Everyones got an opinion about whats funny (or, perhaps more vocally, whats not). For as subjective as comedy is, however, making countless people laugh is serious business for Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels . After decades at the helm of the skit-based series, Michaels told Oprahs Master Class that he subscribes to a particular rule that helps him stay on track.

I kind of have a rule that anybody who talks about comedy for longer than a minute-and-a-half and isnt funny probably shouldnt be listened to, he says.

High-brow comedy, low-brow comedy Michaels enjoys it all, although explaining exactly what makes something funny can be a complicated undertaking. Its one of those things like pornography: You know it when you see it, Michaels says.

Why people enjoy comedy in general, though, is a little easier to articulate.

Comedys got a little bit of anarchy in it, and thats the appealing part, Michaels says. And theres freedom in it, and thats also something we connect to.

From a performance perspective, Michaels adds that the top comedians seem to benefit three particular elements that are crucial to comedic success.

Talent plus luck plus discipline those seem to be the three things that I think you need to make it happen, he says. Doesnt mean it will happen... I think you need all three, though.

Another SNL reflection:

Lorne Michaels on what would happen to Saturday Night Live if he left