This month of September will be mark Kenan Thompson’s record-breaking 20th season on “SNL,” but he doesn’t know how long it will last.
Not that Thompson wants to leave, but he can see a future where the long-running variety show no longer airs — and it might be sooner than you think.
The 44-year-old comedian recently appeared on Charlamagne The God’s “Hell Of A Week” interview show where he addressed long-running rumors that “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels may be leaving the show after its 50th anniversary season in 2024-25.
Thompson, the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history, thinks Michaels’ departure could logically mean the end of the show itself – and he’s okay with that.
“That rumor could have a lot of validity, because 50 is a good number to stop at,” Thompson continued. “It’s an incredible set. He’ll probably be close to 80 by then, and you know, he’s the one who touched all this.
Thompson thinks Michaels’ departure could give NBC an excuse to “cut the budget” – and it could affect quality.
“At this point, you can’t really put on the same kind of show,” Thompson said. “So it’s unfair to see it crumble for real because of these restrictions… Capping it at 50 might not be a bad idea,” he said.
“[Michaels] is such a legend that he keeps those corporate wolves away, if you will,” Thompson said. “They spend a lot of money on this show every week. It’s an expensive show, but it’s a one-of-a-kind thing.
Michaels kicked off the “capping at 50” rumors last December when he told CBS he was committed to “SNL” until his 50th birthday.
“I have a feeling it would be a really good time to go,” Michaels said. “But here’s the point: I don’t want the show to be bad. I care too deeply about it. It has been my life’s work. So, I’m going to do everything I can to keep it going and keep it going well.
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