SNL UK Ends Its Run with Record Low Viewership During Eurovision Week
SNL UK wrapped up its inaugural season with disappointing ratings.
In a challenging time slot against the Eurovision Song Contest aired on BBC One, Sky’s adaptation of the classic NBC comedy attracted its smallest viewership to date.
The episode, which featured guest presenter Ncuti Gatwa from Sex Education, recorded an audience of 86,420 viewers at 10 PM. This figure represents a significant decline of approximately 28% from its previous low of 120,000 viewers during the Jack Whitehall episode.
Gatwa’s viewership was less than half of the 197,200 viewers drawn by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham the previous week. For a detailed breakdown of ratings, see below.
SNL UK Episode Ratings:
1 (Tina Fey) 226,000
2 (Jamie Dornan) 205,000
3 (Riz Ahmed) 130,100
4 (Jack Whitehall) 120,000
5 (Nicola Coughlan) 129,970
6 (Aimee Lou Wood) 143,730
7 (Hannah Waddingham) 197,200
8 (Ncuti Gatwa) 86,420
Source: overnights.tv
Meanwhile, the Eurovision Song Contest garnered an average of 5.2 million viewers, peaking at 5.9 million, according to live BARB figures provided by overnights.tv.
The singing competition crowned Bulgaria’s Dara as the winner with her song “Bangaranga,” outpacing competitors but falling short of last year’s average of 6.7 million viewers.
Despite the overnight numbers, SNL UK has consistently demonstrated its appeal through other metrics. The audience typically triples when accounting for catch-up, streaming, and repeat views, and several sketches have gone viral, extending the show’s reach online.
The show’s overall success has been sufficient to secure a renewal for a second season, with plans for a September return.
The producers were aware of the competitive landscape on Saturday night. The cold open spoofed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Eurovision viewing party, interrupted by Labour leadership contenders. The episode also featured notable appearances, including a cameo by Louis Theroux and Gatwa’s humorous take on his role as Doctor Who.
