Shots Fired At SNL? Seth Meyers Shares His Take On Turning 40, And It’s Not What I Expected

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For five decades, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a staple on NBC, and Seth Meyers was part of its run for more than a decade. But if you were to ask him, joining Studio 6H wasn’t the best period of his life; rather, it’s his forties that have stood out the most thus far. He didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts about this during a recent Q&A.

During a recent conversation with his audience, Meyers openly discussed how turning 40 was a significant milestone in both his personal life and career. This transformation became evident as he concluded his tenure on Saturday Night Live and transitioned to late-night television just a short time afterward, a move that was announced prior to his departure from the late-night sketch comedy series. On the home front, Meyers married Alexi Ashe in 2013, and they welcomed three children in 2016, 2018, and 2021.

In short, it was a big decade for the comedian who noted (via NBC Insider):

Reaching the age of 40 held significant importance for me as it coincided with my departure from SNL, my wedding, and the commencement of Late Night. These events were all occurring simultaneously, making it challenging to pinpoint what turning 40 signified, given the multitude of other life-changing experiences. However, I can assert that I appreciated the years between 40 and 50 more than those between 30 and 40. Yet, those years from 20 to 30 remain my favorite decade.

Many millennials, including famous ones, are reaching their 40s these days, and this milestone brings a mix of feelings for me. However, as per Meyers, the forties are an excellent phase that should be embraced and celebrated altogether.

According to Seth Meyers’ statements made to Howard Stern earlier this year, this aligns with his views when discussing SNL50. Howard Stern remarked that the ex-head writer seemed most content on the sketch show, but Meyers expressed a different opinion, pointing out that he was not entirely happy there.

I find more joy in my current work compared to what I did before. At some stage, you need to enjoy the peak and leave at the perfect moment. One reason for my cheerfulness…those who knew me back then, considering the stress, sleepless nights, and tough circumstances, might say, “Let’s not forget the challenging aspect of it.

If asked to choose between experiences, I’d say the allure lies in working for Saturday Night Live (SNL), compared to day drinking with celebrities on Late Night. Yet, there’s a certain appeal to career stability, and it’s known that Lorne Michaels can be an imposing figure.

As a devoted cinephile reflecting upon my past experiences, I can attest that Saturday Night Live has always been a place where doubts and insecurities thrive, even for those at the top. When I briefly returned for SNL50, I couldn’t shake off that familiar feeling of “I don’t belong here.” Despite ten years of self-reflection and personal development, one misstep sent me spiraling. It’s not just me; many other famous faces have echoed their fears and insecurities related to the sketch show. I still carry a few tense memories from my SNL days, and it seems I’m not alone.

Before the host of Late Night spoke, I might have assumed that the period Meyers spent on Saturday Night Live, with its rotating guest hosts, musical acts, and innovative concepts each week, would have been his most fruitful decade. However, it seems the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” holds true in this case.

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2025-07-13 15:38