Latest news with #LorneMichaels
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Podcast Corner: WTF with Marc Maron is coming to an end — here's why
WTF came out every Monday and Thursday and there has never been a break in the schedule. That's a lot of time — at least two hours a week — to spend with somebody. Maron offered us himself. He was a recovering alcoholic and drug user whose career had careened to a halt; his podcast intro includes what was one of his few mainstream moments, when he cries out 'lock the gates' during Almost Famous (he's listed as 'Angry Producer' in the credits). It was a simple idea: In-depth interviews with friends and famous people. And it's been copied by many wannabe podcasters since. Maron got in deep and episodes can often feel like therapy sessions. One of the long-running bits of WTF was Maron pondering what his life might have been like if he had been accepted onto Saturday Night Live. He talked to SNL alumni about the process and mulled over what showrunner Lorne Michaels had made of him. He finally talked with Michaels 10 years ago (episode 653) and perhaps it was a catharsis for him. Since then, Maron has gone from strength to strength professionally: He's done voice work for The Simpsons and the 2022 animated film The Bad Guys, starred in Oscar-nominated films like To Leslie, and beloved TV shows such as Netflix's Glow, cancelled before its time. Just this week he stars in Stick on Apple TV+ alongside Owen Wilson, which is garnering great reviews. That's not to mention all the huge names that have appeared on the podcast, which he records in his garage: Then US president Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio to name just a couple. In his eight-minute intro talking through the decision on Monday, Maron says: 'It's OK for things to end. It's just time, folks.' Read Marc Maron's full introduction explaining why WTF is coming to an end WTF, this podcast, will turn 16 years old on September 1. That's a couple months away. Sixteen years, it's a long time, a long time, and it's a long time to do anything. I've said recently that when I'm living it, I don't feel like time is passing by quickly, but, yeah, all of a sudden, you're old, and you realise you've been doing something a long time. And this started, the old garage, just no one knew what a podcast was. I was coming out of a horrendous divorce. I was wanting to figure out how to continue living my life. Things were not looking good for me. Brendan McDonald, my producer, who I'd worked with for years on other things, radio and streaming related. And when Brendon and I started this thing, all we knew is we were going to do it every Monday and Thursday, and there was no way to make money. There was no way that we knew how to build an audience or anything. It was crazy. We were doing it in a garage at the beginning that was just a garage. It was filled with junk, and it slowly evolved into the show that became what you listen to twice a week. Sixteen years we've been doing this, and we've decided that we had a great run, and now, basically it's time, folks, it's time. WTF is coming to an end, and it's our decision. We'll have our final episode sometime in the fall. It was not some kind of difficult decision, necessarily. Neither me nor Brendan, who are the only people in charge of this operation on every level - I record here in my garage studio, Brendan produces it in his chair in Brooklyn - and it's always been a two man operation. And we always said, Well, how do we know when we're done? And I always said, Well, whenever Brendan says so. And he always said, Well, if Marc is finished then we're finished. And thankfully, we both realised together that we were done, and there was no convincing or pushback or arguing. We were done and it's OK for things to end. Sixteen years! We have been through a lot, and I'm talking about me and you, the audience, me and Brendan, me and my life, me and my cats, me with my guests, me with my equipment, me with moving. Things change, but you've been through the entire arc of my life and everything that's happened in it for the last 16 years. And a lot of it was not easy. A lot of it was amazing. A lot of monumental things really happened on this show. And this was a show that was started when there were no podcasts, and now there are nothing but podcasts. It's been an incredible time in my life and Brendan's life, we've done things that we never thought we would be able to do because of the podcast. My life changed dramatically. All the things that I set out to do before I did the podcast as sort of a Hail Mary pass, to be a standup with an audience, to try my hand at acting to have experiences with other people that were one of a kind and completely exciting and unique and engaging and revealing — to talk to a president in my garage. So many things happened because of just this, setting up a mic in my garage with Brendan on the knobs, producing it, discussing with him how we do it all. It was a real creative partnership, and you, the audience, have been here through all of it, and I shared everything I could with you, because that's the way I do it, and with my guests. And there have been so many amazing guests. And it really comes down to the fact that we have put up a new show every Monday and Thursday for almost 16 years, and we're tired, we're burnt out, and we are utterly satisfied with the work we've done. We've done great work. And this doesn't mean I'm never going to do something like this again. Doesn't mean I'll never have talks like I do here or some kind of podcast at some point in time. But for now, we're just wrapping things up. It's OK. It's OK to end things. It's OK to try to start some other chapter in your life, and I'm talking to myself. This podcast has been my connection to you people. It's been my connection socially to people in my business, people I never thought I'd meet before, creative people, interesting people. It's a very big part of my spiritual, social, and psychological life. But I'll be honest with you, it's nice to be able to end things on our terms, and we've always had that power to do that, and that's what we're going to do. We started the show on our terms, we grew it on our terms, and we'll end it on our terms. Look, we've had great partners who have helped us do the show over the years. Acast has been our partner for the past three years, and we've been able to do things on our terms with them. We always had that, and it's always been the way we've done it, and that's been great, and we've been very fortunate to be able to do things the way we want to do them. And now this is part of it, ending it the way we want it to end. And look, the thing about burnout, about being tired, and about the way me and Brendan are, is that we are very focused and very particular and very hard working in this endeavor, and the quality of the work we've done every fucking episode is its own greatness, because we're crazy dedicated guys who really want this to be the best show that it can be. I bring what I bring to the table. Brendan brings what he brings to the table. And, you know, God forbid we just keep plowing along and something diminishes, and we wouldn't want to just keep plugging along, because we can, at the risk of our burnout, or our passion starts to drift or it starts to get sloppy. We're just not those kind of people. And look, I've got a lot of stuff going on. I've got a lot of projects going on. And we're still going to be doing this for the next several months, and we'll try to have as many people on as possible, many people that maybe want to do it, never did do it, or people that maybe will do it now on this sort of home stretch, but I do want to sincerely thank all you people for being along on this journey with me and with Brendan and with all the guests, because we really did something here. And I want to thank you all for that. This isn't a sign off, but that's the big news, and I'm sure we'll talk about it more in the weeks to come. I'm sure that you guys will want to chime in, but just for now, thank you for being here as always. There's probably going to be some ups and downs over the next few months with me emotionally around the reality of this, but... this is a full-hearted decision. It's the right decision for me, it's the right decision for Brendan. It's OK. It's OK for things to end. It's just time, folks. But again, we'll have a few more months, so don't get all bummed out. Let's just enjoy it. The world is on fire. I have people I want to talk to. We'll find a little joy, we'll find a little connection. We'll find a little solace in each other's company. We'll learn some things. We'll get some laughs. We'll cry a little bit and we'll move on.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Kerry Washington, Anna Kendrick, Amy Poehler Lead Star-Studded 2025 Peabody Awards Attendance
Lorne Michaels, Kerry Washington, Anna Kendrick, Amy Poehler, Nava Mau, and several other stars came together on Sunday night in Beverly Hills, California, to honour powerful storytelling at the 2025 Peabody Awards. Watch the video to know more. bollywood news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: Showsha on Instagram: Showsha on Facebook: Showsha on X: Showsha on Snapchat: entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lorne Michaels Speaks From the Heart, Investigative Reporters Sound the Alarm on Trump Upheaval at Peabody Awards
Peabody Award winners sounded the alarm on the threats to democratic norms, criminal justice reform and forward progress in diversity and inclusion goals as the 85th annual kudos were handed out Sunday in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, 'Saturday Night Live' chief Lorne Michaels spoke from the heart as he accepted the Peabody's Institutional Award for his enduring NBC sketch comedy series. It's the sixth Peabody in total collected by the storied late-night show that bowed in 1975. More from Variety Andrea Mitchell on Rebuilding Faith in the News Media: 'Trust Is the Coin of the Realm, and We Have to Be the Gold Standard' Jeffrey P. Jones on Why the Peabody Awards Are America's Archive of TV Excellence Lorne Michaels Banned Chris Farley From 'SNL' for 'Weeks at a Time' to Help Him Get Off 'the Drinking and the Drugs': He 'Clearly Had Addiction Issues' Referring to the 'SNL50' specials that aired in February, Michaels said, 'All those people coming back from the first season on, all being in one room performing and applauding was one of the most moving experiences of my life.' Michaels, 84, also made what seemed to be an oblique nod to the endless churn of speculation about the long-term plan for the show. 'I'm not planning a sixtieth,' he said after referencing 'SNL50.' 'Getting to do what I get to do is sort of everything that makes me happy. Also makes me angry,' he said. Michaels closed with a shout-out to the Peabody Awards, which are administered by the University of Georgia's George Foster Peabody School of Communications. 'When you come to the Peabodys, unlike other awards shows, you know you're in the right room. It's really an honor to be here, so thank you,' he said. There were also numerous calls for support of public media and opposition to Trump administration efforts to gut federal funding for PBS, NPR and other public media and arts program. The larger subject of the administration's effort to slash federal spending in general was also decried by numerous winners as a violation of cherished democratic norms. Dave Biscobing, chief investigative reporter for the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, was hailed for his years-long dedication to producing a 32-part series that uncovered systemic police brutality and racism in local policing. Just a few days ago, Trump's Justice Department has 'retracted' an earlier report that documented Biscobing's work. 'They can retract the report, they can erase their words but they'll never erase what we did,' Biscobing told the crowd. 'Not as long as all of us are here. Not as long as there are people like us to tell stories that matter.' Matthew Hashiguchi, the journalist behind the in-depth report 'The Only Doctor' for the Reel South public media station, referenced the growing crisis in rural health care as he took in the kudo for his deep-dive report on the woman is the only physician around in a wide swath of rural Georgia's Clay County. Dr. Karen Kinsell was on hand with Hashiguichi and received the first standing ovation of the night. Hashiguchi emphasized that she has no choice but to treat anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. 'If Medicaid is cut, we're going to need more people like her,' he warned. The power of TV to affect change around the world was also highlighted with the kudo presented to 'Mr. Bates Vs. the Post Office.' The British narrative drama was an expose of the scandal that engulfed the nation's Post Office system in the early aughts, and law enforcement's ruthless pursuit of everyday people despite evidence of their innocence. Public reaction to 'Mr. Bates' was so strong that there was retroactive efforts to bring justice to those wrongly accused even 20 years later. Producers James Strong and Patrick Spence 'Such is the power of television. Such is the power of a nation brought to rage by such a naked abuse of power,' said producer Patrick Spence, who accepted with James Strong. 'May that be an inspiration to all of us.' More to come (Pictured: Dave Biscobing, investigative reporter in Phoenix, accepts his Peabody for his 32-part series 'Policing Phoenix') Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kenan Thompson teases 'a lot of change' may be coming to 'SNL'
Kenan Thompson teases 'a lot of change' may be coming to 'SNL' Show Caption Hide Caption SNL turns 50! How Lorne Michaels made comedy cool again. In the decades since its creation, SNL has become a cultural institution for American comedy. Will they stay or will they go? As "Saturday Night Live" fans speculate about which cast members may not return to Studio 8H, Kenan Thompson is teasing change on the horizon. Speaking with Page Six, the "SNL" star, 47, hinted that the show may look different when it resumes in the fall as he reflected that the end of its latest season was "bittersweet." "Especially this year where it feels like there's maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year," he said. "You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer ... it's always like you want your kids to stay young," Thompson added. It has not been announced which "SNL" cast members may leave the show between seasons. The Season 50 finale, which aired May 17, did not appear to give any of its stars an obvious sendoff, though it did poke fun at the speculation about who might be on their way out. In host Scarlett Johansson's opening monologue, the actress sang that "Sarah is leaving," referring to cast member Sarah Sherman, who then pretended to be distraught and confused as if hearing this for the first time. 'SNL' cold open mocks Trump's Middle East trip, Qatar jet 'pre-bribe' The Season 50 finale also joked about rumors that Colin Jost could leave his position as anchor on "Weekend Update," either to get a promotion or to exit the show entirely. During a joke swap segment, where Jost and co-anchor Michael Che made each other read jokes they wrote for one another, Jost was forced to read a message urging "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels to retire and let him run the show. Michael Che apologizes to Scarlett Johansson for crude 'SNL' joke swap Despite speculation that Michaels might retire from "SNL" after the landmark 50th season, the producer told The Hollywood Reporter last year he would stick around as long as he can. "There's no immediate plan," he said of retirement. Some fans also noticed that "SNL" star Bowen Yang appeared emotional during the finale's closing credits, sparking theories that it could have been his last episode. Yang later told Entertainment Weekly he "was just processing that being one of the last 'last nights' that I would have, and that is a huge thing." But when asked directly if he would return for Season 51, Yang would not say.
CNN
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
John Mulaney had a hilarious response to speculation about an ‘SNL' succession plan
John Mulaney may be a 'Saturday Night Live' alum, but he knows better than to suggest any changes to the show that's been on the air for five decades. Mulaney appeared at the 'Stories of the Season: Emmys' event hosted by Puck in Los Angeles this week, where he was asked by Matt Belloni during a live recording of 'The Town' podcast about whether he'd be interested in stepping into 'SNL' creator Lorne Michaels' shoes once he retires from the show. 'If someday Lorne is hit by a bus and they say, 'You, John Mulaney, now must take over the show, no excuses,' what's the first thing you change?' Belloni asked Mulaney. Mulaney replied with a masterful deflection, saying, 'He's lived in New York for 50 years, you don't think he knows how to dodge a bus?' The comedian and talk show host worked as a writer on 'SNL' between 2008 and 2012. He has since returned to serve as host six times between 2018 and 2024. Much has been speculated about Michaels' potential retirement, particularly prior to the milestone 50th season which just wrapped. Michaels, 80, has run 'SNL' since its inception in 1975, taking only one break as producer between 1980 and 1985. Last year, Michaels acknowledged the speculation related to his retirement, telling the New York Times in an interview that he planned to run the show 'as long as I feel I can do it,' adding 'but I rely on other people and always have.' Michaels suggested Tina Fey 'could easily' replace him. 'It was nice of him to say that, and I love him very much,' Fey told the Hollywood Reporter in response to Michaels' public declaration. 'He's irreplaceable.'
