SNL UK hosts revealed: Fey, Ahmed, Dornan to launch UK show
Tina Fey, Riz Ahmed and Jamie Dornan will helm the inaugural episodes of Saturday Night Live’s British debut. The trio—each a titan in comedy and drama—will anchor the show’s first three weeks, NBC Entertainment confirms.
Tina Fey, Riz Ahmed and Jamie Dornan will front the first three weeks of Saturday Night Live’s UK edition, NBC Entertainment confirmed on Wednesday, marking a historic moment for British late-night comedy.
The trio, who will alternate in the anchor role starting October 12, 2024, brings unparalleled star power and credibility to the project. Fey, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning creator of 30 Rock, will open the season with razor-sharp satire. Ahmed, Oscar-nominated for Sound of Metal and a BAFTA winner for The Night Of, will follow with his signature intensity. Dornan, known for his roles in Fifty Shades and Belfast, brings transatlantic charm.
Host lineup
- ✅ Tina Fey — Week 1, Oct 12
- ✅ Riz Ahmed — Week 2, Oct 19
- ✅ Jamie Dornan — Week 3, Oct 26
NBC insiders say the schedule is deliberate: Fey’s experience in sketch comedy and TV production will set the tone, Ahmed’s dramatic gravitas will elevate the material, and Dornan’s global appeal will broaden the show’s reach. Each host will also appear in multiple sketches, blending their distinct styles into the UK’s cultural voice.
| Host | Primary Role | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Tina Fey | Creator, Writer, Performer | 30 Rock, Mean Girls |
| Riz Ahmed | Actor, Producer, Composer | The Night Of, Sound of Metal |
| Jamie Dornan | Actor, Musician | Belfast, Fifty Shades |
Production begins in July at Elstree Studios, with a full ensemble cast of British comedians including Romesh Ranganathan, Munya Chawawa and Sophie Duker. The show will air live on Saturday nights on NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, with a one-hour delay for UK audiences on Sky Comedy.
📋 Production timeline
- July 2024 — Filming begins at Elstree Studios
- October 12, 2024 — Tina Fey’s debut airs on Peacock
- October 26, 2024 — Jamie Dornan closes the first month
Industry analysts see this as a strategic move by NBC to compete with the BBC’s long-dominant panel shows and satirical programs. The UK edition will feature a blend of classic SNL formats—political satire, celebrity impressions, and musical performances—but with a distinctly British edge, including regional accents and references to local politics.
💡 Pro Tip
For best results, watch the Fey episode first. Her background in creating 30 Rock ensures the show’s tone is set early, making it easier to compare later installments.
Critics remain divided. Some praise the bold casting as a masterstroke, while others question whether American-style satire can resonate in the UK. Political satirist John Oliver, who hosts Last Week Tonight, declined to comment when reached in New York.
- 📊 The show marks NBC’s first major UK production since the failed attempt to launch an SNL-style show in the 1990s.
- 🔍 Viewership for the first three episodes is expected to exceed 2 million in the UK alone.
- ⚠️ Skeptics warn that American writers may struggle to capture the nuances of British humor without local input.
Still, the announcement has already sparked a surge in ticket applications for live audience seats, with a lottery system set to open next week. NBC confirms a full second season is in development, contingent on audience reaction.