LORNE

(director/writer: Morgan Neville; screenwriters: Alan Lowe, Jake Hostetter; cinematographer: Graham Willoughby; editors: Alan Lowe, Jake Hostetter; music: Darian Sahanaja; cast: Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, Sarah Sherman, George Carlin, Chevy Chase, Dana Carvey, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, John Mulaney, Paul Simon, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig; Runtime: 100; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Morgan Neville, Lauren Belfer; Focus Features; 2026)

“Lightweight documentary on Lorne Michaels.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”/”Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”) directs and writes this lightweight documentary on Lorne Michaels, the now 81-year-old who arrived in NYC as a young writer from Canada and created in 1975 Saturday Night Live, the iconic late-night comedy TV show he produces and directs. Michaels is the enigmatic and reluctant to be center of attraction, the creator who has kept the program going for 50 years, though taking a 5-year-break from 1980-1985. He’s married and has three children, and Paul Simon is his best friend.

Neville had unlimited access to Michaels, but still couldn’t reveal more about him than what we already know. But fans of the program will welcome all the soundbites from its stars through the years, such as from Chevy Chase, Tina Fey and Chris Rock. The archival footage, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the interview with Michaels, all of which make up the gist of the film.

The target audience, the SNL fan, should be all in on the film. Others who are not fans but still may occasionally watch the show, should find it to be at least watchable (like me).

REVIEWED ON 4/21/2026  GRADE: B-
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