'SNL' secures Canadian spot on Crave's 'Heated Rivalry' stream

Starting this autumn, SNL will have a fresh broadcasting location in Canada.

The Heated Rivalry streaming service Crave will offer streams of SNL the day after each episode is released, with a simultaneous live airing on the linear network CTV.

New episodes from the 52nd season, set to begin soon, will be added to Crave’s Saturday Night Live Collection hosted on the Bell Media platform.

Previously, the globe's most renowned variety show was broadcast on Canada's Global TV. 

This announcement closely follows Bell Media's acquisition of the new Saturday Night Live UK for Crave, having debuted last month, which is also available on Peacock in the US.

Bell Media reports that SNL is the leading unscripted show among Canadian adults aged 18-49. 

Although it is primarily an American treasure, it holds significant Canadian roots. Creator Lorne Michaels hails from Toronto, with Canadian talents like Dan Aykroyd and Mike Myers contributing in the past. 

Recently, Connor Storrie, who portrays Ilya Rozanov in the popular Heated Rivalry airing on Crave, hosted SNL. Additionally, SNL Québec, a French-Canadian rendition, was broadcast on Télé-Québec in the previous decade.

“Crave and CTV are thrilled to host Saturday Night Live in Canada,” remarked Justin Stockman, VP, Global Content at Bell Media. 

“A time-honored success for more than 50 years, the show has consistently been at the forefront of pop culture, shaping contemporary comedy. We’re excited to watch along with fans when the new season debuts on Crave and CTV.”

Sarah Weaver, Director of Content, Acquisitions & Sales for Bell Media, finalised the agreement with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.