HBO Max today confirmed that the highly anticipated Saturday Night Live UK — a bold British reimagining of the long-running US comedy institution — will premiere in Australia on Monday, 23 March, only on HBO Max. The six‑episode series, produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW, will stream exclusively on HBO Max Australia.
Filmed live each week in London, SNL UK will bring the high-energy, topical, unpredictable format of the original NBC series — featuring a brand-new ensemble of rising comedy talent.
The inaugural 11-member cast includes some of the UK’s most exciting and fast-emerging comedic voices:
- Hammed Animashaun
- Ayoade Bamgboye
- Larry Dean
- Celeste Dring
- George Fouracres
- Ania Magliano
- Annabel Marlow
- Al Nash
- Jack Shep
- Emma Sidi
- Paddy Young
Photo Credit: Charlotte Rutherford/SNL UK
The series marks the first official British adaptation of the US late‑night comedy staple, which for five decades has launched some of the biggest names in entertainment. Like its American counterpart, SNL UK will feature a weekly celebrity guest host, a musical performer, live sketches written and staged within the same week, and a London-flavoured take on “Weekend Update.”
Lorne Michaels is executive producing, James Longman will serve as Lead Producer, Liz Clare as Director and Daran Jonno Johnson takes on the role of Head Writer. UTAS UK Productions is overseen by Managing Director Helen Kruger Bratt. Shanna Baynard will serve as Executive in Charge of Production, Andy Charles Smith is the Lead Producer for UTAS UK Productions alongside Sam Salter, Production Executive.
Saturday Night Live UK has announced that Tina Fey, celebrated for her era-defining years as head writer and cast member on the US version, will host the launch episode of Tina will be joined by a chart-topping musical guest, Isle of Wight indie sensations Wet Leg.
On Monday 30 March, critically acclaimed Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan (Belfast) will be joined by the BRIT Award-winning band Wolf Alice. Then, on Monday 6 April, Academy Award®-winning British actor Riz Ahmed (Bait, Hamlet) will be joined by titans of rock Kasabian.
Each 75-minute episode will see a different host take to the stage alongside SNL UK’s inaugural cast: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
Saturday Night Live UK will make its Australian debut on Monday, 23 March, only on HBO Max
