Peacock has officially obtained the streaming rights for "Saturday Night Live U.K." in the United States. This new British version of the celebrated late-night sketch comedy program from NBC will debut its episodes on Peacock the day following their initial broadcast in the U.K. on Sky One and Now. The series is slated to premiere on March 21, making it accessible to U.S. viewers weekly starting March 22. This expansion brings a fresh take on the classic format to a new audience, showcasing British comedic talent.
"Saturday Night Live U.K." mirrors the structure of its American predecessor, featuring a core ensemble of comedians, complemented by a rotating roster of guest hosts and musical performers each week. The cast includes a diverse group of talents such as Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. Behind the scenes, Jonno Johnson leads the writing team, supported by a talented group of additional writers including Celya AB, Omar Badawy, Gráinne Maguire, Laura Claxton, Chris Cantrill, James Farmer, Humphrey Ker, Omodara Olatunji, Joseph Moore, Lorna Rose Treen, Hari Kanth, Louis Waymouth, Keith Akushie, Bella Hull, Ayo Adenekan, Nathan Foad, Al Roberts, and Ellie Fulcher.
The production of "SNL U.K." is a collaborative effort between Universal Television Alternative Studio’s U.K. team and Broadway Video, specifically for Sky and Now. Lorne Michaels, a long-standing producer of the original "SNL," is an executive producer for the U.K. rendition. James Longman serves as the lead producer, with Liz Clare directing the series. Helen Kruger Bratt, managing director of UTAS U.K. Productions, oversees the unit. Shanna Baynard is the executive in charge of production, while Andy Charles Smith and Sam Salter hold roles as lead producer and production executive for UTAS U.K. Productions, respectively. The commissioning of "SNL U.K." was handled by Phil Edgar-Jones, executive director of unscripted originals, and Lisa Clark, commissioning executive at Sky, under the purview of Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and chief content officer for Sky.
Liz Jenkins, Chief Business Officer of NBCUniversal Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating that "'Saturday Night Live' is among the most influential comedy franchises globally, and introducing the U.K. version on Peacock is a natural progression of its legacy." She further added, "As the primary streaming platform for 'SNL,' Peacock is excited to bring innovative British voices to a worldwide audience."
The arrival of "Saturday Night Live U.K." on Peacock signifies a significant cultural exchange, making British comedic styles accessible to American viewers. This initiative highlights the global appeal and adaptability of the "SNL" format, ensuring that its blend of satire, current events, and musical performances continues to entertain diverse audiences worldwide. The partnership between these major entertainment entities promises a vibrant and engaging new series for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.
