Saturday Night Live UK Renewed for Second Season by Sky

Key facts

• Saturday Night Live UK has been commissioned for a second series.
• Sky has ordered 12 more episodes for the upcoming season.
• The second series is scheduled to air between autumn 2026 and early 2027.
• Hannah Waddingham is set to host an upcoming episode on May 9th.
• Ncuti Gatwa will host the season finale on May 16th.
• Each episode of the first series had a budget of approximately £2 million.
• Episode 5, hosted by Nicola Coughlan, drew 130,000 viewers.
• Episode 6, hosted by Aimee Lou Wood, garnered 143,700 viewers.

Sky Commissions Second Season of Saturday Night Live UK

Sky has confirmed that Saturday Night Live UK will return for a second series, ordering 12 additional episodes of the British adaptation of the iconic NBC late-night comedy program. This renewal comes as the show's inaugural season nears its conclusion, having featured a string of high-profile hosts and musical guests. The new season is slated to broadcast between autumn 2026 and early 2027, continuing on Sky One and the streaming service NOW. The decision signals a significant investment and belief in the show's potential within the UK market, despite initial doubts about its viability. "It’s fair to say people doubted SNL would work in the UK," stated Phil Edgar Jones OBE, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky. He credited the show's success to "Lorne Michaels, his longtime Saturday Night Live producing team and UTAS UK, alongside our brilliant cast and writers," adding that SNL UK is "Sky’s most talked about show of the year."

A Star-Studded Debut Season Nears Its End

The first series of Saturday Night Live UK has been a notable event in British television, broadcasting live from London. Notable hosts have included Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Nicola Coughlan, and Aimee Lou Wood. These episodes have aimed to capture the spontaneous energy and comedic flair of the original American format. As the current season wraps up, two more episodes remain. This Saturday, May 9th, will see actress Hannah Waddingham take the hosting duties, accompanied by musical guest Myles Smith. The season finale is scheduled for May 16th, with "Doctor Who" star Ncuti Gatwa hosting, featuring musical guest Holly Humberstone. The show's production is a collaborative effort, produced by UTAS UK and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. Lorne Michaels serves as executive producer, with Erin David producing for Broadway Video and Helen Kruger Bratt overseeing production for UTAS UK. The commission was driven by Phil Edgar Jones for Sky, under the purview of Cecile Frot Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer.

Executive Confidence Amidst Ratings Fluctuations

of rocky ratings, Sky executives have expressed strong satisfaction with the show's performance and cultural impact. Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live and executive producer of the UK version, conveyed his pride in the team and gratitude to Sky for their support. "I’m incredibly proud of our team and the show. I’m grateful to Dana Strong and Sky for believing in and supporting ‘SNL U.K.’," Michaels stated. Sky CEO Dana Strong has been a vocal champion of the series, describing it as "a point of pride for me." Her commitment was evident when she attended the taping of Episode 5, hosted by Nicola Coughlan, which aired after a one-week hiatus. The show has also attracted attention from other Comcast executives and collaborators visiting London. While the show's ratings have seen fluctuations, there are signs of recovery. Episode 5, hosted by Nicola Coughlan, attracted 130,000 viewers, and Episode 6, with Aimee Lou Wood as host, garnered 143,700 viewers. These figures, though modest by some standards, appear sufficient to warrant a second season order.

Significant Budget and Transatlantic Connections

Saturday Night Live UK operates with a substantial budget, with each episode of the first series costing approximately £2 million (or $2.6 million). This figure is considered exceptionally high for a British comedy sketch series, underscoring Sky's commitment to the program's quality and production values. The show has also benefited from strong ties to its American parent. "SNL" alum Tina Fey hosted the inaugural episode, and Jimmy Fallon made a guest appearance in Episode 5. Michaels and fellow alum Seth Meyers were instrumental in the show's development, with Michaels remaining actively involved. This transatlantic support network, combined with a significant financial backing, has positioned SNL UK as a flagship entertainment program for Sky. The decision to renew for a second season, despite the challenges of adapting a live, weekly format for a new audience, highlights the broadcaster's long-term vision for the show.

Cultural Impact and Future Expectations

Phil Edgar Jones noted that SNL UK has "now firmly part of the cultural conversation," a testament to its ability to generate discussion and engagement. The show's return is anticipated to bring "laughter and mischief to our audiences, live from London on a Saturday night!" The renewal order for 12 episodes indicates a stable platform for the show over the next broadcast year. The timing of the second season, spanning autumn 2026 and early 2027, suggests a strategic programming choice by Sky. As the first season concludes, the focus shifts to the upcoming hosts, Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa, and the anticipation for what the second season will bring. The show's ability to attract major talent and maintain executive backing suggests a promising, albeit challenging, future.

The bottom line

• Sky has officially renewed Saturday Night Live UK for a second season, ordering 12 new episodes.
• The second season is scheduled to air in autumn 2026 and early 2027.
• Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa are set to host the final two episodes of the current season.
• The British adaptation of the NBC comedy showcase operates with a significant budget of approximately £2 million per episode.
• Despite initial ratings concerns, Sky executives have expressed strong support and confidence in the show's cultural impact.
• The renewal underscores Sky's commitment to the program and its potential within the UK entertainment landscape.