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Lorne Michaels: SNL Legend's Early Flop

4 Mar

Summary

Lorne Michaels created Saturday Night Live in 1975.
Michaels wrote for Phyllis Diller's failed show in 1968.
Diller cited lack of creative control for show's cancellation.

Lorne Michaels, the legendary producer behind "Saturday Night Live," began his American television career years before SNL's inception. In 1968, Michaels worked as a writer for "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show," a variety series hosted by the famed comedian. This earlier program shared structural similarities with SNL, featuring sketches and musical numbers.

However, "The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show" only lasted one season before being canceled due to low ratings. Diller later reflected that her lack of creative control over aspects like set design and guest selection contributed to the show's failure, a situation contrasting with the eventual success of SNL which Michaels created in 1975 and which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.

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