Saturday Night Live is making its highly anticipated debut in the United Kingdom, and the first celebrity host for the inaugural episode has been confirmed. In a move that blends transatlantic comedy talent, Tina Fey, the acclaimed American comedian and former Saturday Night Live writer, will take the helm for the launch show on March 21, 2026.
Live from London: A New Chapter in Comedy
The UK version of SNL will follow the classic format established by longtime producer Lorne Michaels, featuring a different celebrity host each week who participates in live sketches. This six-episode live run aims to showcase a new generation of British comic talent, with the iconic opening line adapted to "Live from London, it's Saturday Night Live." The show has historically launched careers of stars like Will Ferrell and Eddie Murphy in the US, and now it seeks to do the same across the pond.
Host Lineup: From Hollywood to British Stars
Tina Fey, known for her work on Rockefeller Plaza and promoting the upcoming second season of The Four Seasons on Netflix, will kick off the series. Her involvement adds a layer of prestige and continuity from the American original. Following Fey, the second episode will feature Jamie Dornan, star of The Tourist, stepping into the hosting role. While Dornan's current projects lack specific release dates, his appearance is expected to generate significant buzz.
The third host will be Riz Ahmed, who is set to promote his meta Amazon Prime Video show Bait, where he portrays an actor auditioning for James Bond. This trio of hosts represents a mix of international and local appeal, catering to diverse audience interests.
Musical Guests and Cast Details
Alongside the hosts, Sky TV has announced a lineup of musical guests to provide variety between sketches. Wet Leg will perform in the first episode, followed by Wolf Alice and then Kasabian in subsequent weeks. Notably, Harry Styles, who recently hosted and performed on SNL in New York, will not be part of the UK debut.
The SNL UK cast includes a roster of emerging comedic voices, 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. This ensemble aims to bring fresh perspectives and humor to the live format.
Broadcast Information and Industry Excitement
SNL UK will premiere on Sky and the streaming service NOW on March 21, 2026. Phil Edgar Jones OBE, executive director of unscripted originals at Sky, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We all need a laugh like never before, so we're beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US. The show's long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself."
He added that the UK version will build on this legacy with support from Lorne Michaels and a local production team, promising bright Saturday nights ahead. The show's arrival marks a significant moment in British television, blending iconic American comedy with homegrown talent for a live, unpredictable experience.
