Saturday Night Live to Launch U.K. Adaptation
The iconic phrase, “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!” will soon resonate with British audiences as NBC’s renowned sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), embarks on its journey across the Atlantic. A local adaptation, Saturday Night Live UK, is set to debut in 2026, promising to bring the show’s beloved format to a new audience.
A Transatlantic Comedy Venture
This exciting collaboration between Comcast-owned Sky and SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels, aims to replicate the original’s live, fast-paced sketch style. The U.K. version will feature a diverse lineup of hosts and musical performances alongside a talented ensemble of British comedians and writers, ensuring the essence of SNL is maintained while infusing local flavor.
Anticipated Debut and Future Announcements
Details regarding the launch date, as well as casting announcements and a list of hosts and musical guests, are expected to be revealed in the coming months, generating buzz among comedy enthusiasts in the U.K.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
“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,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Sky’s chief content officer. “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!”
Behind the Scenes of SNL UK
Lorne Michaels will serve as the creator and executive producer of SNL UK, with production managed by his firm, Broadway Video, in collaboration with Universal Television Alternative Studio’s U.K. production team. The project is also commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Sky’s executive director of unscripted originals.
The Legacy of Similar Shows in the U.K.
The anticipation for an official SNL adaptation comes after various international adaptations in countries like Germany, France, and Brazil, many of which have ended production after a few seasons. Notably, the U.K. once featured an unofficial counterpart titled Saturday Live, which aired on Channel 4 from 1985 to 1988 and briefly returned on ITV in 1996. This earlier program was recognized for showcasing numerous U.K. comedy talents, including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Tracey Ullman, many of whom achieved significant notoriety in the comedy scene.
As excitement builds for the SNL UK launch, audiences across the U.K. eagerly await the blend of American-style sketch humor with local comedic sensibilities, an endeavor that promises to create a dynamic and engaging comedy experience.