Sky's 'SNL UK' Assembles Dream Team: Get Ready to Laugh, Britain, in 2026!

'Saturday Night Live UK' Assembles Dream Team Ahead of 2026 Debut

Sky's 'SNL UK' Assembles Dream Team: Get Ready to ...

Sky's highly anticipated adaptation of the iconic American sketch comedy show, 'Saturday Night Live UK,' is gearing up for its 2026 launch with the announcement of its core creative team. The team combines seasoned professionals from both sides of the Atlantic, signaling a serious commitment to bringing the legendary format to British audiences.

Key Appointments Announced

Daran Jonno Johnson, known for his writing on the Disney+ series 'Wedding Season' and his work with sketch group Sheeps, has been appointed as Head Writer. Johnson's diverse background, which also includes composing and writing for shows like 'Parlement' and 'Siblings,' suggests a wide-ranging comedic sensibility that could be crucial to the show's success.

Liz Clare, a veteran live TV director with an impressive resume that includes directing the BAFTA Film Awards, An Audience with Adele, and Glastonbury, will serve as Series Director. Clare's experience in managing the complexities of live broadcasts will be invaluable in capturing the spontaneity and energy that define 'SNL.'

Leading the Charge: James Longman

Perhaps the most significant appointment is that of James Longman as Lead Producer. Longman, formerly the Executive Producer of 'The Late Late Show with James Corden,' brings a wealth of experience in late-night television production. His time in Los Angeles, coupled with his previous work on UK shows like 'Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and 'Alan Carr: Chatty Man,' positions him perfectly to bridge the gap between the American and British comedic landscapes.

Longman expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "After several years in LA, it’s amazing to come back home to such a vibrant and exciting live comedy scene. Saturday Night Live has set the bar for live sketch comedy for half a century, and to help bring that legacy to London…is a massive honour."

The series will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s (UTAS) UK production team and Broadway Video for Sky and Now. Sky's executive director of unscripted originals, Phil Edgar-Jones, has previously stated his desire for the show to be a source of "chaos" and "noise," suggesting a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of live comedy. The show will be filmed in a BBC Studioworks facility, aiming to capture the intimate feel of the original NBC version. With talent scouts actively seeking fresh comedic voices at events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 'Saturday Night Live UK' is poised to inject a fresh dose of satire and entertainment into British television.