Lorne Michaels is a 'South Park' fan

"Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels tells THR he's hiring more cast, why Emmys have nothing to do with being funny and what he thinks of "South Park":

The Hollywood Reporter: With 126 nominations, "Saturday Night Live" has surpassed "ER" to become the most nominated show in Emmy history. After 35 years, what do awards mean to you?

Lorne Michaels: Nothing, until you're sitting there and then they mean everything!

THR: You were recently in Chicago and L.A. scouting talent for the show. Can we expect more staff changes this year?

Michaels: Yes. Kristen (Wiig) and I saw some shows at Second City and the Groundlings in L.A. We're also holding auditions soon in New York. We're always in the process of putting together the strongest possible cast.

THR: "SNL" has racked up dozens of nominations for its cast members over the years, including another for Wiig this year. Is it strange that such a performance-driven variety show is in the same Emmy category as "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report?"

Michaels: Yes. I honestly don't think "funny" is the criteria there; more a feeling of what the shows represent within the industry. When we began in 1975, the "variety" category was huge, with shows like "The Smothers Brothers." It has really diminished since then.

THR: You also produce "30 Rock" and are planning a live episode in October. Are you nervous?

Michaels: Yeah. I think the worst that could happen is that it's very, very bad.

THR: Aside from "30 Rock," what show makes you laugh?

Michaels: I am a huge "South Park" fan. They are doing the bravest work out there.

THR: Speaking of brave, Betty White said she was terrified to shoot her Emmy-nominated guest spot on "SNL" in May. Did you realize you were overseeing a pop-culture milestone?

Michaels: Weirdly enough, I think I maybe did. I had asked Betty a few times in previous decades to host the show. She's as close as people in comedy get to elegance. She worked without complaint for 14 hours a day. I think everybody just took their cue from her. I mean, who's going to complain when the 88-year-old isn't complaining?

More from the interview here