UK remake of ‘Saturday Night Live’ to launch in 2026
New York’s iconic Saturday Night Live is coming to London. After years of planning and discussions between Sky and Comcast, a UK version of Saturday Night Live has finally received the green light.
Deadline first reported on whisperings of this possible deal three and a half years ago. In 2021, they reported that Sky were beginning to work on a UK adaptation of the beloved live sketch comedy and variety show and that it was in the early stages of development.
Now, they report that Sky has been given the go-ahead by Comcast, the company that owns NBC and Saturday Night Live. It’s said that the British take will follow the same format as the American original, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary as one of the country’s most beloved television shows.
However, it will not be the first adaptation of the show. After Lorne Michaels first created Saturday Night Live, there have been several global adaptations, including takes on the show in China, Germany, Italy, and South Korea.
Nevertheless, the upcoming UK version will be the most high-profile and is the biggest remake of the show the creators have allowed.
They will work also closely together to ensure the SNL legacy is felt in the new UK version. Lorne Michaels will be active as the executive producer for the UK version, and the show will be produced by his production company Broadway Video and Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team.
The UK remake will launch in 2026 and feature the same comedy and musical content. No details regarding cast members have been revealed yet, but Saturday Night Live has a legacy of launching and nurturing the careers of some of the country’s best comedy talent rather than going after already-established names. Therefore, a spot on the cast for the UK version will definitely be sought after by new British talent.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.