British humor has never asked for permission. It ambles in late, insults the room, and somehow leaves crowned king by closing time. From the anarchic nonsense of Monty Python’s Flying Circus to the soul-crushing awkwardness of The Office. From Blackadder’s historical savagery to the pub-room cynicism of Only Fools and Horses, the UK has spent decades perfecting comedy that bites first and apologizes never. 

Which is why the next part feels almost heretical. America’s most mythologized comedy institution, Saturday Night Live is finally coming to the UK. After 50 years of live television chaos, cultural resets, and careers launched mid-sketch, NBC’s legendary show is crossing the Atlantic for its first-ever British incarnation. A full, live Saturday Night Live UK.

But who gets to stand on that stage and represent British comedy to a global audience?

As Deadline exclusively revealed, Saturday Night Live UK has locked in its inaugural ensemble of 11 performers. 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. 

There is stand-up standout Larry Dean, Taskmaster favorite Ania Magliano, theatre-to-television presence Emma Sidi, and many others who have cut their teeth on shows British audiences know well. 

Plans for the British version were officially confirmed last April, with the six-episode first season set to premiere on Sky on March 21. Episodes will air weekly and stream on NOW, positioning the show as both appointment television and binge-friendly experiment — a rare thing for live comedy in 2026.

'SNL's 'Stranger Things' Sketch Sparks Controversy with S-- Joke

This cast is about stress-testing British comedy in a format that thrives on failure, speed, and public risk. Some will soar. Some will crash. That’s the point.

In a statement, as per Deadline, lead producer James Longman said,

“The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have, they’re bold, exciting and of course incredibly funny….” 

That optimism mirrors the spirit of SNL’s original US run, a live, unpredictable experiment that’s been on air since 1975 and remains a cornerstone of comedy. 

The show will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK team alongside Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video. Michaels remains executive producer, with Longman as lead producer, Liz Clare as director, and Daran Jonno Johnson as head writer. 

As the UK braces for its first Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!, audiences should expect sketches that lean into British social currents with a wink and a nod, and maybe a few guest hosts and musical acts that surprise. 

Why Are People Cancelling Netflix? What Has Gotten the Streaming Population Upset?

Are you ready to laugh live? Share your thoughts on what you hope SNL UK will deliver in its historic debut.