Live from across the pond, it’s Saturday night.
A British version of “Saturday Night Live” was officially announced by U.K. broadcaster Sky in a press release Thursday.
The London-based series, premiering in 2026, will be executive produced by “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels (who will continue to produce the US series), as well as Broadway Video and Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team.
“SNL UK,” according to the press release, “will follow the same live, fast-paced style that has made the show a cultural phenomenon with iconic hosts, musical guests and a core cast of the funniest British comedians around.”
Sky, which is owned by NBCUniversal’s company Comcast, added that the series will featured “a star-studded lineup of hosts.”
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios, said in the release, “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 statement continued.
“SNL” premiered in the US on October 11, 1975 and is currently in its milestone 50th season. It helped launch the careers of A-listers like Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Chris Rock, Will Ferrell and more.
Michaels, 80, told The Hollywood Reporter last year that he has no plans to leave the long-running series.
“It’s more about keeping it on course than anything else, and, obviously, I really love it,” the Emmy Award winner said. “And every year, there are more and more people that I rely on for other things, but, in the end, you really need someone to say, ‘This is what we’re doing.’ So, I don’t really have an answer; I just know that this is kind of what I do and as long as I can keep doing it, I’ll keep doing it. There’s no immediate plan.”
The sketch comedy series began airing in the UK on Sky in 2020, after only being available via video clips on YouTube.
Short-lived versions of “SNL” have aired in other countries including Japan, Italy and China. The South Korean version is still on the air.
An unofficial version of the show called “Saturday Live” aired in the UK on Channel 4 from 1985 to 1988, and then on ITV in 1996. The series featured notable British comedians including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Ben Elton, Chris Barrie, Julian Clary, Tracey Ullman, Craig Ferguson, Josie Lawrence and Rik Mayall.
