The launch of Saturday Night Live UK has been hit by a significant setback mere hours after Sky unveiled its full cast lineup and premiere date. The six-part Sky Original series, scheduled to debut on Sky and NOW next month, has already sparked a polarised reaction among viewers, with bookmakers now casting serious doubt on its long-term prospects.
Premiere Plans and Cast Details
The highly anticipated programme is set to broadcast live each week, promising to deliver the unpredictable, high-energy format that made the American original a global phenomenon, but reinterpreted through a uniquely British perspective. The series is confirmed to launch on March 21, 2026.
The ensemble cast features a promising roster of comedic talent, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
Betting Markets Predict Early Demise
Despite considerable fan anticipation, leading bookmaker Coral has delivered a damning assessment of the show's longevity. The firm has quoted odds of 1-2 for the series being scrapped entirely after its inaugural run, indicating they view this outcome as more likely than not.
Coral's spokesperson, John Hill, stated bluntly: 'We are not optimistic about Saturday Night Live UK lasting very long. We make it odds-on to be scrapped after just one series.' This pessimistic forecast arrives just one day after the official cast and release date announcement, casting a shadow over the project's launch.
Fan Enthusiasm Contrasts with Professional Pessimism
In stark contrast to the bookmakers' gloomy prediction, social media platform X has been buzzing with positive reactions from excited viewers. Many have expressed strong enthusiasm for the British adaptation of the iconic sketch show.
Notable fan comments include: 'I genuinely think SNL UK has the potential to actually be way better than the yank version,' and 'wait snl uk sounds fire hello.' Others shared their personal excitement, with one user declaring: 'I AM SOO SAT FOR THE UK SNL. I'M ON FREEZE MODE TILL MARCH,' while another simply stated: 'actually so excited for snl uk.'
Further reactions celebrated the cast announcement, with one post reading: 'Omg uk SNL cast is SO GOOD,' and another quipping: 'Saw a tweet about UK SNL but my timeline refreshed. maybe god IS real and looking out for me.' The overall sentiment online suggests a dedicated audience eagerly awaiting the premiere.
Legacy and Production Vision
Saturday Night Live, the original American institution created by Lorne Michaels, has aired on NBC since 1975, amassing over 1,000 episodes across 51 seasons. The decision to create a UK version represents a major expansion of this comedy franchise.
Each episode will follow the established format, featuring a new guest host paired with a chart-topping musical guest performing live. Lead producer James Longman expressed confidence in the project, saying: 'The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have, they’re bold, exciting and of course, incredibly funny. The chemistry between them is something special and we can’t wait to share this funny group of people with the world.'
Phil Edgar Jones OBE, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, added his endorsement: 'We all need a laugh like never before, so we’re beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US. The show’s long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself, and this UK version will build on that legacy with the support of Lorne Michaels, a brilliant local production team, and an exciting new generation of voices. Saturday nights are looking bright!'
The stage is now set for a dramatic launch next month, with the show's future already under intense scrutiny from both optimistic fans and sceptical betting markets.
