57 pages 1 hour read

Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2025

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Essay Topics

1.

How does Susan Morrison balance journalistic detail with narrative storytelling in Lorne? Consider how her structural choices (e.g., organizing the book by days of the SNL production week) affect pacing, tone, and the portrayal of character.

2.

In what ways does Lorne challenge or reinforce the “great man” model of biography? Discuss how Morrison represents Michaels as both a powerful individual and a product of the social and cultural forces surrounding him.

3.

Explore how Lorne presents the tension between creative freedom and institutional power in television. How does Michaels navigate the demands of censorship, network politics, and shifting cultural norms while maintaining SNL’s rebellious reputation?

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