Jason Sudeikis has a few ideas for who might replace Lorne Michaels

Lorne Michaels isn’t ready to leave his post at Saturday Night Live yet, but two alums keep coming up as potential successors: Tina Fey and Seth Meyers. Jason Sudeikis is the latest former SNL cast member to give his two cents, endorsing both comedians during an appearance on Sam Fragoso’s podcast Talk Easy .

Sudeikis described Fey as his personal hero and said she gave him valuable advice during his 10 years on SNL : “If you can improvise, you can write.” Given Sudeikis’ fondness for Fey, it’s not surprising that he teared up when Fragoso asked his thoughts on the possibility of Fey replacing Michaels.

Sudeikis said the idea is “pretty neat” and he didn’t think anyone would be mad about it. When asked if he thought Fey would accept the job, Sudeikis replied, “I would hope so. I think it’s neat.

It makes me feel good. Same kind of thing, like, with stuff where it’s like, ‘Oh I’m almost near tears thinking about it?’ That’s usually a good sign. I think that’s beautiful.

I think that’s a beautiful idea. Now, that’s not enough of a reason for Tina to do it or for Lorne to let Tina do it.” Michaels was 30 when SNL debuted on NBC. Now, the creator and producer is approaching 82 and still reigning over the show.

The question of his successor has come up a lot in recent years, with Fey and Meyers both being frequently mentioned. In 2021, Michaels said he was committed to SNL until its 50th anniversary —but that milestone came in 2025, and the showrunner hasn’t retired. Then in 2024, Michaels said that Fey could “easily” replace him .

Fey, in response, called him “irreplaceable” and avoided commenting on whether she could succeed him. Last year, Meyers told Fragoso that he believes Michaels has already privately decided who’d get the honor. When that moment comes, Sudeikis is certain the show could continue without Michaels (it managed to stay afloat from 1980 to 1985), but suspects things would run differently.

“I think you’d be in good hands,” he said. “I mean, there’s probably a few people. I think Seth could do a really good job, too.

It’s kind of fun to think about. But I would only be down with it if Lorne is.” Keep scrolling for more great stories.