Though rumors have doggedly persisted for years now, in recent months 'SNL' chatter had been heating up that long-time executive producer and NBC magnate overall Lorne Michaels would step down, with even wilder rumors suggesting that former head writer Tina Fey would take over her old stomping grounds. Now, as Michaels moves into a position to have 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon' under his belt in New York, Michaels has officially addressed rumors he'd step down from the 'SNL' throne.

Mileage tends to vary these days with regard to 'SNL' reviews, but don't expect series boss Lorne Michaels to step down anytime soon. Via Deadline, we've learned that Michaels put to rest recent rumors of his retirement from the series, saying at a Beverly Hills luncheon event  “I’ll do it as long as I possibly can. I think that there will be a day when I’ll look at it and say I don’t have the edge I used to."

The rumors had begun to mount after NBC's official announcement that Jimmy Fallon would take 'The Tonight Show' back to New York in 2014, placing the iconic series under Michaels' direction, and potentially drawing focus from 'SNL.' Former '30 Rock' star and 'SNL' alum recently said to The Huffington Post of Michaels' potential departure:

I feel like SNL is so defined by Lorne’s taste and his sensibility. He is the center of that show, and I think it should just — when he wants to stop, it should just stop.

What say you? Do you think Lorne Michaels will step down from 'SNL' in the near future? Who would you like to see helm the late-night series going forward?

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