Remaking a beloved TV show is a risky business. Fans have opinions before a single frame is shot, and the pressure to honor the original while carving out a new identity is immense. For Saturday Night Live UK, the challenge was even bigger: adapting one of the most American institutions for a British audience. Yet, against all odds, the show has not only survived but thrived, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following.
When Collider spoke with actor Rafe Spall about his Apple TV series Trying, he couldn't help but praise the UK spin-off. “In a world that has so many bad things going on, it’s nice to have a surprise every now and again, and one of them is that SNL UK turned out to be really good,” he said. He admitted that the British public was ready to dismiss it, with the media “sharpening their knives” before the March premiere. But the show's success has been a pleasant shock, and Spall even expressed interest in hosting if given the chance.
After its first season wrapped in May, SNL UK has silenced its critics. It took home Best Comedy at the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival, beating out veteran acts like Alan Partridge and Guz Khan. Additionally, Jack Shep's unhinged portrayal of Princess Diana in “The Last Supper” won TV Moment of the Year. These accolades prove that the show is more than just a copycat—it's a comedy force in its own right.
Finding Its Own Voice
The key to SNL UK's success lies in its cast. Rather than trying to replicate the American original's iconic characters, the 11 ensemble members have developed their own rhythms and personas. From Ania Magliano and Paddy Young's Weekend Update desk antics to Shep's unforgettable Diana, the show has created moments that feel uniquely British and refreshingly original. As Spall noted, the format may be familiar, but the people inside it are anything but.
This individuality is what sets SNL UK apart. It's not about being the UK's answer to the US show; it's about being a comedy show that happens to share a name. The cast's chemistry and willingness to take risks have made each episode a must-watch, and the audience is responding.
A Big Bet That Paid Off
Sky took a significant gamble on SNL UK, with each 75-minute episode reportedly costing around £2 million—more than four times the budget of a typical sketch show. But the investment is paying off. The show has become Sky's biggest hit among 16-to-34-year-olds, a demographic that's crucial for any network. Philip Edgar-Jones, Sky's director, expressed pride in the show's success, noting that it and Prime Video's Last One Laughing prove comedy can be done in innovative ways on TV.
Winning Best Comedy at the Edinburgh TV Festival was a game-changer. It signaled that SNL UK is being taken seriously as British comedy, not just a novelty remake. The show's second season, premiering September 12 on Sky and streaming the next day on Peacock in the US, doesn't have to prove anything anymore. It just needs to keep delivering the laughs and letting its talented cast shine.
For fans of sketch comedy, SNL UK is a breath of fresh air. It's a show that respects its roots but isn't afraid to branch out. As it enters its sophomore season, it's clear that this British spin-off has found its footing—and it's here to stay.
