Trending Now - Lorne Michaels Envisions UK 'SNL' as Wittier and More Original

WHO:

Deadline - Lorne Michaels, creator and producer of "Saturday Night Live"; Steven Spielberg, filmmaker; Owen Wilson, actor; Seth Rogen, actor; Steven Weber, actor; John Mulaney, SNL alum.

WHAT:

Deadline - Lorne Michaels described "Saturday Night Live" as “almost a branch of government.”

Variety - Lorne Michaels stated that he wants the U.K. version of "Saturday Night Live" to be “smarter and funnier” than the U.S. version.

Variety - Michaels referred to the U.K. version as “the cooler of the two shows.”

WHERE:

Deadline - The screening of the documentary "Lorne" took place at the Steven Spielberg Theater on the Universal lot.

WHEN:

Deadline - The star-studded screening occurred on Tuesday, April 12th, 2026.

WHY:

Variety - Lorne Michaels expressed a desire for the U.K. version to be more original and to surpass the U.S. version in quality.

HOW:

Variety - Michaels indicated that he is not too hands-on with the U.K. version, implying a more laid-back approach to its production.

(UPDATED April 15, 2026 19:22 UTC)

At a star-studded screening of the documentary "Lorne" at the Steven Spielberg Theater on Sunday, Lorne Michaels described "Saturday Night Live" as “almost a branch of government.” He expressed his hopes for the U.K. version of the show to be “smarter and funnier” than its U.S. counterpart, referring to it as “the cooler of the two shows,” while also indicating a more laid-back approach to its production. The event featured notable attendees, including filmmaker Steven Spielberg and actors Owen Wilson, Seth Rogen, and John Mulaney.