Saturday Night Live UK renewed for season 2 despite mixed ratings

Sky confirms second season of Saturday Night Live UK for 2026 with 12 episode order after mixed ratings and ratings

Saturday Night Live UK has officially secured a second season, with Sky confirming an expanded 12 episode order set to air across autumn 2026 and early 2027. The renewal comes despite uneven ratings performance during its debut run, signalling strong internal confidence in the format and its long term potential on British television.

The series, based on the long running American sketch institution Saturday Night Live, launched with significant industry attention and a high production profile. Each episode has carried an estimated budget of around £2m, placing it among the most expensive comedy sketch productions in the United Kingdom. While viewership has fluctuated across its first season, Sky executives have continued to frame the project as a strategic flagship for the platform rather than a conventional ratings driver.

Lorne Michaels, the creator of the original US format and executive producer of the UK adaptation, expressed support for the renewal in a statement. He highlighted the creative progress of the series and the ongoing development of its ensemble cast and writing team. Michaels also thanked Sky leadership for maintaining long term backing of the production, suggesting the show is designed to evolve rather than peak immediately.

Industry observers have noted that while linear audience figures have been modest compared to free to air broadcasters such as BBC and ITV, the programme has performed more strongly in digital circulation. Several sketches have gained substantial traction on YouTube, with some clips reaching millions of views after broadcast. This online performance has become a key factor in assessing the show’s broader reach, particularly among younger audiences who increasingly consume comedy through short form platforms rather than live television.

Sky chief executive Dana Strong has previously described Saturday Night Live UK as a prestige investment and a point of pride for the broadcaster. The second season order, which was increased from earlier development plans, reflects that commitment even as ratings trends remain inconsistent.

The first season featured a rotating roster of hosts including Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Nicola Coughlan, Aimee Lou Wood, Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa. Several of these episodes generated strong social media discussion, helping the series maintain visibility beyond its overnight figures.

Despite its challenges, the renewal positions Saturday Night Live UK as one of Sky’s most ambitious comedy projects, with expectations that the expanded episode count will allow the format to stabilise and grow its audience across both broadcast and digital platforms.