Saturday Night Live UK has secured a second series, with 12 new episodes set to air, just as its debut season concludes next weekend. The show, which launched in the UK earlier this year after over 50 years in the United States, has quickly become a cultural talking point.
Upcoming Episodes and Hosts
The series airs live from London on Saturdays at 10pm on Sky and NOW. This coming Saturday, May 2, actress Aimee Lou Wood will host, joined by singer-songwriter MNEK. BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham will host the penultimate episode, while Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa closes the series on May 16.
Second Series Confirmation
Sky has confirmed that the show will return as early as autumn. Executive producer Lorne Michaels expressed pride in the team, stating, 'I'm incredibly proud of our team and the show. It keeps getting better every week. I'm excited for the season ahead.' Phil Edgar Jones, Sky's executive director of unscripted originals, added, 'It's fair to say people doubted SNL would work in the UK, but thanks to Lorne Michaels, his longtime Saturday Night Live producing team and UTAS UK, alongside our brilliant cast and writers, SNL UK is Sky's most talked about show of the year. It's now firmly part of the cultural conversation and we're thrilled the show will be returning in the autumn, bringing laughter and mischief to our audiences, live from London on a Saturday night!'
Cast and Performances
The UK cast includes newcomers Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. Musical guests for the first series have included Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Kasabian, Jorja Smith, and Foo Fighters.
Overcoming Early Doubts
Earlier this year, SNL UK faced skepticism, with bookmakers predicting odds of 1-2 for it to be scrapped before the first series aired. Coral's John Hill commented, 'We are not optimistic about Saturday Night Live UK lasting very long. We make it odds-on to be scrapped after just one series.' However, fans embraced the show, with one saying on X, 'UK SNL? FINALLY.' Another added, 'I genuinely think SNL UK has the potential to actually be way better than the yank version.'
Background and Controversy
Saturday Night Live, created by Lorne Michaels, has been a staple of American television since 1975, with over 1,000 episodes across 51 seasons. The UK version launched on March 21 on Sky and NOW. Earlier this month, the show poked fun at Kanye West's UK ban, with host Jack Whitehall in a sketch. West's visa was cancelled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, barring him from performing at Wireless Festival. Sir Keir Starmer supported the decision, stating West 'should never have been invited to headline Wireless.' The festival was subsequently cancelled.
