Trailer for LORNE, a Documentary About SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Creator Lorne Michaels
If you’ve ever wondered about the man responsible for shaping modern TV comedy, a new documentary is ready to take a deep dive into his world.
Focus Features has released the official trailer for Lorne, a feature documentary centered on the life and career of Lorne Michaels, the creator and longtime guiding force behind Saturday Night Live.
For nearly five decades, Michaels has overseen the iconic sketch comedy show, launching the careers of generations of comedians and redefining what late night television could be.
Now filmmaker Morgan Neville is exploring the creative mind and legacy of the producer who built one of the most influential comedy institutions in entertainment.
The film offers a rare look at Michaels with unprecedented access to the man himself. Along the way, the documentary digs through exclusive footage, archival material, and candid conversations with many of the comedians who helped make SNL what it is today.
The movie is an “unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the man who built the inimitable empire of comedy, shaping television and culture for generations.
“The documentary features exclusive footage, archival treasures, and candid interviews with the show’s most iconic cast members and writers including Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, Conan O'Brien, Chris Rock and many more.”
For fans of comedy history, the lineup of voices alone makes this worth checking out. Hearing stories from the people who know him and have worked with him should offer a fascinating perspective on how Michaels helped guide the show through multiple generations of performers and writers.
Neville is no stranger to crafting great documentaries. His filmography includes projects like Troubadours, 20 Feet from Stardom, Best of Enemies: Buckley vs Vidal, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, They'll Love Me When I'm Dead, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, Bono & The Edge, The Saint of Second Chances, Piece by Piece, Man on the Run, and the recent STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces.
You might also remember that Michaels recently appeared as a character in the film Saturday Night, where he was portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle during the chaotic lead up to the first broadcast of SNL.
This new documentary shifts the focus from that single moment in time to the full scope of his career and the massive comedic legacy he built.
Focus Features will release Lorne in select U.S. theaters starting April 17th, 2026.