The iconic comedy show launches its British version on Sky One and NOW TV, featuring a star-studded cast and unique British humor.
Category: Arts & Culture
Live from London, the highly anticipated British version of the iconic late-night sketch show Saturday Night Live premiered on March 21, 2026. The inaugural episode, hosted by Tina Fey with musical guest Wet Leg, aims to bring the beloved format of the American original to a UK audience, complete with guest hosts and live musical acts.
“Saturday Night Live is one of the most influential comedy brands globally, and bringing the UK edition to Peacock is a natural extension of that legacy,” said Liz Jenkins, NBCUniversal Entertainment’s chief business officer. The new show, which will air on Sky One and stream on NOW TV for UK viewers, promises to showcase bold new British voices on a global stage.
The cast for Saturday Night Live UK includes a talented lineup of 11 comedy stars from the British circuit. Among them are Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. This diverse group is set to bring a distinctly British perspective to the show, mirroring the original format that has launched the careers of many notable American comedians.
The premiere episode featured a cold open sketch that addressed current political themes, including a humorous take on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy discussing the intricacies of maintaining the UK’s “special relationship” with the United States, particularly concerning former President Trump. The sketch, which also included a Gen Z adviser, showcased the show’s intention to blend topical humor with the unique sensibilities of British comedy.
Fey, who has a long history with the original Saturday Night Live, expressed her excitement for the new venture. She stated, “It’s such an amazing institution here. It has such a kind of lore, and I think it'll be really fascinating to see how we can kind of honor that, but also kind of do our own thing with it.” Fey humorously noted the cultural exchange, quipping, “You guys stole The Office from us, so we’re going to take SNL from you.”
The show is set to continue with new episodes each week, featuring a different guest host and musical act. Following Fey’s debut, Jamie Dornan will host the next episode on March 28, with Riz Ahmed taking the helm on April 4. Ahmed, who received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Sound of Metal, remarked on the novelty of the UK version, saying, “I was hoping you could tell me,” referring to the unique challenges and expectations surrounding the adaptation.
Each episode of Saturday Night Live UK will air live from London at 10 p.m. GMT, which translates to 2 p.m. ET for U.S. viewers. For those unable to catch the live broadcast, episodes will be available for next-day streaming on Peacock, starting March 22. This accessibility aims to bridge the gap for American audiences eager to experience the British iteration of the beloved franchise.
Sky Studios CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “For over 50 years, Saturday Night Live has held a unique position on TV and created a global conversation under the masterful comedic guidance of Lorne Michaels.” She emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and providing a platform for British comedians to shine.
With a legacy that has seen Saturday Night Live receive 338 Emmy nominations and win 93 Emmy Awards, the show has become a cultural staple, influencing generations of comedians and entertainers. The British version seeks to honor that legacy by infusing it with local flavor and humor.
The first episode has already sparked conversations among fans and critics alike, with many eager to see how the show will adapt to British sensibilities. The Saturday Night Network has even launched aftershows to recap episodes and discuss their impact, featuring panelists who have been lifelong fans of the franchise.
Panelists on the Saturday Night Network include Jon Schneider, a dedicated SNL historian, Frankie Durkin, a British comedy enthusiast, and Bill Kenney, who boasts an impressive streak of never missing an SNL episode over 38 years. Their insights aim to provide viewers with a comprehensive look at how the new show fits into the larger SNL narrative.
With its first episode now aired, Saturday Night Live UK is poised to carve out its own identity within the long-standing franchise. Will it maintain the spirit of the original, or will it evolve into something uniquely British? Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding its launch suggests that audiences on both sides of the pond are ready for this new chapter.
For fans of comedy and late-night television, the debut of Saturday Night Live UK marks a thrilling moment, blending the familiar with the fresh and promising to deliver laughter and entertainment for years to come.