For 50 years, Saturday Night Live has made Americans laugh and launched the careers of big comedy names like Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig. Now, Sky is hoping to replicate its success in the UK, with legendary SNL creator Lorne Michaels set to executive produce the new series.
With an all-British cast, this iteration will burst onto our screens in 2026 – and it needs fresh and funny talent. So, how do you get cast on Saturday Night Live UK? Let’s take a look.
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Saturday Night Live, or SNL, is a comedy showcase featuring sketches, topical comedy, and musical performances. It was created by Michaels back in 1975 and is still going strong. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity who acts in the sketches and performs a monologue at the start of each show. Recent hosts have included Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, and Walton Goggins.
Last month, Sky announced SNL UK, saying the series will stay true to the original’s “live, fast-paced style,” and will feature a “star-studded lineup of hosts” and a cast chock-full of “the funniest British comedians around.” Most of the American SNL cast members were unknowns before they auditioned for the show, so it’s likely the UK producers (Suzi Aplin has been rumoured, with James Longman as showrunner) will go looking for fresh young talent rather than established names.
According to a recent article in Broadcast, a casting plan has already been sent out to the UK comedy community.
Potential SNL performers were asked to evidence strong sketch and improv backgrounds and live comedy experience. Producers reportedly want “original characters and impressions that showcase your range,” and are looking for both writers and cast members who are available from January to April 2026.
Applicants have been invited to submit three sketches – a topical piece, a parody, and a piece that showcases their comedic voice. They want wannabe cast members to send a self-tape of no more than five minutes, in which they “demonstrate material that best shows off their strengths, whether that be character, music, impression, narrative, or topical.” Established acts are also requested to submit self-tapes “out of fairness.”
Check out these guides to nailing those all-important auditions:
Credit: Will Heath/NBC
Make your first stop the casting calls on Backstage. Be sure to check Sky’s press office and its socials. SNL UK will be made by Broadway Video and Universal Television Alternative Studio, so keep an eye on those sites, as well.
Remember to watch the US original SNL. There are plenty of clips on YouTube – over 50 years worth to be exact! Plus, try and immerse yourself in the UK comedy community. Check out sites like Chortle and British Comedy Guide for more information. Most importantly, practice shouting “Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!”
Good luck and watch out for castings and further insights into SNL here:
