The cast for the upcoming UK version of Saturday Night Live has been announced, ahead of its premiere on Sky Max and NOW. The show, produced with involvement from creator Lorne Michaels, will feature a lineup of emerging British comedians in a live sketch format. It debuts on March 21 for six episodes.
The UK adaptation of the iconic late-night sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live is set to premiere on Saturday, March 21, on Sky Max and the streaming service NOW. Running for six episodes, it will bring the familiar format to British audiences, including the catchphrase “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”
Announced on February 4, 2026, the ensemble cast includes rising talents such as Hammed Animashaun, known for Black Ops; Celeste Dring from This Country; Ania Magliano of Taskmaster; George Fouracres, who appeared with Cillian Murphy in the Netflix film Steve; and Jack Shep from Big Boys. Other members are Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
Lorne Michaels, creator of the original US series launched 51 years ago, serves as executive producer. The show will mirror its American counterpart, with A-list hosts delivering opening monologues and participating in sketches alongside the regular cast, featuring British comics, celebrities, and musicians.
James Longman, lead producer, praised the group: “The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have, they’re bold, exciting and of course, incredibly funny. The chemistry between them is something special and we can’t wait to share this funny group of people with the world.”
Phil Edgar-Jones, executive director for Sky unscripted originals, added: “We all need a laugh like never before, so we’re beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US. The show’s long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself, and this UK version will build on that legacy with the support of Lorne Michaels, a brilliant local production team, and an exciting new generation of voices. Saturday nights are looking bright!”
The US version has propelled careers like those of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Eddie Murphy. Its recent 50th anniversary featured performances including David Byrne, Arcade Fire, and St. Vincent covering David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’; surviving Nirvana members with Post Malone on ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’; and alumni Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell in a comedic take on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’.
