David Spade, the former *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) cast member, 

has recently expressed his surprise at the current dynamics on the show, particularly the relationship between the cast and Lorne Michaels,

the legendary creator and executive producer of the iconic late-night comedy program. 

Spade, who was a regular cast member on *SNL* from the early 1990s, revealed that he is astonished by the more relaxed atmosphere 

that current cast members seem to have with Michaels—something he believes is a significant departure from the environment during his time on the show.

Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind *SNL*, has been an unwavering force behind the scenes, shaping the show’s success over the decades. 

His reputation for being a demanding and sometimes intimidating figure is well known, and throughout the years, cast members have often discussed the pressure and expectations that come with being part of the *SNL* family. However, Spade’s recent remarks highlight how the show’s atmosphere appears to have changed, particularly with regard to how the new generation of cast members interacts with Michaels.

In a candid interview, Spade explained that he was “floored” by how relaxed and casual the current cast seems to be when it comes to their interactions with Lorne Michaels. “Back in my day, there was a sense of reverence when it came to Lorne,” Spade shared. “You didn’t joke around with him or take things lightly. There was an unspoken understanding of how important he was to the show’s success, and we all knew the stakes.” 

Spade’s comments reflect a broader shift in the culture of *SNL* that has evolved over time. When Spade was part of the cast in the 1990s, the pressure to succeed on the show was palpable. Michaels was known for his tough-love approach, holding his cast and writers to high standards. His exacting demands, however, were part of the reason *SNL* has remained one of the longest-running and most influential comedy shows in television history. For Spade and his contemporaries, the idea of being on *SNL* was both a tremendous honor and a constant challenge to prove oneself in front of a national audience every Saturday night.

However, Spade pointed out that it seems the current crop of comedians on the show may not carry the same sense of formality or awe when interacting with Michaels. Instead, there appears to be a more casual relationship, one in which the cast members feel free to be themselves and perhaps even more comfortable expressing their thoughts around Michaels.

Spade’s reaction could be seen as reflective of the different expectations that have developed in the entertainment industry over the years. As *SNL* continues to evolve, the dynamics of creative control and the relationship between producers and performers have shifted, especially with the rise of social media and the younger generation of comedians who are more open about their personal lives and thoughts. It could be argued that the ease with which the current cast interacts with Michaels is a sign of the changing culture in the entertainment industry as a whole, where traditional hierarchies may not hold as much sway.

Despite the differences in approach, Spade acknowledged that Michaels’ influence is still felt on *SNL*. “At the end of the day, Lorne is still the driving force behind the show,” Spade said. “He has such a unique vision for *SNL*, and you can’t deny the impact he’s had on comedy. But to see the cast now not so tightly wound around him… that just blows my mind.”

While Spade may have been surprised by the current cast’s more relaxed approach to Michaels, it is clear that *SNL* continues to thrive under his leadership. The show’s ability to remain relevant and continue to launch the careers of new comedic voices is a testament to Michaels’ ongoing influence. As the show enters its 50th year, it’s evident that *SNL* has undergone many changes, both in its structure and in the attitudes of those who are a part of it. 

In the end, while Spade’s comments may highlight some generational differences, they also serve as a reminder of how the culture of a show can shift over time. The blend of reverence and relaxation among cast members could simply be a reflection of the evolving nature of the entertainment industry and the people who inhabit it. Whether the dynamics between cast and creator will continue to change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lorne Michaels’ influence on *SNL* is undeniable, and his legacy will likely continue to shape the show for years to come.

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