“Saturday Night Live UK,” the first official British adaptation of the legendary sketch series, has set an Australian release date.
The six-episode season will stream weekly on HBO Max Australia from Monday, March 23rd, bringing a London-based version of the iconic format to audiences for the first time.
Filmed live each week, the series promises to retain the fast-paced, topical spirit that has defined the original show for five decades, while introducing a distinctly British comedic voice.
Like its American predecessor, each episode will feature a celebrity guest host, a musical performance, and a slate of sketches written and staged within the same week. The format will also include a localised take on the franchise’s signature satirical news segment, Weekend Update.
The inaugural episode will be hosted by “Saturday Night Live” alum Tina Fey, with musical guest Wet Leg.
Fey will be followed by Fifty Shades star Jamie Dornan and musical guest Wolf Alice on March 28th (episode to be released March 30th in Australia), then Riz Ahmed and Kasabian on April 4th (April 6th for Australia).
The inaugural ensemble features 11 emerging comedians drawn from across the UK’s stand-up and performance scenes. The cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.
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The project marks the first official British adaptation of “Saturday Night Live,” the long-running NBC series that debuted in 1975 and has helped launch the careers of some of the most influential comedians in modern entertainment. Series creator Lorne Michaels will be executive producer on the UK version. The production is led by James Longman as lead producer, with Liz Clare directing and Daran ‘Jonno’ Johnson serving as head writer.
The series is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team and Broadway Video, in association with Sky Group and NOW.