‘SNL UK’ season 2 gets September premiere as new trailer teases another chaotic run

Saturday Night Live UK is officially returning for its second season, and the Sky comedy is coming back with a bigger order after its debut run earlier this year. The British adaptation of the long running American sketch series will premiere its second season on September 12 on Sky and NOW, with six new episodes confirmed for the initial run. Additional episodes are planned for early 2027.

A new trailer has also been released, giving viewers another glimpse at the fast paced sketches, celebrity appearances and topical humour expected from the upcoming episodes. Like the first season, the programme will continue with a different celebrity host and musical guest each week, alongside live performances and a British version of the iconic "Weekend Update" segment.

The confirmed September and October episodes are scheduled for September 12, September 19, September 26, October 10, October 17 and October 24. The split schedule means viewers will get the first six episodes before the series returns with further instalments in early 2027.

One of the biggest pieces of news is that the entire inaugural cast is returning. Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young are all set to reprise their roles. The decision keeps the ensemble intact as the show moves into its second season.

There are also changes behind the scenes. Laura Claxton is stepping up as co head writer alongside Jonno Johnson, who remains head writer. Liz Clare is returning to direct, while Heather MacVean joins the production as costume designer. Sinead Oldnall will oversee onscreen talent for the UK production.

The expanded order follows Sky's decision in May to renew Saturday Night Live UK for 12 additional episodes. The first season originally had an order of six episodes before being extended to eight, while the second season was commissioned for 12 episodes from the outset. Sky said at the time that the show had become one of its most talked about programmes.

The British version is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio's UK arm and Broadway Video, the company founded by Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. Michaels continues as an executive producer, with James Longman leading production.

The first season launched in March with Tina Fey as host and Wet Leg as the musical guest. Subsequent episodes featured hosts including Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, Jack Whitehall, Nicola Coughlan, Aimee Lou Wood, Hannah Waddingham and Ncuti Gatwa.

With the original cast returning and the episode order increasing, season 2 gives SNL UK another opportunity to establish its own identity while retaining the live format that connects it to its American counterpart. The series will return to Sky and NOW on September 12.