The exciting new creative team for “Saturday Night Live UK” has been unveiled. The British version of the hugely popular “Saturday Night Live” was announced by Sky back in April. However, the full roster of masterminds behind the new show has only just been revealed.
Upon the announcement of the UK version, which will begin in 2026, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer at Sky, said of her company’s new project: “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.”
She continued, “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 â all live from London on Saturday night!”
The UK isn’t the first country to adopt the “Saturday Night Live” concept. Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Finland, France Germany, Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia, South Korea, and Spain all have their own versions.
Lorne Michaels Will Executive Produce ‘Saturday Night Live UK’
GettyBack in April, it was announced that the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” Lorne Michaels, 80, would serve as executive producer on the UK version. However, per Deadline, the main creative team will be made up of writer Daran Jonno Johnson, director Liz Clare, and producer James Longman.
Per IMDb, Daran Jonno Johnson’s writing credits are impressive. They include the france.tv comedy series “Parlement,” the BBC Three sitcom “Siblings,” and the Disney Plus action comedy series “Wedding Season.”
Liz Clare’s directorial credits are equally notable. They include the BAFTA Film Awards, singing contest “The Voice UK,” “Six: The Musical Live!” and the panel show “Would I Lie to You?”
James Longman’s production credits include the very relevant “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and its numerous spin-off specials.
That’s a highly experienced bunch whose expertise should ensure the “Saturday Night Live” format transitions seamlessly to UK shores.
The UK Is Getting a Version of a Bona Fide US Institution
NBC“Saturday Night Live” is a bona fide American institution. It’s been a cornerstone of United States light entertainment for 50 years. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title “NBC’s Saturday Night.” That night it was hosted by George Carlin, but its longstanding format means a different famous face hosts every week. It’s a format that will continue into the UK version of the show.
As Frot-Coutaz mentioned, the show helped to launch the careers of countless famous faces. The likes of Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Fallon, John Belushi, Kristen Wiig, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, and Will Ferrell all got their big breaks with SNL. It’s more than likely, therefore, that British comedy’s elite will be keen to be a part of the UK version.
The UK version of “Saturday Night Live” is undoubtedly the most high-profile international version of the show. Although the exact launch date isn’t confirmed, it’ll definitely be in 2026 â so keep an eye out for it. The people of the United Kingdom should be incredibly excited.
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