Saturday Night Live UK season 2 launch date confirmed – here’s how you can get tickets

It seems like just yesterday that Saturday Night Live UK burst onto screens with its highly anticipated inaugural season.

Now we’re back for round two.

The sketch comedy show sailed over from across the pond earlier this year, standing on the shoulders of a 50-year-old comedy institution in the US.

Despite the sky-high expectations, however, the cast of up-and-coming comedians totally smashed the British debut, raking in rave reviews, launching their comedy careers to new heights and creating some classic comedy moments.

After a decorated first season, guest-starring screen legends like Riz Ahmed, Hannah Waddingham, Tina Fey, Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan, the cast and crew are ready to level up in season two.

Sky previously announced that the second season would be an extended series, with 12 instead of eight episodes. Now we know when the show is returning, and exactly how you can get tickets to a live studio recording.

When is SNL UK returning and who’s in it?

Sky has confirmed the first six episodes of the new season will begin airing from Saturday, September 12. It will then air weekly: September 19, September 26, October 10, October 17, October 24.

Additional episodes will be aired in early 2027, with dates yet to be confirmed.

Most thrillingly of all, all 11 cast members from season one will be making a grand return. For those who need a refresher, this means Weekend Update breakouts Ania Magliano and Paddy Young will be back on screens.

They’ll be joined by: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi.

As described by Sky: ‘Broadcast live each week, the series will once again welcome a different celebrity host and musical guest for every episode, alongside topical sketches, live music performances and a British take on the iconic Weekend Update segment.’

How to get tickets for SNL UK season 2?

Now, if like so many of us, you missed the boat on securing live studio tickets for the first season, then fret not, you have another chance.

Audience hopefuls will be able to apply for tickets from 10am on Friday, August 14 via the ticket ballot linked here.

No doubt these tickets are going to disappear like hot cakes, so we would recommend being ready and waiting when the clock strikes 10 on Friday to be in with the best chance.

Lucky for the public, SNL UK offers the chance to watch the rehearsal as well as the final show, meaning there is twice the opportunity to get your foot in the door.

Where is SNL UK filmed?

Once you’ve secured a ticket, you’ll be making your way to the historic Television Centre in West London. Originally the BBC headquarters from 1960 to 2013, it’s been the home of some of the most iconic British productions in TV history.

Now the building has opened its doors to other production companies, meaning it’s a veritable treasure trove for the what’s what of hit television, including SNL UK, which is filmed in TC1.

It’s in good company, as the vast studio space is also home to The Graham Norton Show, Mock the Week and The Last Leg.

If you do land an SNL UK ticket, then you’re in for a treat.

Metro contributor Adam Miller nabbed a spot during Jack Whitehall’s episode in the first season and reflected on the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing live TV at its very best.

He praised it as a ‘slick operation’ and an ‘unbelievable feat of television to witness it happen before your eyes’

Then continued: ‘Entire worlds are created for just five minutes of glory, with sketches being written, rewritten, or even scrapped right up until the final hour before going live.

‘Costumes are made to order, often with just hours’ notice; sets the size of an average living room are masterfully designed, altered, and made TV-ready at lightning speed.’

Who wouldn’t want to see that for themselves!

SNL UK returns September 12 on Sky and NOW.