thompson “so talented,” adding that appointing him as showrunner would be “an excellent idea.”
Thompson, who is now 47, has been with SNL for 22 seasons and is known for his versatility and humor. As one of the longest-serving cast members in SNL history, Thompson’s experience and insight into the show’s inner workings give him a strong foundation for the role of showrunner.
His potential to bring new energy and creativity to the show is something that excites fans and fellow cast members alike.
Changes Ahead for SNL?
Thompson has hinted at possible changes for SNL as the show heads into its 51st season. In a recent interview with Page Six, Thompson talked about the uncertainty surrounding the future of the show and what it may look like in the coming years.
He expressed the desire for some fresh perspectives while acknowledging that nothing is guaranteed. “You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions over the summer,” Thompson said, referring to potential cast changes.
As someone who has been part of the show for so long, Thompson also noted that he doesn’t want to become a “stale old man riding the same thing.” His openness to the idea of change reflects his understanding of the dynamic nature of SNL and its need to evolve.
Looking Ahead to the Future of SNL
While Michaels remains at the helm of SNL, the future of the show is always a topic of discussion, especially as longtime cast members like Thompson begin to consider what comes next.
If Kenan Thompson were to eventually step into a larger role on the show, fans would no doubt be excited to see how he could help shape the next chapter of SNL.
