British Version of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE In the Works

A British version of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE is in the works!

Deadline reports that Sky, which is owned by NBC's producer Comcast, is developing the new variety series in the U.K. This would be the most high-profile international adaption of Lorne Michaels' hit series.

If the series is picked up, it is unlikely that it will air as late in the UK as it does in the States - the NBC series starts at 11:30pm on a Saturday night. Last year, Sky began airing full versions of NBC's SNL on Sky Comedy channel.

"Saturday Night Live," NBC's Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase, recently completed its 46th season in another year of laughs, surprises and great performances.

Since its inception in 1975, "SNL" has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of their generation and, as The New York Times noted on the occasion of the show's Emmy-winning 25th anniversary special in 1999: "In defiance of both time and show business convention, 'SNL' is still the most pervasive influence on the art of comedy in contemporary culture." At the close of the century, "Saturday Night Live" placed seventh on Entertainment Weekly's list of the Top 100 Entertainers of the past 50 years.

Not including specials and digital series, the program has won 86 Emmy Awards, the most for any show in television history. "SNL" also holds the title for the most nominated television show in Emmy history with 306 nominations, not including specials and digital series. "SNL" has been honored twice, in 1990 and 2009, with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and cited as "truly a national institution." "Saturday Night Live" was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters and the show continues to garner the highest ratings of any late-night television program, entertaining millions each week.

"SNL" is making headlines and influencing the political dialogue while skewering it at the same time. Beyond politics, the show's cast of recurring characters and take on pop culture targets remains spot-on.

"Saturday Night Live," which premiered Oct. 11, 1975, is broadcast live from NBC's famed Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.

To post a comment, you must register and login.