Saturday Night Live UK is proving that it doesn't need to match the American original's massive numbers to make its mark. The British spin-off, produced by Lorne Michaels, hit a new Season 2 ratings milestone with its October 24 episode, hosted by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo. The show attracted 116,000 overnight viewers, making it the biggest non-sports program on British pay TV that day—a clear sign that the series is slowly but surely finding its footing.
While overnight ratings only tell part of the story, this latest figure is a welcome boost for a show that has spent its first year trying to win over audiences. The mid-season finale's performance suggests that SNL UK is moving beyond the initial curiosity of seeing an American institution get a British makeover. After two seasons of tweaking its format and honing its comedic voice, the series has reason to feel optimistic about its future.
SNL UK's Ratings Journey: From Debut to Season 2 High
The show's path to this milestone hasn't been smooth. Season 1 kicked off in March 2026 with Tina Fey as host, drawing a strong 226,000 overnight viewers, according to Sky TV. But numbers steadily declined, with the season finale featuring Ncuti Gatwa pulling just 86,420 viewers, partly due to clashing with the Eurovision Song Contest.
Season 2, which began in September, started with lower figures—Jeff Goldblum's episode brought in 105,000, while Jamie Demetriou's managed 139,600. However, the numbers have fluctuated, and the October 24 episode's 116,000 is particularly impressive given the competition. It shows that SNL UK can hold its own in a crowded TV landscape, even if it hasn't yet become a weekly must-watch for the masses.
Cynthia Erivo's 'Nigerian Wicked' Sketch Shows the Show's Unique Voice
Ratings alone don't explain why SNL UK is starting to feel more confident. Look no further than Erivo's episode, which featured a standout sketch called "Nigerian Wicked," a Nollywood-inspired parody of the hit musical and film. Written by cast member Ayoade Bamgboye, the sketch reimagines Glinda and Elphaba as Nigerian witches heading to "LagOz" to meet the Wizard.
Erivo plays Glinda, who's after a Birkin bag, while Bamgboye's Elphaba dreams of a "skinny BBL" that defies gravity. The humor is rooted in cultural specifics—like the "Emerald, White, and Emerald City" referencing the Nigerian flag, and the Wizard (played by Hammed Animashaun) sporting a "Nolex" instead of a Rolex. It's a ridiculous premise, but it's delivered with the kind of originality that makes sketch comedy feel fresh. The sketch doesn't just rely on familiar Wicked references; it builds a whole new comic world around them.
This approach highlights the strength of a cast and writing team willing to draw on their own experiences and cultural touchstones, setting the British version apart from its American counterpart. And the payoff extends beyond the broadcast—clips from "Nigerian Wicked" quickly racked up millions of views on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. That digital buzz is crucial for a show whose younger viewers might discover sketches online rather than watch live.
Building an Identity Beyond the Original
Since SNL UK's debut, comparisons to the U.S. show have been inevitable. The format is similar—A-list host, musical guest, sketches, and a Weekend Update segment—but the British version has worked to make it feel local. Sketches reference British TV personalities, public figures, and cultural quirks, rather than just importing American jokes. That specificity might limit some appeal abroad, but it gives the show a reason to exist beyond nostalgia.
The first season received a mixed but generally encouraging critical response, with the ensemble of British comedians gaining exposure. Weekend Update hosts Ania Magliano and Paddy Young became fan favorites, and the cast has continued to develop their chemistry in Season 2.
Now, as the show wraps the first half of its 12-episode second season, the remaining six episodes are set to air in January and February 2027. The question is whether SNL UK can sustain this momentum. Overnight audiences are still modest, and one strong episode doesn't guarantee a trend. But the show's growing confidence, combined with viral moments like "Nigerian Wicked," suggests it's building a loyal following. As the novelty fades, it's the show's unique voice and shareable sketches that will keep viewers coming back. If SNL UK keeps delivering that, this ratings milestone might be just the beginning.
