Michael O'Donoghue is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of Saturday Night Live, yet his impact on the show’s early success is undeniable. As the original head writer when the show premiered in 1975, O'Donoghue led an inexperienced writers' room that would go on to revolutionize television comedy. While he was instrumental in shaping what SNL would be in those early years, earning an Emmy for his work in the first season, his relationship with the show would quickly become strained and he would quit after only three seasons. And yet, he returned to the show not once but twice during tumultuous periods when SNL struggled to stay hip and relevant, though neither comeback lasted long or yielded the results anyone was looking for.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Dennis Perrin, who has literally written the book on O'Donoghue's life and legacy in his biography, Mr. Mike: The Life and Work of Michael O'Donoghue. Dennis joins us once again to share the complex and often tumultuous story of Michael O'Donoghue and his pivotal role in shaping Saturday Night Live.

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