"The New Yorker" devotes 13 pages to a new profile of Lorne Michaels this week as his show, "Saturday Night Live," marks its 50th anniversary this year.

NBC's archetypal comedy program "Saturday Night Live" should have died in 1985, a decade after a volcanic debut that launched stars such as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner. And yet a half-century later, producer Lorne Michaels and his merry maniacs are still at it. What gives?

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.

Lorne Michaels, the creator of the long-running sketch comedy television show “Saturday Night Live” donated the materials from the show that launched

Lorne Michaels donates his "Saturday Night Live" archive to UT Austin's Harry Ransom Center, showcasing nearly 50 years of TV history.

“Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels has donated his career ... that launched the careers of comedians Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler ...

a decade after a volcanic debut that launched stars such as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner. And yet a half-century later, producer Lorne Michaels and his merry maniacs are ...