Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live Hardcover – February 18, 2025

I have watched SNL pretty religiously since the beginning, so reading this book is a combination of nostalgia, reading tales about old friends, and learning lots of new things about a show you thought you knew a lot about. There is so much about the relationships between cast members, the inner-workings of making the show each week, and a look into the formation of Lorne Michaels and his empire. it was a great read!

Lorne Michaels is one of the most influential artists of the past fifty years so I had high hopes & expectations for this book. H’s & e’s were exceeded 10 times over. It’s not only the masterful biography of a comedic impresario but a concise history of continental humor from the 50s to today as well.First and not least the format of the book is wonderful: MONDAY of a given production week, then some straight chapters of bio followed in due course by TUESDAY etc. It’s a most satisfactory progression culminating in the actual show of Nov. 18, 2018 when Jonah Hill was welcomed into the Five-Timers club by (ironically) Tina Fey, Candice Bergen and Drew Barrymore.There are insights a-plenty into Mr. Michaels’ quirky personality but they run parallel with the lessons he learned in Burbank writing rooms and his long devotion to the business of show business. That education birthed SNL’s winning formula which has remained unchanged since 1975. The writers, staff and cast may chafe under the grueling weekly regimen but it’s not broke so why fix it?Show biz superstition plays a part in that of course, but the ad men at NBC and their affiliates must have been pleased all these years. And isn’t that the bottom line: look who’s still standing…and selling…while we laugh and laugh.There is much to admire about the man & his tenure though one suspects one wouldn’t want to hang out with him at length – there’s plenty to snicker at here as well. But the book scratched so many itches I didn’t know I had (the inside history of the Late Night wars of succession! the real source of Mike Meyer’s Dr. Evil persona!) that I am most grateful for Ms. Morrison’s work. I hope it sells in the millions. Subject, author and topic deserve no less.

A very well written biography. There are a lot of characters that I recognize and some that I don't, but it is worth the read.

Most of us have some good—and some less-than-good—memories of SNL sketches throughout the years. But in the early seasons who knew that a genius named Lorne Michaels was behind it all? Later, of course, Lorne was highlighted often on camera, rivaling the fame of his cast members. Susan Morrison’s engaging biography will take you on a celebrity-filled ride through Michaels’ long career. Lots of fascinating detail (and some leadership principles) sprinkled with LOL gags. Recommend it to all SNL fans.

The backstories on the actors and writers are great. We’ve been fans of SNL from the beginnng. This book is well written and keeps you engaged at every turn of the page.

An incredible read. Everything I wanted to know about the show I love and the man who created it. Full access to Lorne Michaels and his staff along with access to past casts and writers.

Lorne Michaels deserves all of the accolades in this well-written and formidably researched book. It's a shame focus on the central character, host Jonah Hill, diminishes the potential enjoyment of this book.

Lorne will be in print for the next 50 years. A monumental achievement by the author, Susan Morrison. U.S. cultural history from 1975 through 2025 would be impossible to fully appreciate without reading this book.