Actor Riz Ahmed, Emmy-winning comedian Tina Fey, and Irish star Jamie Dornan will headline the inaugural episodes of the UK's long-anticipated "Saturday Night Live" spin-off, set to debut on Sky One this March.

A Trio of Talent to Kick Off the Series

The British version of the iconic late-night sketch comedy show will launch on March 21, with Tina Fey hosting the first episode. Fey, a veteran of the original US "SNL," spent years as a writer and cast member before becoming the show's first female head writer. She has hosted the American program six times, bringing a wealth of experience to the new UK franchise. Indie band Wet Leg will perform as the musical guest for the premiere.

Jamie Dornan is slated to host the second installment on March 28. Dornan, known for his roles in "The Fall" and "Fifty Shades of Grey," will be joined by Brit award-winners Wolf Alice as the musical act. Riz Ahmed, the Oscar-winning actor and rapper, will take the stage on April 2 to host the third episode. Ahmed's episode will feature rock legends Kasabian.

With Fey, Dornan, and Ahmed leading the charge, the UK version is banking on the same star power that's made the American show a cultural institution.

Replicating the SNL Formula Across the Atlantic

The British incarnation of "Saturday Night Live" will follow a format similar to its US predecessor, which Lorne Michaels created in 1975. Michaels himself serves as an executive producer for the UK show, providing guidance and ensuring the spirit of "SNL" translates effectively. He has reportedly been involved with the writers' room in the UK, helping shape the show's comedic direction.

Each episode will feature an opening monologue, a series of topical sketches, live musical performances, and a British take on the popular satirical news segment, "Weekend Update." A key element of "SNL's" success, its famously fast turnaround process, will be recreated for the UK version. This means episodes will be written and rehearsed throughout the week leading up to their live broadcast to a studio audience in London.

Sky has commissioned an initial six episodes of the series, which will air live on Sky One at 10 p.m. It will also be available for streaming on Now in the UK. For American audiences, episodes will be available on Peacock the day after their UK broadcast.

Introducing the New Generation of UK Comedy

At the heart of the show are 11 regular cast members, all between 26 and 36 years old. Lead producer James Longman expressed a desire for "a new generation on the screen," reflecting a commitment to fresh talent. The full cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young.

Most aren't household names, but they've come up through the usual UK comedy pipeline—Cambridge Footlights, Edinburgh Fringe nominations, that sort of thing. Several have Cambridge Footlights credentials or Edinburgh Fringe nominations, which is basically the UK comedy pedigree. Cast member and standup comic Ayoade Bamgboye described the creative process as "finding the alchemy," while actor and TikToker Jack Shep likened it to "comedy boarding school."

Daran Jonno Johnson, the series' head writer, praised the team's talent. "The number of funny, talented writers we have got to work on SNL UK is ludicrous," Johnson said. "All of them make me giddy to come to work each day. I could not imaginably feel luckier that we get to make this show together."

Production Powerhouse Behind the Scenes

The complex undertaking of bringing "SNL" to the UK is backed by a robust production team. "SNL UK" is a joint effort between Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK production team and Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video. Michaels leads the executive production, supported by James Longman as Lead Producer and Liz Clare as Director. Daran Jonno Johnson steers the writing team as Head Writer.

The commission originated from Sky's leadership, including Phil Edgar-Jones, Sky Commissioning Executive Lisa Clark, and Cecile Frot-Coutaz, who serves as CEO of Sky Studios & Chief Content Officer for Sky. Helen Kruger Bratt, Managing Director for Universal Television Alternative Studio’s UK Productions, oversees the studio's involvement. Additionally, Shanna Baynard is Executive in Charge of Production, with Andy Charles Smith and Sam Salter serving as Lead Producer and Production Executive, respectively, for UTAS UK Productions.

Over its 50-year history, the American "SNL" has launched the careers of numerous comedy legends, including John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell. The UK version wants to do the same for British comedy, building the next generation of talent.

The first episode of "Saturday Night Live UK" will air on Sky One on March 21 at 10 p.m. GMT, with streaming available on Now and Peacock in the U.S. the following day.