Ken Aymong, a significant figure and trusted aide to executive producer Lorne Michaels at NBC‘s renowned program “Saturday Night Live,” made unexpected appearances in the credits of the show’s recent episodes.
After retiring from “SNL” in 2021, where he had spent decades since the mid-1980s, Aymong has rejoined the show as a supervising producer for its 51st season, as reported by a source familiar with the situation. His name appeared in the credits during the program’s latest two episodes, including early Sunday morning. The reasons behind his return remain unclear, although it has been noted that he was previously brought back to assist with significant events during “SNL”’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which featured a grand concert at Radio City Music Hall.
Aymong’s reputation stems not from casting notable guest hosts or crafting famous sketches, but from an arguably more crucial role: managing the operational aspects of the iconic television show. “I always consider the financial side of the program,” Aymong remarked in “Live From New York,” an oral history of the show by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller. “I want it to continue indefinitely.”
NBC has not provided any producers for comment regarding Aymong’s return. LateNighter previously covered Aymong’s comeback to “SNL.”
Aymong’s reappearance coincides with “SNL” giving new responsibilities to some of Michaels’ closest aides. Erin Doyle, a long-serving producer, achieved a senior-level promotion at the start of the season. Erik Kenward, another notable name in this circle, has taken on the head-writing role this season alongside a team of veteran writers. Although Michaels, who celebrated his 80th birthday last November, has not indicated he intends to step down, he has suggested that others will assume more of the daily responsibilities he once managed.
Over the years, Michaels has cultivated a group of essential collaborators. In addition to Aymong, Doyle, and Kenward, this group includes Steve Higgins, a leading producer who also contributes to NBC’s “Tonight Show,” and Mike Shoemaker, a former “SNL” producer who currently oversees “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Others, such as Lindsay Shookus and Marci Klein, have completed their tenure with the program. Although Aymong’s responsibilities may not be the most glamorous, they are vital as “SNL” navigates its production budget concerning special effects, set design, and various other components that ensure the program remains compelling amid ongoing scrutiny across linear, streaming, and social media platforms week after week.
