A Long-Running Member Of 'SNL' Thinks Tina Fey Will Replace Lorne Michaels

By Andrew Sanford | TV | February 26, 2024 |

By Andrew Sanford | TV | February 26, 2024 |

SNL will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Depending on who you ask, the quality of the show varies. Some think it’s better than ever. Others will tell you it hasn’t been good since Belushi. A few folks may tell you they’re surprised it’s still on TV. Not only is it still on but it’s also run by the same person who started it all, Lorne Michaels. Aside from a multi-year hiatus, Lorne has been the head of the ship for most of its 50 years on air, but that may change soon.

With the 50th anniversary on the way, rumors have been rumbling about Lorne’s time on the show ending. It doesn’t seem likely that the show will end with him, so he will need a replacement. Many have assumed that Colin Jost is being groomed for the role. Kenan Thompson endorsed that idea but also pitched himself as a potential producer. Another name that is often floated as the next Lorne is Tina Fey. Even one of the longest-tenured members of the show has heard her name bandied about.

Stephen “Demo” DeMaria has worked on every episode of SNL. At 85 years young, the carpenter has been building sets for the comedy program for all of its 960 episodes. “I never missed a show,” he recently told the NY Post in a delightful interview. Stephen has worked hard these last 50 years and has decided to retire after the celebratory season. Despite no longer building sets on the grounds at 30 Rock, even DeMaria has heard of a potential replacement for Michaels, and it’s one of his favorite cast members: Tina Fey.

“I heard she’s gonna take Lorne Michaels’s place if he decides to go out when he’s 50 [years in], like me,” Stephen told the Post. Hearing that from someone who has been on the show for so long carries weight. The carpenter is well-liked. He’s been there for decades and is an integral part of the show. While he may not seem like the most likely source of gossip, if he’s heard something, there’s probably a reason.

It could be wishful thinking. Maybe he wants Fey to have the job and sees this as an endorsement. We won’t know until Michaels officially announces his retirement (something that has yet to happen). However, it’s worth noting that Lorne has said Fey could replace him “easily.” There’s a chance that Stephen could be on to something. For now, we’ll have to wait and see.