Incluidng Daran Jonno Johnson of Sheeps as head writer

The key players producing the UK version of Saturday Night Live have been announced.

The series is coming to Sky next year and promises to follow the same format as the original US institution, with a new generation of comedy players in the core cast, alongside guest hosts and musical performances. 

As previously announced, Lorne Michaels, who created the  NBC series 50 years ago, leads as executive producer of the London-based adaptation.

James Longman will serve as lead producer, Liz Clare joins as director and Daran Jonno Johnson – of sketch group Sheeps –  takes on the role of head writer.

The cast and full writing team are yet to be announced.

Longman’s credits include The Late Late Show with James Corden, where he oversaw the comedy side of the show and produced sketches and segments featuring the likes of Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise and President Biden. 

His previous work includes Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, and The Friday Night Project.

He said: ‘ 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 using our amazing on screen and off-screen talent, along with a tremendous investment in UK production, is a massive honour.’

Clare has directed some of the most-watched live broadcasts of recent years, including An Audience with Adele, The Brit Awards, Britain’s Got Talent and Glastonbury coverage.

Johnson is one third of Sheeps with Liam Williams  and Al Roberts. His writing credits include Wedding Season for Disney+, Parlement for France.tv and Siblings for the BBC. He also works as a composer and lyricist and was behind last year’s release of A Very Sheeps Christmas as well as the 2016 alternative pantomime Ricky Whittington. 

Saturday Night Live UK will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio  UK and Broadway Video. Shanna Baynard will serve as executive in charge of production, Andy ​Smith is the lead producer for UTAS UK Productions alongside production executive Sam Salter.

Published: 13 Nov 2025