Huge US comedy show set for British spin-off after 50 years on screens - but fans are divided

A staple part of TV is set for a big slot on UK television, but fans aren't completely sold on the idea. It was announced yesterday that the iconic late-night sketch show, - also known as SNL - will be crossing the Atlantic from next year.

The show is hugely popular in the United States and has been a mainstay for 50 years since first launching in 1975. It showcases its signature mix of political satire, impersonations and musical performances, with British and Irish audiences set to join in the fun.

However, the announcement was met with mixed reviews on social media. One user on /X said: "I will definitely check this out because British SNL sounds so intriguing." Another added: "It’s gonna be 45 minutes of dry wit, one chaotic sketch, and someone singing . I’m in."

A third simply said: "Wow fantastic," while another called the reveal "cool". But it wasn't all positive, with one user berating: "NO ONE WANTS THIS." Another claimed: "Depends who’s doing it but I don’t think this is going to work."

And another hit out: "We don’t want it! Our shows are great we don’t need to be copying American".

The decision will see Lorne Michaels, who created the original NBC series, serve as executive producer for the adaptation. He will also remain in control of the American version. The London-based take is said to be ready to follow the same live format as the American version as it continues to impress audiences after almost five decades.

Following the announcement, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and chief content officer at Sky, said: "For over 50 years ‘Saturday Night Live’ has held a unique position in TV and in our collective culture, reflecting and creating the global conversation all under the masterful comedic guidance of Lorne Michaels.

"The show has discovered and nurtured countless comedy and musical talents over the years and we are thrilled to be partnering with Lorne and the ‘SNL’ team to bring an all-British version of the show to U.K. audiences next year – all live from London on Saturday night."

Sky has promised the show will involve "a core cast of the funniest British comedians around".

Actor in the US version. It marked the first time he had hosted the show in 20 years.

Speaking at the London premiere of A Minecraft Movie, Jack joked it felt "cray cray" to be joining the SNL team again. He also told he is "having lots of nightmares and night terrors and also fond memories flooding back".

When he was asked his thoughts on how the writer's room on the show will go ahead of broadcast, he said: "You know what they’re thinking about right now?

"They are just all in a dead coma from last night’s show. Maybe some of them are thinking of some ideas, but I’m really thinking it’s one of those shows they put together in one week, that’s part of the excitement."

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