USA TODAY Crossword · 17-Across · 5 letters

"SNL" producer Michaels USA TODAY Crossword clue

Editorially reviewed September 4, 2026

Confirm the reference

Reveal the name now—or narrow the reference first.

5 letters
or use the identity cue below

Identity cue

His first name has five letters and begins with L.

Open the answer and verify the referenceOne click · no signup

Answer

LORNE

Why this is the right reference

Michaels is already supplied, so the entry is his first name LORNE. SNL expands to Saturday Night Live and identifies the television producer rather than another person with the same surname.

Continue this puzzle"Gangnam Style" singer →

Reference to identify

An entertainment credit plus a supplied surname calls for the missing given name.

Who or what the answer is

Lorne is the given name of Lorne Michaels, the creator and longtime producer of Saturday Night Live.

Where this clue appeared

17-Across in USA TODAY Crossword puzzle for September 4, 2026.

Browse selected USA TODAY Crossword clues →

More selected clues from USA TODAY Crossword · September 4, 2026

Continue with independently explained clues from the same puzzle date. This is a selected learning set, not a complete answer list.

See LORNE meaning and common clue patterns →

Related reviewed clues

Solve the next clue here.

Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.

Open saved clues →
Use ? for each unknown letter.
Optional if the pattern sets it.
How much help?

This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. Crossword Clue Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by USA TODAY Crossword or its publisher.