‘Saturday Night Live’ Launches New International Version in the UK

Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations, which included a star-studded special episode last month, the series is crossing the pond for a new UK version. First airing in 1975, the live sketch comedy series has been a staple of American TV for 50 years. Some other countries have already joined in on the fun, with Japan launching its own version in 2012, and Canada hosting its own version from 2014-2015. Now, it’s the UK’s turn.

According to Deadline, a UK version of Saturday Night Live is officially in the works. The series was initially teased three years ago, with Sky developing the UK version. Now, Saturday Night Live UK has been given the green light. The new version is slated to debut in 2026, although a more precise release date has not yet been revealed. Lorne Michales, who created the series back in 1975, is executive producing the new version.

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According to the report, the UK version will follow the same format as the American series, with rotating guest hosts and musical guests. In a statement, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, the CEO of Sky Studios, said, “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,” continuing:

“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.”

Who Will Star in the UK’s ‘Saturday Night Live’?

NBC

As enjoyable as the guest hosts are, Saturday Night Live would be nothing without its core cast. Over the decades, the likes of Will Ferrell, Chevy Chase, Tina Fey, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Garrett Morris, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Jimmy Fallon, and many more have all lent their comedic talents to the series. The UK comedy scene is renowned for harboring up-and-coming talent with that unique British sense of humor. The cast for the UK’s Saturday Night Live remake hasn’t been announced yet, but there are a few standout names that fans are hoping to see.

As 2026 will be the debut season, the UK’s Saturday Night Live will need some big names to help launch it, especially as the US version isn’t well regarded in the UK. Names like Richard Ayoade, Bob Mortimer, Greg Davies, Lee Mack, Jimmy Carr, and Joe Lycett would all have a strong draw factor to entice UK audiences to watch the remake. But, Saturday Night Live is also seen by many as a launching platform for developing comedians. As a result, the cast could also be filled with newcomers. It would make the most sense for the UK version to have a mix of established and emerging talent for the first season.

Source: Deadline

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