The iconic American sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live is officially coming to the UK. Sky has announced a British version of the show, set to premiere in 2026. The adaptation will be executive-produced by SNL creatorLorne Michaels, ensuring the same live, fast-paced humor that has defined the original for nearly 50 years .
UK Edition Details
Saturday Night Live UK will follow the same format as the U.S. original, featuring a rotating lineup of celebrity hosts, musical guests, and a core cast of British comedians. The show will be filmed live in London and air on Sky Max and streaming service NOW .
Sky’s Chief Content Officer, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, emphasized the significance of the project:
“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. We are thrilled to bring an all-British version to UK audiences next year—live from London on Saturday night!” .
Lorne Michaels’ Involvement
Michaels, who has overseen SNL since its 1975 debut, will executive produce the UK version while continuing his role on the American show. His production company, Broadway Video, will collaborate with Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK team .
This marks the latest international expansion of the SNL brand, following adaptations in countries like South Korea, Germany, and France—though many were short-lived. The UK edition aims to avoid past pitfalls by staying true to the original’s live energy while tailoring content for British audiences .
Challenges and Precedents
The UK has seen attempts at similar formats before. Channel 4’sSaturday Live (1985–1988) and Friday Night Live (1996) featured rising stars like Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie but lacked official ties to SNL. Sky’s version will be the first fully licensed adaptation .
Industry experts note that live sketch comedy has struggled to gain long-term traction in the UK, where panel shows like Have I Got News for You dominate. However, with Michaels’ involvement and Sky’s backing, the project has stronger prospects .
What to Expect
Cast & Hosts: Sky promises “the funniest British comedians around,” though names remain unannounced .
Musical Guests: Likely a mix of UK and international stars, mirroring the U.S. show’s lineup .
Timing: The American SNL airs late at night (11:30 PM ET), but the UK version may adjust for earlier viewing habits .
Global SNL Adaptations
Past international versions had mixed results:
South Korea’sSNL Korea ran for nine seasons, blending K-pop and local humor .
France’sLe Saturday Night Live lasted just one season in 2017 .
Spain’s 2009 attempt failed to connect with audiences .
The UK edition hopes to replicate the success of the original, which has launched careers from Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey and remains a pop-culture powerhouse .
Saturday Night Live UK is set to premiere in 2026 on Sky Max and NOW. More details, including cast and premiere date, will be announced in the coming months .
