Saturday Night Live is Coming to the UK – And They’re Bringing in the Big Guns
Hold onto your remotes, comedy fans – this is not a drill.
The buzz is real, and it's only getting louder. The iconic American sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live is officially crossing the pond. And while we’ve heard whispers about it for months, things are finally starting to take shape—and fast. SNL UK is not just another adaptation; it’s shaping up to be a major player in the British entertainment scene, and the team being assembled behind the scenes is nothing short of top-tier.
Let’s dive into the details, and yeah, there’s a lot to be excited about.
🎬 Big Names. Bold Moves.
First off, if you thought this was going to be a basic remake with low stakes, think again. This isn't just a casual nod to the original SNL format. This is a full-throttle, Lorne Michaels-approved, high-stakes British version with serious ambitions—and some serious star power being brought in to steer the ship.
Sky, the UK broadcaster, has teamed up with Universal Television Alternative Studio (yup, that’s NBCUniversal’s unscripted division) to produce this heavyweight comedy project. And they’re eyeing none other than James Longman, the Emmy-winning executive producer of The Late Late Show with James Corden, to take the reins as showrunner.
Now, the deal isn’t officially signed, sealed, and delivered just yet—but insiders say it’s very much in motion. And considering Longman is already reaching out to writers and talent, it's pretty clear he's not just kicking the tires. He’s gearing up.
🧠 Meet the Masterminds Behind the Scenes
For those unfamiliar, Longman—affectionately dubbed “Longers” by industry pals—was an essential force behind The Late Late Show’s success. He uprooted from London to L.A. to help make James Corden’s nightly gig a standout for CBS. And for a solid seven years, he delivered. Think viral sketches, A-list bookings, and an easygoing-yet-sharp comedic rhythm that resonated with audiences worldwide.
But that’s just one piece of his career puzzle.
Longman also boasts credits on UK hits like Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Alan Carr: Chatty Man. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s the co-founder of a new production company, Jolly Octopus, alongside Ollie Brack (formerly of Monkey). The company, backed by BBC Studios, is already gaining attention for its innovative approach to comedy and entertainment.
And he’s not flying solo on this one.
The project is also tapping Suzi Aplin, a well-regarded heavyweight in British television production. She’s reportedly set to join the SNL UK crew in a senior production role, bringing with her a treasure trove of experience on major live shows like Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Comic Relief, and Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush.
Not to mention, she also helped bring Backstage With Katherine Ryan to life on Amazon Prime Video—a project that showcased her knack for balancing humor, production complexity, and personality-driven content.
One entertainment exec described Longman and Aplin as “the crème de la crème of talent.” And in an industry that doesn’t throw compliments around lightly, that says a lot.
🎭 The Lorne Michaels Seal of Approval
And then there’s the SNL godfather himself—Lorne Michaels.
Yes, his name is officially attached. He won’t be involved in the day-to-day running, but make no mistake, this project has his fingerprints all over it. Michaels’ production company, Broadway Video, is behind the venture, along with Universal Television Alternative Studio. That’s the same powerhouse combo responsible for the American version that’s been setting the bar for late-night comedy for nearly five decades.
The announcement came directly from Sky and was met with a tidal wave of anticipation across the British comedy landscape. Word is, the SNL team spent months laying the groundwork and building connections across the UK comedy scene before the big reveal. That prep work? It’s already paying off.
🌍 A Transatlantic Twist
Bringing SNL to the UK isn’t just about translating sketches or rehashing the same beats. The vision here is clear: this is going to be a uniquely British version, grounded in local humor but powered by the global appeal of the original format. Think smart satire, topical punchlines, recurring characters, and—of course—those iconic live performances.
And with Longman at the helm, SNL UK will likely have access to a guest list that turns heads. His Hollywood experience and industry connections could open the door to some seriously high-profile hosts. Don’t be surprised if you see a few familiar faces from both sides of the Atlantic making cameos.
🔥 Why This Is a Big Deal
Let’s take a step back and appreciate what’s really happening here.
This isn’t just a reboot or a spin-off. This is one of the most respected brands in comedy planting its flag in the UK—with a production team that knows how to make noise.
Why it matters:
-
📺 SNL UK could redefine British sketch comedy for a new generation.
-
🎤 High-caliber hosts and musical guests could make it a late-night staple.
-
🌐 A globally recognized brand with local flavor? That’s a recipe for viral hits.
-
🎬 Behind-the-scenes talent like Longman and Aplin signal a strong creative vision.
The stakes are high, but the potential? Even higher.
🎉 What’s Next?
At this point, everyone’s watching to see how the casting unfolds. Who’s going to join the UK cast? Will they stick with up-and-coming comics or rope in some familiar faces from TV, TikTok, or the stand-up circuit?
And what about that all-important debut episode? No official air date has been dropped just yet, but based on the speed at which things are moving, we can expect more news sooner than later.
One thing’s for sure: the British comedy community is buzzing, and SNL UK has officially become one of the most anticipated shows on the horizon.
So, whether you're a die-hard fan of the OG Saturday Night Live or just curious to see how the format translates across the Atlantic, one thing’s clear—this is going to be one wild, hilarious, and star-studded ride.
Get ready, UK. Saturday nights are about to get a whole lot livelier.
Login