In an interview on the Emmy Awards red carpet, Lorne Michaels, the creator of the iconic comedy sketch show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), revealed that he has thought about what might happen when he eventually leaves the show. At 79 years old, Michaels acknowledged the abundance of talent available to choose from but specifically mentioned Tina Fey as a potential successor.

When asked about his departure, Michaels responded, "Of course I've thought about it... We're doing the 50th anniversary show in February '25. So, I will definitely be there for that and definitely be there until then. And then we'll figure out what we're going to do."

Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner then mentioned that many people have speculated that Fey could take over as the show's head. Michaels agreed, stating, "It could easily be Tina Fey... But there are a lot of people who are there now who are also, you know."

Notably, Michaels praised Fey, describing her as "brilliant and great at everything" and emphasizing her significance in his life. Fey's association with SNL spans from 1997 to 2006 when she initially joined as a writer. She later became the show's first female head writer in 1999 and transitioned to performing on the show in 2000. Fey co-hosted the popular "Weekend Update" segment alongside Jimmy Fallon before teaming up with Amy Poehler.

Despite leaving SNL, Fey's connection to the show remained strong. She developed the critically acclaimed sitcom "30 Rock," which was loosely based on the staff at SNL and NBC, under Michaels' Broadway Studios production company. Moreover, she returned to SNL during the 2008 presidential election, captivating audiences with her spot-on portrayal of then-vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Michaels, who initially served as SNL's showrunner from its inception in 1975 until 1980, took a brief hiatus before returning in 1985. His dry sense of humor occasionally graces the show through his cameo appearances in sketches.

Over the years, Michaels has produced various projects involving SNL cast members, such as Fred Armisen's "Portlandia," Kenan Thompson's sitcom "Kenan," and movies based on SNL sketches like "A Night at the Roxbury" and "Coneheads." Additionally, he has worked extensively with Fey, producing films such as "Mean Girls" and "Baby Mama," which also starred Poehler.

Throughout its illustrious 50-year run, SNL has garnered an impressive 314 Emmy nominations, with 84 victories and one honorary award. Despite his long tenure, Michaels expressed his continued enthusiasm for the show, sharing, "Actually, these last couple years, more than ever."

As the 50th anniversary show approaches, speculation will no doubt continue regarding who will eventually fill Lorne Michaels' shoes. While Tina Fey remains a popular candidate, the future of SNL's leadership remains uncertain until a formal decision is made.