Lorne Michaels shares his thoughts on Shane Gillis’ SNL departure and the show’s approach to political humor

A look back at the controversy

In a candid interview, Lorne Michaels expressed his frustration over the decision to fire Shane Gillis from Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2019. Gillis was let go following the resurfacing of offensive jokes, including racial slurs about Asian people, made on a podcast. Michaels revealed, “He said something stupid, but it got blown up into the end of the world.” This reaction highlights the ongoing conversation about the balance between freedom of speech and accountability in the entertainment industry.

The decision wasn’t Michaels’ own

Michaels clarified that it was NBC’s decision to terminate Gillis, not his own. Reflecting on the event, he stated, “That was very strong from the people in charge. And obviously I was not on that side, but I understood it.” Despite his discontent, Michaels respected the network’s stance, showing the complexities behind high-stakes decisions in live television.

Shane Gillis’ return to SNL

Despite the fallout, Gillis made a surprising return to SNL as a host in February 2024 during Season 49. This move was controversial given his previous firing, yet Michaels nurtured Gillis’ development over the years, watching his popularity rise. This scenario underscores the entertainment industry’s potential for redemption and career revival.

Reflecting on the incident

Michaels, in another interview, described Gillis’ firing as a “bad time” and noted the comedian “got beat up for things that he’d done years earlier.” The reaction to his past behavior was immense, with Michaels explaining that “200 Asian companies were going to boycott the show.” This threat from advertisers played a significant role in the decision to fire Gillis.

“It was like a mania,” Michaels remarked, emphasizing the intense scrutiny and rapid judgments prevalent in today’s cancel culture. He pointed out the need to assess individuals based on their current abilities and contributions rather than solely on past mistakes.

The political neutrality of SNL

Discussing the show’s stance on political matters, Michaels insisted that SNL does not lean towards any political party. Amidst increasing political polarization, especially with recent elections, SNL has been perceived by some as more favorable to the Democratic Party. However, Michaels, an independent voter, asserted that the show’s humor targets “stupidity on both sides,” striving for bipartisan satire that holds everyone accountable humorously.

SNL’s 50th anniversary season

As SNL celebrates its 50th season, the show continues to attract top talent. An upcoming episode features John Mulaney as host and Chappell Roan as the musical guest, promising another night of entertainment and satire that has become synonymous with the brand.

SNL’s legacy endures partly due to Michaels’ unwavering commitment to relevance and quality. His behind-the-scenes decisions and public remarks reflect an astute understanding of both comedy and the evolving cultural landscape.

For more insights into Michaels’ thoughts and the latest updates from SNL, follow our updates on social media and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes.

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