The upcoming U.K. version of “Saturday Night Live” has revealed three key members of its creative team.
“The Late Late Show With James Corden” alum and two-time Emmy winner James Longman will serve as the sketch show’s lead producer, while Liz Clare, an experienced live event director with credits like the BRIT Awards and “An Audience With Adele,” is set to helm the series. Daran Jonno Johnson, part of the comedy group Sheeps who penned the 2022 film “Wedding Season” for Disney+, is on board as head writer.
“After several years in L.A., it’s amazing to come back home to such a vibrant and exciting live comedy scene,” Longman said in a statement. “‘Saturday Night Live’ has set the bar for live sketch comedy for half a century, and to help bring that legacy to London using our amazing on screen and off-screen talent, along with a tremendous investment in U.K. production, is a massive honor.”
“SNL U.K.,” which marks the first British adaptation of the long-running U.S. show, is set to launch on Sky and streaming service NOW next year. Series creator Lorne Michaels is executive producing the London-set spinoff. It will have “the same live, fast-paced format as the original, featuring a new generation of comedy players in the core cast, alongside guest hosts and musical performances,” according to a press release.
“SNL U.K.” will be produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio’s U.K. production team and Broadway Video for Sky and NOW. UTAS U.K. Productions is overseen by managing director Helen Kruger Bratt. Shanna Baynard will serve as executive in charge of production and Andy Smith is the lead producer for UTAS U.K. Productions alongside production executive Sam Salter.
Deadline Hollywood was first to report the news.
