Ready, set, laugh — hit American comedy show Saturday Night Live will finally air on UK screens, Sky recently announced in a press release.
For the past decade or so, fans tuning in to Saturday Night Live from across the pond have been stuck with a few options: pirating it (which is illegal), using a VPN or watching YouTube highlights (which just isn’t the same). But luckily, things are about to change. Come 2020, Sky will broadcast full-length episodes of the US comedy titan.
Saturday Night Live (known as SNL) is a long-standing late-night variety series. It first premiered on NBC in 1975. The show features comedy sketches that often parody pop culture and current politics. Episodes feature a wide array of new and recurring cast members plus celebrity guests.
Breeding Comedy Genius
Saturday Night Live has been home to some of the funniest comedians in the business. It has also been responsible for some of the funniest satirical sketches and parodies on TV. Many film and television stars caught their big break on SNL including John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The list goes on to include Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Brie Larson.
Mike Meyers also appeared on SNL early in his screen career. He was cast on the show in 1989. His sketch called ‘Sprockets’ and an early version of ‘Wayne’s World’ proved highly popular. He went on to star in the Wayne’s World film franchise, followed by Austin Powers and Shrek.
The current generation of repertory players includes Michael Che, Mikey Day, and SNL‘s longest-serving cast member Kenan Thompson (you will remember him from Nick’s Kenan & Kel).
How to catch SNL
Saturday Night Live will make its UK return on brand new channel Sky Comedy, which is set to launch February 2020. According to Sky, the channel will be dedicated to importing premium comedy picks. Stay tuned for a precise SNL air date and time.
Several exciting programs from HBO, NBC, and Showtime will also appear on Sky‘s new channel. Programmes include Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ballers. Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will also make their debut UK broadcasts on Sky Comedy.
For viewers more interested in the crime genre, tune into Sky Crime. This new Sky channel will launch in October, bringing premium US content to UK screens.
Upcoming Sky Crime shows include In Defense Of, I Love You, Now Die and The Disappearance of Susan Cox Powell.
Learn more about new channels Sky Comedy and Sky Crime, and what shows they will feature here.