Lorne Michaels to Executive Produce Saturday Night Live UK, coming to the UK for the first time in deal with Sky
Sky is set to make late-night TV history in 2026 by bringing NBC’s legendary comedy institution, Saturday Night Live, to viewers in the UK and Ireland. For the first time ever, a brand-new British edition of the iconic show will hit screens with a dazzling lineup of hosts taking the stage to declare: “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”
The upcoming Saturday Night Live UK will be executive produced by the show’s legendary creator Lorne Michaels, who continues to helm the original NBC version in the U.S. The London-based adaptation will be produced by Broadway Video and Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team, promising to deliver the same high-octane, live-wire energy that has made SNL a cultural phenomenon for nearly five decades.
Following the celebrated format of its American counterpart, SNL UK will feature a core cast of Britain’s sharpest comedic talents, alongside celebrity hosts and musical guests, all performed live each week in front of a studio audience. With its trademark mix of topical sketches, bold satire, and irreverent humour, the series is poised to become a new staple of the UK comedy scene.
SNL is the most Emmy®-awarded show in television history, a four-time George Foster Peabody Award honouree, and a Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee. The American series has long been a launchpad for comedy legends including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and many more.
As Saturday Night Live UK gets ready to light up screens in 2026, Sky is bringing one of television’s most enduring and beloved brands to a whole new audience—this time, with a distinctly British twist.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, commented:
“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. The show has discovered and nurtured countless comedy and musical talents over the years and 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!”
More details on the show’s UK debut, including cast, hosts, musical guests and premiere date, will be announced in the coming months.
SNL UK is commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, for Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer for Sky.
Saturday Night Live is a production of Broadway Video in association with Universal Television. Lorne Michaels is the creator and executive producer.
Sky Original Saturday Night Live UK comes to Sky Max and streaming service NOW in 2026.
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