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Saturday Night Live UK returns for season 2 with Jeff Goldblum confirmed as first host
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The Jurassic Park legend is kicking off the new season of Saturday Night Live UK, with award-winning singer-songwriter CMAT joining as the first musical guest. Here's everything you need to know
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 10 September 2026
When Saturday Night Live UK launched earlier this year, there were plenty of questions about whether the iconic American format could work for British audiences. The answer quickly became clear.
After a hugely successful debut season, Saturday Night Live UK is returning to Sky One (CH 109) on Saturday 12 September at 10pm with more celebrity hosts, live comedy sketches and musical performances. Produced under the watchful eye of SNL creator Lorne Michaels, the British adaptation takes the winning formula that has made the American original a television institution for more than 50 years and gives it a distinctly British twist.
Each week, a celebrity host and musical guest join the resident cast for an evening of live sketches, topical satire and surprise appearances, with the unpredictability of the live format helping to make every episode a potential talking point.
And what better way to kick off the new season than with one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars? Jeff Goldblum has been confirmed as the first host of Saturday Night Live UK Season 2, taking to the stage on Saturday 12 September at London's Television Centre. Joining him will be Irish singer-songwriter CMAT, who makes her SNL debut as the season's first musical guest
Jeff Goldblum opens the new season
Whether you know him as Dr Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park, the Grandmaster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and, more recently, Wicked, Jeff Goldblum has spent decades building a reputation as one of Hollywood's most charismatic and distinctive performers. And, he's no stranger to commanding a stage with his offbeat personality, which makes him a natural fit for the world of live sketch comedy.
While this marks his first appearance on Saturday Night Live UK, Goldblum has previous SNL experience. He hosted the original American version twice during the 1990s, promoting Jurassic Park and its sequel, and appeared in several memorable sketches alongside comedy legends including Will Ferrell.
It's been more than 25 years since Goldblum last hosted SNL, but he'll be back behind the famous monologue mic on 12 September as he opens the new season of Saturday Night Live UK.
CMAT joins as the first musical guest
Also taking centre stage on the Season 2 launch is acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter CMAT. The Brit Award nominee, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, joins Jeff Goldblum for the opening episode on 12 September. After a standout few years, CMAT arrives at Saturday Night Live UK following the success of her critically acclaimed third album, Euro-Country, which earned a Mercury Prize nomination and won Best Album at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards.
With her mix of country, pop and sharp storytelling, Dunboyne Diana's set to be one of the highlights of the season premiere.
The Saturday Night Live UK cast returns
While Jeff Goldblum and CMAT will be in the spotlight for the season premiere, the heart of Saturday Night Live UK remains its talented cast of performers, who return for another season of live sketches, celebrity impressions and surprise characters.
Returning for Season 2 are Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops, Ludwig), Ayoade Bamgboye (Swings And Roundabouts), Larry Dean (Live At The Apollo), Celeste Dring (This Country, Lazy Susan), George Fouracres (Steve), Ania Magliano (Taskmaster), Annabel Marlow (Six The Musical), Al Nash (Michael McIntyre's Big Show), Jack Shep (Changing Ends), Emma Sidi (Starstruck) and Paddy Young (Everyone Else Burns), who are back for another season of live sketches, celebrity impressions and topical comedy. They're joined by newcomer Freddie Meredith (Such Brave Girls), who joins the ensemble as the show's latest cast member for Season 2.
Drawn from the worlds of stand-up, theatre, television and online comedy, the cast helped establish the show's distinctly British identity during its debut season. From topical satire and recurring characters to the show's take on Weekend Update, they will once again be at the centre of the live comedy action each week.
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Why this new season has plenty to live up
Season 1 got off to a flying start with a lineup that included comedy heavyweight Tina Fey and performances from Wet Leg, Wolf Alice and Kasabian. It also introduced viewers to a talented new British cast featuring performers from the worlds of stand-up, sketch comedy, theatre and television.
The show's blend of live sketches, celebrity cameos and topical humour helped it overcome early doubts about whether the famously American format could work in the UK.
With six new episodes scheduled between September and October, and more hosts yet to be announced, Season 2 looks ready to build on that momentum.
When are new episodes of Saturday Night Live Season 2 available?
You can watch Saturday Night Live UK Season 2 on Sky when it returns this Saturday 12 September.
Simply switch on your TV, and access Sky One via voice search or through your Virgin TV Guide.
Missed the live broadcast? Check your Virgin TV guide and On Demand services for catch-up availability.
When are new episodes of Saturday Night Live Season 2 available?
Saturday Night Live UK Season 2 returns this Saturday 12 September, with new episodes airing weekly on Sky One (CH 109). From celebrity hosts and musical performances to ambitious live sketches and a British take on Weekend Update, each episode promises the kind of unpredictable comedy that's become the show's trademark.
Here's the schedule confirmed so far:
Episode 1: Saturday 12 September 2026 (host: Jeff Goldblum, musical guest: CMAT)
Episode 2: Saturday 19 September 2026
Episode 3: Saturday 26 September 2026
Episode 4: Saturday 10 October 2026
Episode 5: Saturday 17 October 2026
Episode 6: Saturday 24 October 2026
Ready for the return of live comedy?
If Saturday Night Live has you in the mood for more laughs, Virgin TV gives you access to a huge range of comedy series, entertainment shows and streaming apps all in one place.
From classic sitcoms to the latest comedy hits, there's always something new to discover.
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