Sky to Launch UK Version of Saturday Night Live by 2026
Sky has revealed plans to create a British version of the iconic NBC sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live (SNL), with the anticipated debut slated for 2026. The upcoming show, titled Saturday Night Live UK, will be filmed live from London and is set to feature an impressive roster of both established and emerging British comedians.
The adaptation will be spearheaded by Lorne Michaels, the creative force behind the original SNL, alongside his production team at Broadway Video in conjunction with Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK branch.
Cultural Significance and Anticipated Impact
Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Sky’s chief content officer, articulated the goal of this project, emphasizing its potential to connect British viewers with global conversations:
“For over 50 years Saturday Night Live has held a unique position in TV and in our collective culture… 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.”
This series is expected to air on Sky Max as well as the streaming platform Now, according to reports from Variety dated April 10, 2025.
Mixed Reactions and Public Sentiment
While Sky frames this adaptation as a significant cultural milestone, reactions on social media have been polarized. Skepticism arises, with many questioning the originality of the show.
“Do British have something of their own or is everything copied and stolen?”posted one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Brits aren’t as funny though,”another user said.
“So it’s just gonna be dry humor and tea breaks between sketches?”another person shared.
This commentary highlights concerns that the American-style format may not resonate with the distinct comedic preferences found in the UK. Despite this criticism, there’s a significant amount of excitement brewing, with many expressing cautious optimism.
“Hugh Grant and Stormzy would be epic! I’m kinda hyped to see how British humor spices up the SNL format. It’s gonna be lit!”tweeted a fan.
“This is awesome news and this should be interesting!”another fan remarked.
“I’m interested in seeing this. I bet it’ll be just as good as the US Saturday Night Live,”said another enthusiastic follower.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Sky has confirmed that the UK adaptation will maintain the hallmark “live, fast-paced style”of the original show, which includes topical sketches, live musical performances, and celebrity guest appearances. This approach has helped launch the careers of numerous American stars, such as Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Will Ferrell, leading to hopes that British comedians might achieve similar success.
However, this is not the first time the UK has engaged in live comedy sketch programming. Previous attempts include Channel 4’s Saturday Live in the 1980s and The 11 O’Clock Show in the ’90s, each garnering varying degrees of acclaim and popularity.
Brian Logan, a comedy critic for The Guardian, pointedly observed, “They’re quite different comedy cultures,”suggesting that what resonates with American audiences may not necessarily have the same impact in the UK.
As the details of cast members and celebrity hosts remain under wraps, the success of this venture may depend on its ability to expertly weave wit, irreverence, and cultural relevance into the show’s format. With the right execution, Saturday Night Live UK could establish itself as a cherished Saturday night tradition.
Insights from the international adaptations of SNL can provide valuable lessons: Germany’s RTL Samstag Nacht ran successfully for five years, while South Korea’s SNL Korea flourished for nine seasons before its reboot in 2021. However, adaptations in Spain and Russia were much shorter-lived, and Quebec’s version faced cancellation over budget issues.