By Rebecca Cook
Senior TV Reporter
Updated: September 3, 2026
Executive Overview
The transatlantic voyage of America’s most storied sketch-comedy institution is officially entering its next phase. Following a surprisingly triumphant debut earlier this year that shattered industry cynicism regarding whether American late-night comedy could successfully cross the pond, Saturday Night Live UK is returning to Sky for its second season.
Launching on September 12, 2026, the sophomore run kicks off with Hollywood icon Jeff Goldblum taking the helm as host, accompanied by acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter CMAT as the evening’s musical guest. Filmed live from the historic Television Centre in west London, the upcoming six-episode block aims to build upon the creative momentum of its inaugural spring season.
For an industry that long viewed the fast-paced, topical sketch-comedy format as inherently American—uniquely tied to the rhythms of New York City’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza—the success of SNL UK represents a watershed moment. Backed by franchise creator Lorne Michaels and featuring a robust, returning 11-member British cast, the series has proven that sharp satirical writing and high-energy live television can thrive just as vigorously in the heart of west London.
Detailed Chronology: From Skepticism to Transatlantic Triumph
When Saturday Night Live UK was first announced, skeptics questioned whether the distinct, New York-centric heritage of the brand—born in 1975 under the stewardship of Lorne Michaels—could be successfully replicated in the British television landscape. Historically, translating US late-night formats to British audiences has proved perilous, often hampered by cultural nuances in humor and pacing.
However, the spring 2026 launch defied expectations. The show delivered 75-minute episodes that cleverly integrated British satirical sensibilities with the classic SNL structural beats: the cold open, the monologue, pre-taped digital shorts, and Weekend Update.
Buoyed by this unexpected critical and commercial reception, Sky confirmed the renewal for Season 2 in May 2026. Crucially, all 11 members of the original ensemble cast agreed to return:
- Hammed Animashaun
- Ayoade Bamgboye
- Larry Dean
- Celeste Dring
- George Fouracres
- Ania Magliano
- Annabel Marlow
- Al Nash
- Jack Shep
- Emma Sidi
- Paddy Young
With the cast locked in, the production team has structured a rigorous six-week autumn release schedule, running through October before pausing ahead of the New Year, when additional hosts and musical acts will be unveiled.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Goldblum Factor and CMAT’s Meteoric Rise
Jeff Goldblum’s Return to the SNL Universe
For the season premiere on September 12, executive producers have secured a master of eccentric charm. Jeff Goldblum is no stranger to the SNL stage, having twice hosted the original New York iteration during the 1990s to promote his blockbuster dinosaur adventures, Jurassic Park (1993) and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997).
Among comedy aficionados, Goldblum’s 1998 appearance remains legendary—specifically the sketch Space: The Infinite Frontier with Harry Caray, where he sat opposite Will Ferrell. Ferrell’s frantic, improvised sportscaster impression frequently pushed Goldblum to the absolute brink of breaking character, creating an iconic piece of live television folklore.
Now standing tall at nearly two meters, the 73-year-old actor brings decades of improvisational agility and deadpan delivery to the London studio. Interestingly, Goldblum has increasingly embraced the British television ecosystem; earlier this year, he served as one of the inaugural high-profile guests on Claudia Winkleman’s short-lived BBC chat show. However, stepping onto the SNL UK stage marks his first venture into the grueling, high-stakes environment of a live British sketch production.
CMAT’s Milestone Musical Debut
Providing the musical firepower for the season opener is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson—better known by her stage moniker, CMAT.
The 30-year-old Irish singer-songwriter is currently navigating a phenomenal career trajectory. Her credentials heading into her SNL UK debut are formidable:
- Brit Awards: Two-time nominee for International Artist of the Year.
- Mercury Prize: Her third studio album, Euro-Country, earned a prestigious nomination.
- Ivor Novello Awards: Crowned Best Album winner in May 2026.
CMAT’s blend of sharp lyrical wit, theatrical stage presence, and genre-defying pop-country arrangements makes her an ideal stylistic fit for the eclectic energy of a live sketch show.
Official Statements and Production Perspectives
The enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live remains anchored to its birthplace at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan, where Lorne Michaels has presided over the American institution for five decades. Yet Michaels has been remarkably vocal about his enthusiasm for the UK adaptation.
Speaking on the transatlantic expansion, Michaels expressed that he is “incredibly proud” of the British production team, noting that the London-based iteration “keeps getting better every week.” This vote of confidence from the architect of modern sketch comedy underscores the collaborative nature of the project, which successfully bridges American network television traditions with British creative talent.
Future Outlook: The Season 2 Schedule and Beyond
As production ramps up at Television Centre, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The announced broadcast dates for the autumn block indicate a tightly paced run designed to maintain weekly cultural relevance:
- Episode 1: September 12 (Host: Jeff Goldblum | Musical Guest: CMAT)
- Episode 2: September 19
- Episode 3: September 26
- Episode 4: October 10
- Episode 5: October 17
- Episode 6: October 24
Viewers across the UK can watch the new series live on Sky or stream on-demand via NOW.
With a proven ensemble cast, an ambitious roster of international talent, and a solidified creative identity, Saturday Night Live UK is no longer an experimental gamble. It has established itself as a permanent, vibrant fixture of the British television landscape, proving that good comedy—much like a well-timed punchline—translates effortlessly across borders.
