Lorne Michaels

"You need to stay hungry and stay humble."

"Comedy reveals what people are really thinking."

"You have to be obsessive about the details."

"A good premise is half the battle."

"You can't be afraid of failure in live television."

"The best show is the one with the most energy."

"You have to know your own voice as a creator."

"Comedy is about connecting with people."

"You need discipline to harness creativity."

"The show reflects the people who make it."

"You have to be willing to evolve."

"A good sketch surprises you."

"You can't ignore the heart of a story."

"Comedy is about finding joy in darkness."

"You need to trust the audience's instincts."

"The thing about live television is that it's live. You can't take it back. That's what makes it terrifying and wonderful at the same time."

"I've always believed that the best comedy comes from a place of truth, even when it's uncomfortable."

"Saturday Night Live isn't about being perfect. It's about being real, being present, and being brave enough to fail in front of millions."

"You can't manufacture talent. You can only recognize it and give it a stage."

"The pressure of live television teaches you something no classroom can: how to stay calm when everything is on the line."

"Comedy is a mirror held up to society. If you're doing it right, people should feel seen."

"I've fired people and hired people, and the ones who last are the ones who care more about the work than about being liked."

"Television is ephemeral by nature. That's why it matters so much. It's happening right now, in this moment."

"The best sketches come from writers who understand that specificity is funnier than generality."

"I've learned that the people who change the culture are the ones willing to take risks that others won't."

"Casting is everything. You can have the best script in the world, but if you don't have the right person delivering it, nothing happens."

"There's something magical about live performance that recorded content can never quite capture."

"You have to respect the audience's intelligence. They know when you're phoning it in."

"The secret to longevity in this business is knowing when to evolve and when to stay true to what made you special."

"I've always thought that the best comedians are the ones who make you laugh and then make you think."