‘Saturday Night Live UK‘ will be back for more live comedy chaos this September, as Sky confirms it has commissioned a second series of the British incarnation of NBC’s legendary late-night sketch show.
The 12-episode second series will air on Sky One and NOW between autumn 2026 and early 2027, following what has turned out to be a surprisingly successful first run. And yes, I say “surprisingly” because, like a lot of people, I was a little sceptical this format would work in the UK.
The US version is an institution. That history has helped carry it through some of its, let’s say, rougher periods. Trying to recreate that energy on British television could very easily have felt like awkward karaoke. However, ‘Saturday Night Live UK’ has managed to find its own voice whilst still retaining the feel of the original. It is recognisably SNL, but with a very British edge, a slightly sharper bite, and a cast and writing team who have really started to shine.
The landmark first series draws to a close next week, having so far welcomed Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Nicola Coughlan and Aimee Lou Wood live from London on Saturday night. The guest hosts have been solid throughout, and the show has increasingly felt more confident as the weeks have gone on.
That is not to say every sketch lands, but that is part of the deal with sketch comedy. Some bits work brilliantly, some don’t quite hit, and sometimes the sketch you thought was genius leaves someone else cold. That is half the fun. There is always another one along in a minute.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team and the show. It keeps getting better every week. I’m grateful to Dana Strong and Sky for believing in and supporting SNL UK. I’m excited for the season ahead,” said Lorne Michaels, Executive Producer.
Phil Edgar Jones OBE, Executive Director, Unscripted Originals, Sky said: “It’s fair to say people doubted SNL would work in the UK, but thanks to Lorne Michaels, his longtime Saturday Night Live producing team and UTAS UK, alongside our brilliant cast and writers, SNL UK is Sky’s most talked about show of the year. It’s now firmly part of the cultural conversation and we’re thrilled the show will be returning in the Autumn, bringing laughter and mischief to our audiences, live from London on a Saturday night!”
‘Saturday Night Live UK’ is produced by UTAS UK and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. Lorne Michaels executive produces, with Erin David serving as producer for Broadway Video. For UTAS UK, Managing Director Helen Kruger Bratt oversees production. The series was commissioned by Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, for Cecile Frot Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer, Sky, CEO Sky Studios.
There are still two episodes remaining of the first series, with Hannah Waddingham set to host this Saturday night, joined by musical guest Myles Smith. The finale follows on Saturday, 16th May 2026, with Ncuti Gatwa hosting alongside musical guest Holly Humberstone.
‘Saturday Night Live UK‘ Series 2 premieres September 2026 at 10pm on Sky One and streaming service 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.
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