Entertainment
British version of Saturday Night Live ‘in development’ at Sky as ‘comedians line up to be cast’
Pete Davidson and Colin Jost are cast members in the US (Picture: Will Heath/NBCU/Getty Images)
A British version of famed American skit show Saturday Night Live is reportedly in the works at Sky, with comedians ‘lining up’ for a chance to be cast.
SNL, which first launched in 1975, has provided a platform for numerous comics to gain international renown, including Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy and Kate McKinnon.
The programme has been adapted for different versions around the world, in countries including Germany, South Korea, Spain and Japan, among many others.
It has now been claimed that a UK iteration is in the early stages of development at Sky, which is owned by Comcast, the company that also owns NBC, the channel on which SNL airs in the US.
According to Deadline, representatives for SNL are said to be in London discussing the details of the deal with Sky.
It’s also believed that comedians are ‘lining up to be involved’, with entertainment circles in the UK aflutter over the news.
Kim Kardashian recently hosted the show (Picture: Rosalind O’Connor/NBCU/Getty Images)
In the US, SNL airs on a weekly basis at 11.30pm at night, so it’s currently uncertain whether the British version would be released at a similar time or earlier in the evening.
Just last year, full episodes of SNL began airing on Sky Comedy, with clips having previously only been available to watch in the UK on YouTube.
The series was also shown on ITV4 for a short while 15 years ago.
This week, global singing icon Billie Eilish will serve as both host and performer on SNL, having previously performed a track on the show in 2019.
The following week, Ant-Man star Paul Rudd will host, with Charlie XCX set to perform.
Considering the style of humour used on SNL is so paramount to its success, it’s uncertain how that will translate if a British version is made.
More: US TV news
Will the UK iteration of SNL take after other shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mock The Week? Or will it take inspiration from its American counterpart?
Share what you think about the prospect of a British SNL below.
Metro.co.uk has contacted Sky and NBC for comment.
Saturday Night Live airs on NBC in the US.
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