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After nearly five decades of dominating American television, Saturday Night Live is finally heading across the pond, with a UK version of the iconic sketch comedy show now officially in development.
The hugely influential series, known for its razor-sharp satire, hilarious celebrity impressions, and unforgettable musical performances, will be making its long-awaited British debut next year. Sky has confirmed that the UK adaptation will closely mirror the original NBC format that first aired in 1975, complete with weekly celebrity hosts, live sketches, and standout musical guests.
Legendary SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who has overseen the US version for all 50 seasons, is on board as executive producer for the UK edition too, ensuring the show retains its signature style and chaotic live energy when it makes its move to London.
Over the decades, Saturday Night Live has become one of the most awarded and culturally significant shows in American television history, launching the careers of comedy giants like Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, and Adam Sandler. Its format has also attracted major guest hosts from across the world, with everyone from Tom Hanks and Justin Timberlake to Kim Kardashian and Harry Styles taking centre stage.
Now, British viewers will finally get a homegrown version, and expectations are already sky-high. Sky has promised a lineup featuring some of the UK’s most talented comedians and high-profile stars, with the show set to spotlight the country’s rich pool of comedic talent. The new version will also follow the original’s structure, each week, a different A-list host will deliver an opening monologue before diving into a fast-paced mix of sketches, parodies, and topical humour alongside a resident cast.
While casting details and the official premiere date are still under wraps, the announcement has already generated a wave of excitement among comedy fans. The big question now is who will be chosen as part of the ensemble cast, and which stars will step up as the show’s first UK hosts and musical performers.
With the original Saturday Night Live long regarded as the pinnacle of sketch comedy, the UK version has some big shoes to fill, but with Lorne Michaels at the helm and Sky fully behind it, the show looks set to become a major player on the British comedy scene.
More details are expected in the coming months as the countdown to SNL UK begins.
