
It’s not quite the 20 episodes a season we’ve come to expect from the US mothership, but it’s a start. British trade paper Broadcast is reporting that the UK adaptation of Saturday Night Live has received an initial order of six episodes.
Per Broadcast, SNL UK’s first season could be extended if the show proves popular.
While six shows may seem like a short order, a few of SNL’s international adaptations have had shorter lifespans over the years. France’s Le Saturday Night Live, which was intended as a handful of specials rather than a weekly show, aired only one episode in 2017. Italy’s second go at an adaptation, SNL Italy, lasted barely more than a month in 2018.
Broadcast also notes that SNL UK will likely air earlier than 11:30pm, noting that a US-style late-night TV culture has eluded the UK.
Still, it appears SNL UK is seeking to mirror the American format as much as possible. Unlike past foreign adaptions of the show, Lorne Michaels is expected to have a hands-on role in the London-based version. A casting call revealed that the show is also operating within the same ethos as the US version, with an eye to fresh faces rather than “super established” talent, plus political comedians that are presumably intended for a UK version of Weekend Update.
Those throwing their hat into the ring were asked to submit a self-tape featuring characters, impressions, and other material by May 9th.
Saturday Night Live U.K. is expected to premiere in 2026 on Sky Max and the streaming service Now.