When Saturday Night Live first hit American airwaves in 1975, few could have predicted it would become a decades-spanning institution. Now, over 50 seasons later, the franchise has taken a bold leap across the Atlantic—and it's paying off in a big way. SNL UK, which premiered on Sky in March 2026, has just been renewed for a second season, silencing critics who doubted the format could work outside the U.S.
The debut season, executive produced by Lorne Michaels himself, consisted of eight episodes, with two still to air (hosted by Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa). Despite early skepticism from longtime SNL fans and pundits who feared a watered-down copycat, the show proved its mettle. The premiere drew 226,000 viewers, and consistent weekly numbers—along with viral sketches and an 88% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes—made the renewal a no-brainer for Sky.
A Bigger, Bolder Season 2
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Season 2 will expand to 12 episodes, airing from September 2026 into early 2027. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and the show,” Michaels said in the announcement. “It keeps getting better every week. I’m grateful to Dana Strong and Sky for believing in and supporting SNL U.K.” The cast—featuring standout “Weekend Update” anchors Paddy Young and Ania Magliano, along with Jack Shep, George Fouracres, Hammed Animashaun, and Emma Sidi—has yet to be confirmed for the new season, but the show’s momentum suggests most will return.
This renewal isn’t just a vote of confidence; it’s a signal that the SNL formula can thrive beyond American borders. The show’s success mirrors the enduring appeal of other British exports that have found U.S. audiences, like Death in Paradise, which recently climbed Prime Video charts.
British Humor, Global Appeal
One of the biggest fears about SNL UK was that the show’s humor was too American to translate. But the series leaned into its British identity, crafting sketches about local politicians and cultural touchstones rather than recycling U.S. material. “What I always come back to is we’re trying to make a funny show,” producer James Longman told IndieWire. “But it just happens we have a very British perspective on a lot of things.”
That approach has paid off. Sky’s Executive Director of unscripted originals, Phil Edgar-Jones, called SNL UK “Sky’s most talked about show of the year” and noted it’s “firmly part of the cultural conversation.” The show has filled a gap in British TV for live sketch comedy, a format that had been largely absent for years.
The success of SNL UK also underscores the power of streaming and live events in today’s entertainment landscape. Just as Tom Hanks' 'Greyhound' proved its staying power on Apple TV+, SNL UK is proving that live comedy can still capture audiences in a digital age.
What’s Next for the SNL Empire?
With Season 2 locked in, SNL UK has room to grow and refine its voice. The show is already carving out its own identity, distinct from the original series, and the longer episode order suggests Sky is betting big on its future. For Lorne Michaels, the gamble has paid off once again—proving that even after 50 years, the SNL brand can still surprise us.
As the show continues to find its footing, it’s clear that SNL UK isn’t just a novelty; it’s a legitimate hit that’s here to stay. And for fans of live comedy on both sides of the pond, that’s something to celebrate.
