Sky’s UK version of ‘Saturday Night Live UK’ has unveiled the full writing team ahead of the show’s launch later this month, and it’s a properly stacked room.
Led by previously announced Head Writer Jonno Johnson (Parlement, Year Friends), the writers’ room blends seasoned TV comedy hands with rising stand-up stars, award winners, and breakout voices from across the UK and beyond. If you were hoping for a serious commitment to sharp, topical chaos, this looks like it.
Serving as Weekend Update Head Writer is Charlie Skelton (10 O’Clock Live, 8 Out of 10 Cats), bringing a strong pedigree in satirical and panel show writing. He joins a team that includes Gráinne Maguire (The Last Leg), Laura Claxton (Have I Got News For You), James Farmer (8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown), Nathan Foad (Our Flag Means Death), Humphrey Ker (Welcome to Wrexham), Al Roberts (Stath Lets Flats), Bella Hull (Have I Got News For You), Celya AB (Live At The Apollo), Chris Cantrill (Icklewick FM), Keith Akushie (The Franchise), Lorna Rose Treen (Time of the Week), Louis Waymouth (The Late Late Show with James Corden), Ayo Adenekan, Omar Badawy, Omodara Olatunji, Hari Kanth, Joseph Moore, and Ellie Fulcher.
It’s a mix of sketch veterans, radio regulars, Fringe standouts and viral newcomers, which feels very in keeping with the SNL tradition of throwing different comedic energies into one room and seeing what sparks.
Head Writer Jonno Johnson said:
“The number of funny, talented writers we have got to work on SNL UK is ludicrous. Some of them have been doing this for years, some of them it’s their first ever writing job. All of them make me giddy to come to work each day. Could not imaginably feel luckier that we get to make this show together.”
Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals at Sky, added:
“As SNL UK races towards launch our brilliant team of writers are already hard at work crafting some sublime and (importantly) funny sketches for our equally brilliant cast to perform. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a couple of table reads and I am delighted to report I cried laughing. We cannot wait to share the fun with a wider audience.”
‘Saturday Night Live UK’ is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW, with Lorne Michaels executive producing. The series also sees James Longman as Lead Producer, Liz Clare directing, and Helen Kruger Bratt overseeing UTAS UK Productions.
The UK adaptation has long been one of those “can it really work here?” questions. British sketch comedy has its own rhythm and tone, but the combination of live performance, topical satire and a rotating guest format could make for something genuinely fresh in the current UK comedy landscape. With this writing team, at the very least, it won’t be short on ideas.
‘Saturday Night Live UK’ premieres Saturday, 21st March 2026 on Sky and NOW. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss: https://www.geektown.co.uk/nevermiss/
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