
newsApr 25, 20251:20:26pending
Susan Morrison: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night (Live)
About this episode
John is joined by Susan Morrison, articles editor of The New Yorker, to discuss “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” her biography of SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels. Morrison argues that no one has done more to shape modern America’s sense of humor than Michaels, an enigmatic Canadian about whom most Americans know nothing; and that while Michaels a figure of enduring obsession among comics, he remains a mystery to them as well. Morrison lays out the singular combination of qualities (tastemaker, talent-spotter, task-master, raconteur, adrenaline junkie) that makes Lorne Lorne—and reveals that, yes, in fact, he was the inspiration for Dr. Evil.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Impolitic with John Heilemann publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Impolitic with John Heilemann

Sebastian Mallaby: The Ghost in the Machine
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 20, 20261:19:48failed

Peter Hamby: Swalwell’s Fall, POTUS v. Pontifex, & The VP’s Podcast Mouth
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 17, 20261:04:53failed

Does Kara Swisher Really Want to Live Forever? Should We?
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 13, 202655:58failed

George Conway’s Single-Issue Congressional Campaign: “Get the F*cker Out”
Impolitic with John Heilemann
Apr 10, 20261:25:52failed