“Irreplaceable”—But Replaceable? Molly Shannon’s Take on Lorne’s SNL Exit

July 6, 2025: Actress and comedian Molly Shannon, best known for her iconic “Mary Katherine Gallagher” sketches on Saturday Night Live, believes no one can truly replace SNL creator Lorne Michaels — but if anyone could, Kenan Thompson might be the one.

In a recent conversation reported by People, Shannon, who was part of the SNL cast from 1995 to 2001, called Michaels “a one-of-a-kind genius” and emphasized his irreplaceable role on the show. “It’s his show, his vision,” she said. “There’s no one who could replace him. It would not be the same show.”

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Still, when asked about the possibility of longtime cast member Kenan Thompson taking over as showrunner if Michaels ever steps down, Shannon had nothing but praise. “I love this idea. He’s the greatest — I adore Kenan,” she said. “Kenan is so talented. That’s an excellent idea.”

Thompson, who joined SNL in 2003, is the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s history and widely beloved by fans and cast alike.

Beyond SNL, Molly Shannon has carved out an impressive career in both comedy and drama. She’s appeared in films like Never Been Kissed, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Talladega Nights, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Other People. On TV, she’s shined in Divorce, The White Lotus, The Other Two, and Only Murders in the Building, for which she won her first SAG Award.

Whether or not the future of SNL includes a handoff to Kenan, Shannon’s confidence in both men is clear — and fans will surely be watching.