SNL UK Wins Over Skeptics, Renewed for Second Season
The British version of Saturday Night Live, which aired on Sky, wrapped up its inaugural eight-week season, garnering measured acclaim. Initially met with skepticism, the show featured notable guest hosts such as Ncuti Gatwa and Hannah Waddingham, with the latter's final episode making a notable impact through its political cold opens. The ensemble of 11 comedians displayed a range of comedic styles, amassing 86 million views across social media within the first month. Phil Edgar Jones from Sky announced plans for a second series consisting of 12 episodes, set to air from autumn 2026 to early 2027. Critics highlighted memorable sketches, while live viewership remained modest, with Tina Fey's premiere attracting 226,000 viewers. Future hosting possibilities include Jodie Comer and Bob Mortimer.
Key facts
- SNL UK completed its eight-week debut season on Sky.
- The final episode hosted by Ncuti Gatwa was considered one of the strongest.
- Political cold opens featured impressions of Keir Starmer, Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Liz Truss.
- The cast includes 11 comedians: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
- SNL UK content received 86 million views across official accounts in its first month, per Deadline.
- Sky renewed the show for a second series of 12 episodes, airing autumn 2026 to early 2027.
- Executive producer Lorne Michaels said he is 'incredibly proud' of the UK version.
- Tina Fey's opening episode attracted 226,000 live viewers on Sky One.
Entities
Artists
- Hannah Waddingham
- Jamie Dornan
- Aimee Lou Wood
- Ncuti Gatwa
- George Fouracres
- Hammed Animashaun
- Ayoade Bamgboye
- Larry Dean
- Celeste Dring
- Ania Magliano
- Annabel Marlow
- Al Nash
- Jack Shep
- Emma Sidi
- Paddy Young
- Keir Starmer
- Wes Streeting
- Andy Burnham
- Angela Rayner
- Liz Truss
- Louis Theroux
- Martin Lewis
- Mr Blobby
- Natalie Jamieson
- Charlie Skelton
- Louis Waymouth
- Bella Hull
- Jamie Demetriou
- Olivia Goldsbury
- Cal Clayton
- Tina Fey
- Nicola Coughlan
- Jodie Comer
- Leo Woodall
- Bob Mortimer
- Dan Stevens
- Lorne Michaels
- Phil Edgar Jones
Institutions
- Sky
- BBC
- Deadline
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Channel 4
- BBC One
- BBC Two
- ITV
- YouTube
- BBC Newsbeat
Locations
- United Kingdom
- United States
- America