The first series of Saturday Night Live (SNL) UK is preparing to kick off tonight, Saturday, March 21.
Inspired by the US TV show of the same name, the new series will mark the first-ever official British incarnation of NBC’s late-night comedy show.
Airing on Sky Original, SNL UK will broadcast live from London each week with a different guest host taking the helm each Saturday.
The show is written, rehearsed, and performed in the week leading up to each show and is staged in front of a live studio audience.
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SNL UK is expected to follow a similar format to the US version, including an opening monologue, topical sketches, live music, and a UK take on the satirical news segment, the Weekend Update.
Who is in the cast of Saturday Night Live UK?
The cast of SNL UK was previously announced, featuring 11 UK comedians, actors, and writers.
Stars include Black Ops actor Hammed Animashaun, The Windsors actress Celeste Dring, and the winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, Ayoade Bamgboye.
As well as former Scottish Comedian Of The Year Larry Dean, Changing Ends star Jack Shep, Shakespeare’s Globe regular George Fouracres, and former Cambridge Footlights member Emma Sidi.
The cast is completed by Taskmaster contestant Ania Magliano, Everyone Else Burns star Paddy Young, Edinburgh Fringe regular Annabel Marlow, and stand-up comedian Al Nash.
Who are the hosts of Saturday Night Live UK?
The full list of hosts for the eight-episode series premiere has not been confirmed yet.
However, SNL UK did share which stars and musical acts will appear in the first three episodes
US actor and SNL US alumni, Tina Fey, will be the first ever host of the UK edition, and will be joined by indie band Wet Leg as the musical guest.
Jamie Dornan will host on March 28 and will be joined by Brit Award-winning rock band Wolf Alice as musical performers.
On April 4, actor Riz Ahmed will host and will be joined by Kasabian.
How to watch Saturday Night Live UK?
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Saturday Night Live UK will launch on Sky and streaming service Now every Saturday from March 21 and will also be available on catch-up.
The show will kick off at 10pm and will run for 75 minutes.
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Discussing the launch of SNL UK, Phil Edgar Jones, executive director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, said: “We all need a laugh like never before, so we’re beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US.
“The show’s long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself, and this UK version will build on that legacy with the support of Lorne Michaels, a brilliant local production team, and an exciting new generation of voices.
“Saturday nights are looking bright!”