SNL UK Sets Sept. 12 Premiere for Six-Episode Season 2

Saturday Night Live UK will return to British screens on September 12 with a six‑episode second season, according to Sky. The show, which debuted in 2022, will air on Sky One and will pause after the final episode, with a new season slated for early 2027. The announcement comes as Sky, a Comcast‑owned broadcaster, seeks regulatory approval to acquire ITV.

The UK version of the iconic American sketch show has been a test of cross‑cultural comedy. Season 1 received mixed reviews; critics praised its bold satire but noted that some jokes fell flat for a British audience. Despite the uneven reception, Sky said the show attracted a younger demographic that had not previously tuned into traditional British sketch comedy. The move also fits Sky’s broader strategy to import proven American formats and strengthen its content library ahead of the ITV takeover.

Season 2 will feature the same core cast and a mix of guest hosts, including a mix of UK and international comedians. Sky said the six‑episode run will be a “compact, high‑impact season” that will allow the writers to experiment with new formats. Viewers can expect the show to air weekly on Friday nights, a slot that historically draws strong viewership for comedy on Sky. The break after the sixth episode gives the production team time to refine the show based on audience feedback from the first season.

If the second season succeeds, Sky could extend the series beyond 2027 or even bring it to a wider ITV audience once the takeover is complete. The potential integration with ITV could also open doors for cross‑promotions with other ITV comedy staples. For viewers, the upcoming season represents a chance to see a fresh take on a beloved format, while for Sky it signals a bold move to consolidate its position in the competitive UK television market.