He’s ruled with absolute power for five decades, forever adding to his list of oracular pronouncements—about producing TV, making comedy, and living the good life.

Shelley Duvall, from left, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Lorne Michaels and Laraine Newman pose backstage at "Saturday Night Live" in 1977. The image is among the items in the Lorne Michaels Collection, an archive the series creator has donated to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

The portrait painted of Saturday Night Live boss Lorne Michaels in a New Yorker profile is one of a relentless comedy genius who will not hesitate to mess with the heads of his talent if it means producing the results he wants.

From the daily newsletter: how Lorne Michaels became the king of Saturday night. Plus: Trump’s Greenland gambit; a rare look at Terrence Malick; and Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the collapse of #MeToo.

There are books — the best of which is still “ Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live ” — and countless movies, including a 2010 documentary and a 2024 feature, both titled “Saturday Night,” and a slew of comedies derived from popular “SNL” sketches, notably “The Blues Brothers” and “ Wayne’s World .”

Step into the world of “Saturday Night Live” with an immersive experience at Rockefeller Center to celebrate its 50th season.