NBC Firmly Debunks Tina Fey/Saturday Night Live Takeover Reports-TGN

Summary

• NBC debunks rumors that Tina Fey will be taking over as executive producer of SNL when Lorne Michaels retires, stating there is no truth to the report.

• The speculation arose from a New York Post article, with potential candidates Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Bill Hader, and Judd Apatow ruled out.

• Fey, a former head writer on SNL, is rumored to be interested in the role but may only take it with collaborator Robert Carlock.

NBC firmly debunks reports that Tina Fey will be taking over as the executive producer of Saturday Night Live. The long-running sketch comedy series was created by Lorne Michaels, who developed the idea with Dick Ebersol, with Michaels serving as SNL‘s showrunner since 1985. Over the past several years, there have been rumors about who might succeed Michaels in the role, but nothing has been confirmed.

According to ET Canada, a spokesperson for NBC has debunked the rumors that former SNL alum and Weekend Update co-host Tina Fey will be taking over the comedy series once Michaels retires. Responding to those claims, the NBC rep responded: “There is no truth to this report.” The rep also pointed to a recent New York Times interview in which Michaels stated that he has no plans to retire.

Tina Fey Taking Over SNL Rumors, Explained

The report that the NBC spokesperson is referring to stems from a New York Post article, which claims that Fey is up for the role of SNL‘s executive producer. Per the report, other potential candidates are also ruled out. It’s mentioned that creative partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg won’t take over the role. Bill Hader, fresh off the successful farewell of the HBO series Barry, is interested in directing movies. Judd Apatow is said to have passed on the gig years ago.

Fey, a former head writer on SNL, not to mention someone that’s known for her own projects, like 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has been rumored to take over the sketch show in the past. However, sources believe that she wouldn’t agree to the role without frequent collaborator Robert Carlock. The duo worked together on 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, in addition to other sitcoms like Mr. Mayor and Girls5Eva. It’s believed that he would come along to SNL, as well.

In the past, Michaels has spoken openly about his retirement. Speaking to Gayle King for an interview on CBS This Morning, in December 2021, Michaels mentioned that he’d consider stepping away from his role after the comedy’s 50th season. As it stands, Saturday Night Live‘s landmark 50th season is slated to debut in the fall of 2024.

Source: ET Canada, New York Post