Words Kelly Finerty
Documentary (2026) – Prime 1h 41m
I’m not entirely sure what it is, but there is something quite satisfying learning new tidbits of information about iconic Canadian entertainers who make it in the Big Apple. New York City is one of those artistically romantic regions where we often hear about what’s on and off Broadway, and who performed what and where at Rockefeller Center. Live theatre and improv actors have entertained audiences there for as long as many can remember, so it is particularly electric when Canadian entertainers play a central character in forming an ecosystem like Saturday Night Live (SNL) on foreign soil, and make a cultural impact in a big way.
The Canadian icon highlighted in this documentary is Lorne Michaels, creator and Executive Producer for SNL, who, until this release, aptly titled Lorne, was known as a mysterious and private person in the creative TV industry. The tone of this profile piece is light and funny, with interviews from past and present SNL cast and administrators, intercut with adorable animation in the style of TV Funhouse, the cartoon segments created by Robert Smigel that were laced into SNL programming unpredictably from 1996 to 2011. I found myself cackling every time the documentary crew had to chase down Lorne in the Rockefeller offices, or follow him around at his lake property in Maine, only for him to give a handful of wise words. The cast and other producers clearly know him well, often gracing the audience with hilarious impressions of Lorne during their interviews, edited beautifully with footage of Lorne actually behaving that way.
The heartfelt moments sprinkled into this documentary add a gravitas and relatability that can sometimes feel out of reach in a world of entertainment giants. Even though Lorne is a mysterious guy, it’s interesting to note that once you’ve seen him portrayed throughout the decades of his career in television, he is actually quite predictable in the way he is thoughtful, funny and incredibly smart in his work and family life. The documentary feels like a dedication piece by Oscar-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, rather than an exposé. The levity is a welcome salve in the pool of reality-based entertainment of late, and warrants grabbing your favourite popcorn to munch along with Lorne (an inside joke you’ll understand when watching this one!).
If you liked Lorne, you may also like:
I Like Me – Documentary on John Candy (Prime)
Marty, Life is Short – Documentary on Martin Short (Netflix)
The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal – Documentary Series (Prime)
Being Canadian – Documentary on Canadian entertainers (Crave)
