Saturday Night Live UK is being extended to eight episodes.
Originally planned for six live episodes on Sky in the UK, the decision has now been made to supersize with another two 75-minute shows. The first ep debuts tomorrow night (March 21) at 10pm UK local time, with anticipation building ahead of launch.
Tina Fey is hosting the inaugural episode, with Wet Leg being the musical guest. Jamie Dornan and the Riz Ahmed will host the following two episodes, with Wolf Alice and Kasabian providing the music.
They will join SNL UK‘s debut cast: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
In the U.S., Sky’s Comcast cousin Peacock has the streaming rights.
Earlier this week, Sky CEO Dana Strong promised the show was “bringing one of the world’s most iconic shows and making it British,” while making “a major investment in the UK comedy ecosystem.” Lead producer James Longman added the production had “borrowed the U.S. house” and was “building our own rooms.”
It has been some time since a sketch show with the ambition of SNL was attempted in the UK.
SNL UK is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. SNL creator Lorne Michaels is executive producing, Longman will serve as Lead Producer, Liz Clare as Director and Daran Jonno Johnson takes on the role of Head Writer.