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SNL UK prepares for long-awaited premiere
The British adaptation of the iconic American sketch show Saturday Night Live launches tonight, backed by a multi-million-pound production and a cast of rising UK comedy talent. BBC News gained exclusive access to the London studios ahead of the live broadcast.
Behind the scenes of a comedy institution
The energy inside the SNL UK studios is palpable, with teams constructing elaborate sets and a dedicated costume department working around the clock. The show, which has run for over five decades in the US, now faces the challenge of translating its success across the Atlantic.
Cast member Annabel Marlow, 24, emphasized the team's approach: "We're not trying to force a British identity. We're just writing what we find genuinely funny." However, she acknowledged that local references would naturally emerge given the cast's shared cultural context.
Meet the cast and creative team
The 11-member cast includes stand-up comedian Ayoade Bamgboye, winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, alongside performers like Hammed Animashaun, Larry Dean, and Emma Sidi. The writing team features veterans such as 8 Out of 10 Cats writer Charlie Skelton and Have I Got News For You contributor Bella Hull.
Before rehearsals began, the group traveled to the US to meet Lorne Michaels, the show's creator and executive producer. Bamgboye, 31, described the experience as collaborative: "They've been incredibly open about what works. There's a proven formula, and they haven't held back."
Big names lined up to host
Attracting high-profile hosts has been a cornerstone of SNL's US success, and the UK version is no different. The first three episodes will feature Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, and Riz Ahmed. Fey, a former SNL cast member, has been working closely with the team, offering feedback on sketches.
"As female comedians, we have to be so prepared. It's been inspiring to see Tina's discipline even at this stage of her career," Bamgboye said.
Format and expectations
SNL UK will mirror its American counterpart, featuring two musical performances, two pre-recorded sketches, and four live sketches per episode. Indie rock band Wet Leg will perform in the debut episode. Lead producer Andy Charles Smith confirmed the show will air live on Sky, with an earlier dress rehearsal used to refine material.
Despite the show's viral success on social media-US clips average over 200 million views per episode-Bamgboye stressed that sketches are prioritized for comedy, not shareability. "It's funny first. If it works as a clip, that's a bonus," she said.
Live TV challenges and legacy
The cast has trained extensively with cue cards, a departure from the UK's typical use of teleprompters, to allow for last-minute adjustments. Wally Feresten, an SNL veteran with over 30 years of experience, spent three weeks teaching the team the intricacies of the system.
Marlow dismissed concerns about live mistakes: "If something goes wrong, it either goes unnoticed or makes us relatable. Either way, it's part of the fun."
Lorne Michaels offered the cast a final piece of advice: "The show comes and goes. Shake it off and move on. Don't engage with the noise-just stay focused."
What's next
The eight-episode series will air live on Sky every Saturday night, with the premiere featuring Tina Fey as host and Wet Leg as musical guests.
