Get ready for a comedy revolution! The U.K. is finally getting its own version of 'Saturday Night Live,' and the writing team is nothing short of extraordinary. Led by the brilliant Jonno Johnson, known for his work on 'Parlement,' this ensemble of comedic minds is set to bring a fresh and hilarious take to British television. But here's where it gets exciting: the team is a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh voices, all united by their unparalleled talent. Johnson himself couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, stating, 'The number of funny, talented writers we’ve assembled is absurd. Some are industry stalwarts, while others are stepping into the writers’ room for the very first time. Every single one of them makes me thrilled to come to work each day. I couldn’t feel more fortunate to be creating this show with such an incredible group.' And this is the part most people miss—the diversity of experience and perspective is what promises to make 'SNL' U.K. truly special.
Joining Johnson is a lineup that reads like a who’s who of British comedy. From Celya AB, who worked on James Acaster’s 'Springleaf,' to Omar Badawy, a So You Think You’re Funny winner, and Gráinne Maguire of 'The Last Leg,' the team is packed with heavy hitters. Notable names include Chris Cantrill ('Alma’s Not Normal'), James Farmer ('8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown'), and Lorna Rose Treen, a Chortle’s Best Sketch Act Award recipient. But here’s where it gets controversial: can such a diverse group of writers truly gel, or will their differing styles clash on screen? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be entertaining.
Charlie Skelton, known for '8 Out of 10 Cats,' takes the helm as head writer for Weekend Update, adding another layer of comedic genius to the mix. The series, launching on March 21 on Sky and its streaming platform NOW, is already generating buzz. Phil Edgar Jones, Sky’s director of unscripted originals, shared his excitement: 'As ‘SNL’ U.K. speeds toward its debut, our incredible writers are already crafting sketches that are not only sublime but, more importantly, laugh-out-loud funny. I’ve had the privilege of attending a few table reads, and I can confirm—I laughed so hard I cried. We can’t wait to bring this joy to a wider audience.' But here’s a thought-provoking question: will the British audience embrace this American import, or will it fall flat in translation?
Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s U.K. team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW, 'SNL' U.K. is in good hands. With Lorne Michaels executive producing, James Longman as lead producer, and Liz Clare directing, the show is poised for success. But what do you think? Is 'SNL' U.K. destined to become a cultural phenomenon, or will it struggle to find its footing in the competitive world of British comedy? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
