A British version of the iconic American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) is set to debut on Sky in 2026.
This landmark announcement follows the tremendous success of the original American version, which has been a staple of pop culture since its debut in 1975.
SNL is known for launching the careers of numerous comedy stars such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, and Will Ferrell.
Over the years, the show has also hosted countless celebrity and political figures, including tech mogul Elon Musk and former US President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.
As one of the most influential comedy shows in history, SNL recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2024, marking half a century of shaping both the comedic landscape and popular culture.
The UK spin-off, Saturday Night Live UK, promises to bring a fresh, homegrown take on the beloved format, featuring a cast of British comedians. It will be produced under the guidance of Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator of the original SNL, who will oversee the show alongside his production company, Broadway Video.
Michaels has been a driving force behind some of the most successful American comedy programs, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and 30 Rock.
The UK version will be co-produced with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a key production team behind many international adaptations of major TV formats.
This British version of SNL will be a live production, aired on Sky Max and made available for streaming on NOW, giving UK viewers access to the program every Saturday night.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer at Sky, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “For over 50 years Saturday Night Live has held a unique position in TV and in our collective culture, reflecting and creating the global conversation, all under the masterful comedic guidance of Lorne Michaels.”
She went on to add, “The show has discovered and nurtured countless comedy and musical talents over the years and we are thrilled to be partnering with Lorne and the SNL team to bring an all-British version of the show to UK audiences next year – all live from London on Saturday night.”
The concept of an international SNL has been explored before. The French version, Le Saturday Night Live, premiered in 2017 but lasted only a single season.
Despite this, the global success of the original American SNL, which has aired continuously on NBC since its inception, has prompted other countries to attempt similar adaptations.
This new UK edition, however, stands poised to carry the torch of SNL’s legacy while catering specifically to British sensibilities and humor.
The UK version’s cast and first slate of hosts are being kept under wraps, but it is expected to feature well-known British comedic talent. British comedians, known for their sharp wit and sometimes irreverent humor, are anticipated to deliver a distinctly UK perspective on the familiar sketch comedy format.
Sky has promised more details on the cast, the premiere date, and who will host the first few episodes in the coming months, building anticipation for the launch.
The announcement also comes at an exciting time for Sky, which is continuing to invest heavily in original programming. With Saturday Night Live UK, Sky will be adding a major international franchise to its roster, further solidifying its position as a key player in the UK’s entertainment landscape.
In addition to its live broadcast on Sky Max, the show will be available for streaming on NOW, a platform that has become a go-to destination for viewers seeking on-demand content.
The original SNL’s influence on the entertainment world cannot be overstated. Not only has it been the launching pad for countless careers, but its format—combining live comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity interviews—has become the gold standard for late-night variety programming.
Michaels’ genius in creating a platform that both reflects and shapes the cultural zeitgeist has allowed SNL to remain relevant and innovative, constantly evolving with the times while staying true to its roots in sketch comedy.
This latest move to bring SNL to the UK highlights a growing trend of American TV shows being adapted for international audiences.
While the format remains largely the same, each version often adds its own local flavor to resonate with viewers in different cultural contexts.
The British version of SNL will likely draw from the rich tradition of British comedy, which has produced iconic figures such as Monty Python, Ricky Gervais, and John Cleese, all of whom have a sharp, often satirical, sense of humor that could translate well to the sketch format.
One of the key features of the UK adaptation will be its live broadcast, ensuring that the show retains the immediacy and excitement that has defined the American version for decades.
Live television has a unique energy, and with its mix of political satire, celebrity appearances, and live performances, Saturday Night Live thrives on the unpredictability and spontaneity that comes with a live audience.
The UK version will undoubtedly carry this tradition forward, capturing the same sense of urgency and relevance that SNL is known for.
Fans of the US version can expect many similarities in the format of the UK edition, but with a distinctively British twist. This may include sketches that lampoon British politics, culture, and social norms, reflecting the issues and personalities that dominate the UK landscape.
At the same time, the UK version will also retain the universal appeal that has made SNL a beloved institution across the globe, mixing sharp satire with moments of pure comedy gold.
Ultimately, Saturday Night Live UK is set to become a key part of the Saturday night viewing schedule, offering UK audiences a front-row seat to the kind of comedic spectacle that has made the American version a household name.
As the show draws closer to its premiere in 2026, all eyes will be on the team behind the show to see if they can capture the same magic that has kept SNL relevant for over five decades.
