Saturday Night Live UK has defied expectations by winning over a nation of sceptics who initially rooted for its downfall. Now, some of the brightest comedy minds in the country are preparing to nail the landing as the season one finale approaches.
Behind the Scenes of SNL UK
On Monday morning, writer Humphrey Ker will enter the electric writers' room of 2026's runaway hit to pitch ideas for the finale featuring Doctor Who icon Ncuti Gatwa as guest star. The process involves a mad scramble to select the best sketches, produce and direct them, and have everything ready for the live show on Saturday.
Humphrey tells Metro that SNL UK approached him two years ago, and he eagerly accepted. 'I got into sketch stuff at university, and there was always the dream to work on one,' he explains. He notes that TV sketch comedy is ingrained in British DNA, from The Two Ronnies to Mitchell and Webb, and he hopes the show signals a resurgence.
Bold Humour and Cut Sketches
A large part of the show's success comes from its bold, envelope-pushing humour, including sharp jabs at Nigel Farage, Prince Andrew, and the Trump administration. Humphrey admits he was surprised by the creative freedom. 'I wrote one about a romantasy novel. It included some extremely graphic language, which we got through dress rehearsal, but it didn't quite make it onto the show,' he reveals. 'All the way through I was like: "Surely they're not going to let me talk about fingering as much as this on Sky One", but they did.'
Overcoming the Backlash
Despite initial confidence, the public announcement triggered heavy criticism, causing the team to second-guess themselves. 'It's hard not to have your confidence knocked by people just bagging on you real hard for a month and a half,' Humphrey recalls. On premiere night, there was gallows humour, but the cold open went down gangbusters. Since then, the show has earned relieved reviews, a steady audience, and a devoted fanbase.
Reflecting on the backlash, Humphrey says: 'We live in an age where no one will admit they're wrong about anything. It's okay to admit: "I was wrong, and actually it's really good."'
Star-Studded Guest Line-Up
The show has featured an impressive roster of guests, including SNL legend Tina Fey, Nicola Coughlan, Riz Ahmed, and Aimee Lou Wood. Humphrey admits he was starstruck by Fey, but found karmic justice when everyone fawned over Jamie Dornan. Dornan was 'so game' for a sketch where he cut his balls off and stuck them to his waist. 'The crazier, the better,' Humphrey says.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
For the finale with Ncuti Gatwa, Humphrey plans to lean into Ncuti's Scottishness. 'We've got Larry Dean in the cast, and a brilliant Scottish stand-up in the writers' room. I lived in Edinburgh for five years and have a real love for all things Scottish,' he says.
Welcome to Wrexham Returns
After SNL UK wraps, Humphrey is eyeing the return of his docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. The fifth season follows Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as they run the struggling Welsh football club. The show has cultivated a large following and brought visitors and opportunities to Wrexham. Humphrey acknowledges criticism of the club being 'Disney FC' but says the new season will address challenges and stresses.
'Our turnover has been much higher than any other club in the division,' he admits, 'but we're now reaching a point where that's not necessarily the case.'
The season one finale of SNL UK airs tonight on Sky One, NOW, and HBO Max at 10pm. Welcome to Wrexham seasons one to four are available on Disney Plus, with the first two episodes of season five out now.
