'We're with SNL UK for the long run'

Sky commits to its high-profile comedy show

Sky has said that it is committed to Saturday Night Live UK for the ‘long run’.

Season two of the show starts on September 12 for a run of six episodes, followed by more in early 2027.

And speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival today, the broadcaster’s head of unscripted programmes, Philip Edgar-Jones suggested they were set for a longer commitment.

In comments reported by Deadline, he said: ‘We’re in this for the long run, and we’re super proud of it, and super proud of the team.

‘Not to blow our own trumpet, but I think Saturday Night Live and [Amazon Prime Video’s] Last One Laughing have both shown that you can do comedy in very different ways on TV, and it can really work.

‘I knew it was going to be good when we did show zero [an unaired pilot episode] and when they said, "Live from London, it’s Saturday night" – proper goosebumps. It was fantastic.’

Edgar-Jones added that SNL has become Sky’s ‘biggest show’ among 16-34-year-old viewers. ‘It made us feel cool,’ he joked.

SNL UK is a significant financial commitment for Sky, costing a reported £2 million – more than four times as much as a traditional sketch show.

Season 2 will feature the same cast as season one: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.