Molly Shannon says Kenan Thompson could replace Lorne Michaels on “Saturday Night Live.” The speculation comes as the iconic show continues its legendary run on television.
The long-running TV comedy show was created by Michaels, 80, in the mid-70s, and Shannon, a cast member from 1995 until 2001, thinks he’s done a remarkable job with the show. “Saturday Night Live” has become one of television’s most influential comedy programs, launching countless careers in entertainment.
“It’s his show, his vision,” Shannon, 60, told People. “There’s no one who could replace him. It would not be the same show. He’s just a one-of-a-kind genius. Brilliant. Smart.” Shannon’s tenure on SNL included memorable characters that became cultural phenomena.
Despite this, Shannon believes that Thompson, a cast member since 2003, could potentially replace Michaels as the showrunner one day. Thompson has become the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the show.
Thompson as successor ‘an excellent idea’
“I love this idea. He’s the greatest — I adore Kenan,” she said. “[Kenan is] so talented. That’s an excellent idea.” Thompson’s versatility has made him a fan favorite, known for his ability to adapt to various comedic styles and characters.
Thompson is widely seen as a central part of the “Saturday Night Live” cast but he previously played down his own importance to the show. His humble approach has earned respect from both colleagues and industry insiders throughout his extensive career.
“I’m tough with self-praise, I guess, but I am definitely an ensemble-minded individual,” he told NPR. “And if that echoes across, you know, in a way that people want to consider me as a glue, great, you know? But I just try to go out there and do my job and, you know, give showcase to these brilliant writers and brilliant minds and all of our departments — makeup and hair and directors and this, that and the other. You know what I mean? Just … trying to be a team player. But those things come along with being consistent, which is definitely, you know, much appreciated.” Thompson’s collaborative spirit has been praised by numerous SNL alumni and current cast members.
Thompson’s future up in the air
Thompson also admitted that he doesn’t know how long he’ll remain on “Saturday Night Live.” His future with the show remains a subject of speculation among fans and industry observers.
“I’m supposed to be there through the 50th, but that’s all I know as far as what they want from me kind of thing. And then what I want at this point?” he explained. “Yeah, I mean, I could see myself, like, hanging it up. It’s been a long run. You know what I mean? But at the same time, I could also see myself being the guy that never left kind of thing. I don’t really know. It’s kind of, like, still a blank canvas.” Thompson’s decision will likely impact the show’s future direction significantly.
The discussion about succession planning comes at a crucial time for SNL, as questions about the show’s future leadership continue to emerge. Industry experts suggest that finding a replacement for Michaels would be one of television’s most challenging transitions. Thompson’s deep understanding of the show’s culture and his relationships with writers, cast members, and crew make him a natural candidate for such a role.
His experience spans multiple eras of the show, witnessing changes in comedy trends, cast dynamics, and production methods. This institutional knowledge, combined with his proven ability to mentor newer cast members, positions him uniquely for a potential leadership role. The entertainment industry continues to watch closely as discussions about SNL’s future unfold, with Thompson’s name increasingly mentioned as a possible successor to the legendary producer.
