Saturday Night Live UK Launches with Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, and Riz Ahmed as Initial Hosts

The highly anticipated UK adaptation of the iconic American sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), is set to premiere tonight on Sky and streaming service Now. The six-episode series boasts a stellar lineup of initial hosts, including Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, and Riz Ahmed, alongside musical performances from Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, and Kasabian.

Premiere Lineup and Schedule

Tina Fey, a veteran of the US version of SNL as both a writer and cast member, will kick off the series tonight, March 21, 2026, with indie band Wet Leg providing the musical accompaniment. BBC News reports the show will air live every Saturday at 22:00 on Sky.

Irish actor Jamie Dornan will seize the stage on March 28, joined by Brit-award winning rock band Wolf Alice. RTÉ confirms Dornan’s hosting role. Following Dornan, Riz Ahmed, known for his role in Four Lions, will host on April 4, with a performance by rock band Kasabian.

Format and Cast

SNL UK will mirror the format of its American counterpart, featuring 75-minute episodes filled with an opening monologue, topical sketches, and a satirical take on current events known as “Weekend Update.” RTÉ details the show’s structure.

The inaugural cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. Jonno Johnson is the head writer, with Charlie Skelton of 8 Out of 10 Cats leading the writing team for “Weekend Update.” Additional writers include Al Roberts (Stath Lets Flats), Bella Hull (Have I Got News For You), and comedians Celya AB, Chris Cantrill, Grainne Maguire, Humphrey Ker, and James Farmer.

Legacy of SNL

The original Saturday Night Live, launched in the US in 1975, has a rich history of launching the careers of comedic stars like Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Eddie Murphy. RTÉ highlights the show’s enduring impact on the comedy landscape.