‘Saturday Night Live UK’ Season 2 renewal confirmed by Sky

Saturday Night Live UK has received the go-ahead for a second season.

The inaugural season wraps up in just over a week, but Sky and Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS) were impressed enough to approve an early renewal for another season, which will feature 12 extended episodes starting in fall 2026. Episodes premiere on Peacock the day following their Sky One broadcast in the UK.

The first season's lineup included hosts such as Aimee Lou Wood, Nicola Coughlan, and Tina Fey. 

This coming Saturday, Hannah Waddingham will lead the episode, with Ncuti Gatwa closing out the season.

SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who oversees the UK version, expressed: “I take great pride in the team and the production. Each week, it improves. My gratitude goes out to [Sky boss] Dana Strong and Sky for their continued belief and support in SNL UK. I look forward to what’s to come.”

There was initial doubt within the UK comedy circles about SNL UK, but it seems many have come around to enjoying the show.

Though initial ratings were modest, the program has found favor with critics, drawn top-notch guest hosts, and achieved significant traction on social platforms. 

A Deadline report recently concluded that it surpassed 86 million views through its official social channels on YouTube, Instagram Reels, X/Twitter, and TikTok. 

Jimmy Fallon even showed up in town last month giving that week’s host Coughlan an exciting studio exploration.

SNL UK has also earned praise for highlighting younger performers, many of whom gained fame through social networks. Rising stars include George Fouracres, Al Nash, and Jack Shep.

Before the eight-part first season began, lead producer James Longman mentioned his intent to establish a legacy to Deadline.

This marks a monumental step for Sky as SNL UK is by far its priciest unscripted venture, with each installment costing millions in pounds. 

Should SNL UK become a long-standing series, it will significantly influence the annual budget at Sky. 

The broadcaster has also been approving more original dramas lately and recently finalised a scripted agreement with Canal+.

SNL UK is a collaboration between UTAS UK and Broadway Video for Sky and Now. Michaels serves as the executive producer; Erin David is a producer for Broadway Video; Helen Kruger Bratt manages production for UTAS UK. 

SNL UK was commissioned by Phil Edgar Jones, Executive Director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, for Cecile Frot Coutaz, Chief Advertising and Content Officer, Sky, and CEO Sky Studios.

Edgar Jones commented: “Many were skeptical about SNL’s UK success, yet with the dedication of Lorne Michaels, his longstanding Saturday Night Live team, UTAS UK, along with our talented cast and writers, SNL UK stands as Sky’s most talked-about series this year. It now holds a solid place in the cultural dialogue, and we're thrilled to bring the show back in Autumn, delivering joy and fun from London on Saturday nights.”