News Article: Saturday Night Live UK Premieres With Strong Ratings on Sky

Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK debuted with healthy ratings, drawing nearly 230,000 viewers in its first broadcast. The British remake of NBC’s long-running comedy series entered the 10PM slot on Sky One and managed to outperform Channel 4’s airing of Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, which attracted 215,000 viewers.

A Promising Start

According to official BARB figures, SNL UK secured a 3.2% share of the available TV audience. While BBC News on BBC One dominated the slot with nearly 2 million viewers, Sky’s performance was notable, especially given the challenges of competing against terrestrial broadcasters. For Sky, beating Channel 4 in primetime is a rare achievement.

Outshining the U.S. Version

The debut also outperformed the U.S. edition of Saturday Night Live, which airs on Sky Comedy. Season 51 of NBC’s SNL premiered in October 2025 with just 6,800 viewers, while a recent Harry Styles-hosted episode drew 4,550 viewers. By comparison, the UK version’s 226,000 viewers mark a significant win.

Breakout Moments and Mixed Reviews

The premiere has already produced viral highlights, including Jack Shep’s Princess Diana impression during a spoof “last supper” with David Attenborough. While reviews have been mixed, many lean positive, noting the show’s potential to grow into its own identity. As with most comedies, audiences may take time to warm up to the new cast and format.

Sky’s Broader Strategy

Sky has historically placed less emphasis on overnight ratings, instead focusing on catch-up viewing, streaming via Now, and online virality. Already, clips from SNL UK have gained traction on social media, with one cold open surpassing a million views. This suggests the show’s long-term success may hinge more on digital engagement than traditional TV numbers.

Looking Ahead

For Sky, SNL UK represents a bold investment in live comedy entertainment. With a new cast and creative team, the show has the potential to carve out a unique space in British television. If viral sketches continue to resonate, SNL UK could become one of Sky’s most talked-about comedy properties.