UPDATE: |Sky confirms UK version of hit US show Saturday Night Live to air in 2026 News

The late night comedy show is set for a UK spin-off

Broadcaster Sky have officially announced that Saturday Night Live will be launching next year in an all new UK version of the hit show.

The long-running sketch show is a cultural institution in the US as it celebrated 50 years on screen in February and creator Lorne Michaels will oversee the UK’s take on the programme as producer.

Over in America, it has launched the careers of stars such as Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell and has featured various celebrity and political guests during its run – including Tesla billionaire Elon Musk and Donald Trump when he was a presidential candidate.

With this in mind, the hope is to add new faces to the British comic scene with the help of the spin-off show giving a stage to more “underground” talent.

Although late night TV proves a popular decision across the pond, the success rate here in the UK is less promising. Saturday Live which featured a similar format, aired for three series before being cancelled, and Channel 4 attempted the same with Saturday Zoo that ended after only 13 episodes.

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive of Sky Studios and chief content officer at Sky, said in a statement: “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.

“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 – all live from London on Saturday night.”

The UK spin-off will see British comedians take on the challenge and will be filmed in London. Veteran entertainment producer Steven D Wright described the new show as an “ambitious” attempt to shine a light on the up-and-coming talent in Britain.

He said: “I’m really excited to see new comedy on British TV again. Will it work? I don’t know. But it should produce some stars by bringing in new faces who are doing exciting things on TikTok that deserve a wider audience.”

The US version boasts some pretty big names, with current pop sensations Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande even having regular skits on the show to promote their latest work.

UK star James Corden, best known for Gavin and Stacey, has also found success through late night TV over in the USA with The Late Late Show With James Corden, that although “cancelled” last year, had a successful run with eight seasons under its belt.

While it’s still in the very early stages of production, with no commentary on who will be involved, the show will be available to watch on Sky Max and the streaming service NOW in 2026.