The wait is finally over for British comedy fans as Saturday Night Live UK has officially announced its first three hosts. The new Sky series, which brings the iconic American sketch show across the Atlantic, will launch this Saturday with a powerhouse lineup of talent.
Tina Fey, the beloved comedian and writer who spent years shaping the US version, will kick things off on March 21. She will be joined by Isle of Wight indie band Wet Leg as the musical guest. The following week, on March 28, Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan takes the stage with Brit Award-winning rock band Wolf Alice. Then on April 4, Oscar-winning British actor Riz Ahmed will host with legendary rock band Kasabian providing the music.
The six-part series marks the first official British version of the long-running American show, which has been a cultural institution in the US since 1975.
What to Expect from the UK Version
Saturday Night Live UK will follow the same format that made the American show famous. Each 75-minute episode will air live from London at 10pm every Saturday night on Sky and streaming service NOW.
Viewers can expect all the classic elements they love from the US version. Each show will feature an opening monologue from the host, topical sketch comedy, live musical performances, and a British adaptation of the show’s famous satirical news segment, Weekend Update.
The show promises to capture the high-wire, anything-can-happen energy that has made SNL a cultural force for five decades, now reimagined through a distinctly British lens. Written, rehearsed and performed in the week of broadcast, each episode will preserve SNL’s famously fast turnaround creative process and be staged in front of a live studio audience.
Lead Producer James Longman expressed his excitement about the project. “The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have, they’re bold, exciting and of course, incredibly funny,” he said. “The chemistry between them is something special and we can’t wait to share this funny group of people with the world.”
Phil Edgar Jones OBE, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, added some perspective on the show’s long journey to British screens. “We all need a laugh like never before, so we’re beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US,” he said.
Meet the Cast and Writing Team
Behind the hosts stands a talented ensemble of British comedians who will form the show’s inaugural cast. The cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
The writing team brings together an impressive mix of experienced comedy writers and fresh voices. Daran Jonno Johnson serves as Head Writer, while Charlie Skelton, known for his work on 8 Out of 10 Cats, takes on the role of Weekend Update Head Writer.
Other writers include Al Roberts from Stath Lets Flats, Bella Hull from Have I Got News For You, along with Celya AB, Chris Cantrill, Grainne Maguire, Humphrey Ker and James Farmer.
Johnson shared his enthusiasm about the writing team. “The number of funny, talented writers we have got to work on SNL UK is ludicrous,” he said. “Some of them have been doing this for years, some of them it’s their first ever writing job. All of them make me giddy to come to work each day. Could not imaginably feel luckier that we get to make this show together.”
The original show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, is serving as executive producer on the UK version, helping to maintain the connection to the show’s legacy while supporting the new British team.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
News of the hosting lineup has generated plenty of buzz on social media. Many viewers are excited about the prospect of a British version finally arriving after years of waiting.
One fan on X wrote: “I genuinely thing SNL UK has the potential to actually be way better than the yank version.” Another posted: “wait snl uk sounds fire hello.”
The excitement extends to those hoping to attend the live tapings. One person commented: “Officially excited, applied for tickets to be in the audience, would love to be there for opening show.. Can’t believe they’ve got Tina Fey to Host the first ever episode!”
Some viewers appreciate the fresh approach to casting. A fan noted: “Just going off of this, it looks like they have good chemistry. I’ll certainly give it a shot. I’d like nothing more than to be blown away by a show like this in 2026.”
Others are simply relieved the show is finally happening. “I’m so excited for this – we love SNL, and we’ve wanted a UK one for YEARS,” one person shared. “I really hope this works out! I think Britain’s ready for this, we all need a good laugh.”
However, not everyone is completely optimistic about the show’s longevity. Bookmakers Coral have placed odds of 1-2 for the show being scrapped after just one series. Coral’s John Hill commented: “We are not optimistic about Saturday Night Live UK lasting very long. We make it odds-on to be scrapped after just one series.”
Host and Musical Guest Lineup Details
Tina Fey brings undeniable comedy credentials to the premiere episode. The 55-year-old was a cast member on the US Saturday Night Live from 1997 to 2006 and served as head writer, helping to shape some of the show’s most memorable years. She went on to create and star in the hit series 30 Rock and wrote the screenplay for the film Mean Girls.
Joining Fey for the March 21 premiere is Wet Leg, the Isle of Wight indie band who shot to fame with their breakout hit Chaise Longue. Their self-titled debut album was one of the most celebrated releases of 2022.
Jamie Dornan, 43, takes over hosting duties on March 28. The Northern Irish actor is best known for his role in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, as well as acclaimed performances in The Fall, The Tourist and the film Belfast. He will be joined by Wolf Alice, the North London rock band who have won two Brit Awards and released critically acclaimed albums including My Love Is Cool and Blue Weekend.
Riz Ahmed, also 43, hosts the April 4 episode. The British-Pakistani actor has earned widespread recognition for his roles in Four Lions, Sound of Metal which earned him an Oscar nomination, and The Night Of. He made history as the first Muslim actor to win an Emmy for his performance in The Night Of, and recently won an Academy Award for the live-action short film The Long Goodbye.
Kasabian will provide the music for Ahmed’s episode. The Leicester rock band, known for hits like Fire and Club Foot, have been a dominant force in British rock music since the mid-2000s.
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How to Watch Saturday Night Live UK
Saturday Night Live UK premieres on March 21 at 10pm on Sky and streaming service NOW. New episodes will air weekly on Saturday nights at the same time.
For viewers in the United States, episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the day after they air in the UK.
Viewers in the UK can also catch up on demand through Sky and NOW services.
The show will broadcast live from London each week, preserving the unpredictable, live element that has made the American version appointment viewing for decades. With a mix of Hollywood star power, British comedy talent and top musical acts, Saturday Night Live UK is aiming to carve out its own place in British television history.
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