Saturday Night Live UK Makes Its U.S. Debut
Peacock to Host ‘Saturday Night Live UK’ Following Sky Debut
The British adaptation of the iconic late-night sketch show Saturday Night Live will find its U.S. home on Peacock, which will stream the series a day after its premiere on Sky. The show, titled SNL UK, is set to debut on March 21, with episodes available on Peacock the following day.
This arrangement aligns with the close ties between Sky and Peacock, as both platforms are part of the Comcast network. Peacock already streams SNL live in the United States and offers access to its entire library.
Last week, SNL UK introduced its full cast to the public through a trailer. As it airs on Sky One, the show intends to follow a format akin to its American counterpart. Creator Lorne Michaels has recently been in the UK to assist with the writers’ room. The initial order for the UK series includes six episodes.
The cast features notable comedians such as Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK team alongside Michaels’ Broadway Video, SNL UK promises a fresh perspective under the guidance of Executive Producer Lorne Michaels. James Longman will serve as Lead Producer, with Liz Clare as Director and Daran Jonno Johnson as Head Writer.
“Saturday Night Live is one of the most influential comedy brands in the world, and bringing the UK edition to Peacock is a natural extension of that legacy,” stated Liz Jenkins, Chief Business Officer at NBCUniversal Entertainment. “As the streaming home of SNL, Peacock is proud to introduce bold new British voices to a global stage.”
The show has been commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Sky’s commissioning executive Lisa Clark, and Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer for Sky. Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK Productions will be overseen by Managing Director Helen Kruger Bratt, with Shanna Baynard in charge of production and Andy Charles Smith serving as Lead Producer for UTAS UK Productions, alongside Sam Salter as Production Executive.
