Saturday Night Live UK, the British adaptation of the iconic American sketch comedy show, concluded its eight-week run on May 16, 2026. The series, which aired on Sky, faced significant skepticism from critics and audiences alike about whether the 50-year-old US format would resonate with British viewers.
According to reviews from The Guardian and The Independent, the show received mixed to negative reviews. Critics noted that while some sketches landed well, the overall tone and pacing felt mismatched for a UK audience. The show's reliance on celebrity hosts and musical guests, a staple of the US version, was seen as less effective in the British context.
Ratings data from BARB indicates that the premiere episode attracted approximately 1.2 million viewers, a figure that declined over the subsequent weeks. The finale saw around 800,000 viewers, well below the network's expectations. Social media analysis by Brandwatch showed a 60% negative sentiment rate, with many viewers comparing it unfavorably to established UK sketch shows like 'The Fast Show' or 'Little Britain'.
Despite the lukewarm reception, Sky has not officially announced whether the show will be renewed for a second season. A spokesperson for Sky told the BBC that they are 'reviewing the data and feedback' before making a decision. The show's failure to capture a broad audience highlights the challenges of adapting a long-running US format for a different cultural market.
