Will Sky's £16M gamble on Saturday Night Live pay off? Eye-watering cost of SNL UK revealed as producers scramble to save series after launch show was branded 'hit and miss'

It is Sky's most expensive non-scripted production ever, with bosses bankrolling millions into the production.

Saturday Night Live UK is based on its long-running US counterpart, that has aired on NBC since 1975. To date, there has been over 1,000 episodes across 51 series.

However, before it even began, industry insiders were warning those behind the British adaption that it would fail - and spectacularly.

Even bookmakers were predicting the show's demise, asserting it would not live to see a second series. Coral offered odds of 1-2 it would be consigned to the television graveyard along with the rest of the failed imports.

Richard Osman, a seasoned presenter and television producer, revealed on his Rest Is Entertainment podcast: 'Everyone told them this is going to be terrible, everyone says this is going to be terrible.'

However, instead of listening to the loud noise building around them, those at Sky decided to throw even more cash at SNL, increasing the commissioned debut series from six to eight episodes.

The show, estimated to cost approximately £2million per episode by industry sources, was set to take around £12million from Sky's purse. With two more episodes, that figure is now an eye-watering £16m.

It has no doubt added to the already growing headaches and sleepless nights those working behind-the-scenes are experiencing, having to scramble to save the series after mixed reviews after its launch.

The Times said the show 'needed work'.  

Their critic savagely penned: 'I would like to propose a drinking game. Head over to a friend's house and put on the new UK version of Saturday Night Live. Take a shot of vodka every time you laugh. Then drive home.'

They added that some of the jokes 'didn't live up to the risk' and that 'the spark is not there yet' with the show.

The Independent gave a three star review, pointing out that because it was airing on Sky - which most people don't have access to - it was never going to be seen by a huge amount of the public.

They also point out that they didn't 'invest in much of a shake-up to the formula', adding: 'This means SNL UK lacks its own spark of irreverence.

'At best it shows what it's learnt from a half-century of its New York cousin; at worst it seems like tepid cosplay.'

The Guardian also gave it three stars but overall was more positive about the debut episode.

They penned that while some sketches were weak 'it could have been a lot, lot worse'.

While The Telegraph was much more positive giving four stars, writing: 'Tina Fey shines as guest host in shockingly competent spin-off.'

SNL's producer James Longman described the launch as 'daunting', telling The Standard: 'I mean, we're feeling good, but obviously a little nervous. It's a daunting task. It was a big show, but we're so excited to finally put it on air.'

He added: 'I think now we need in this kind of rough world, comedy more than ever. So, we're hoping to make people laugh on a Saturday night.' 

Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young all made their on-screen debuts during the first episode. 

A modest 226,000 viewers tuned in for the show, hosted by Tina Fey, airing at 10pm on the relaunched Sky One channel. While it represents an audience share of 3.2 percent, already it has outperformed that timeslot for Sky.

The figure is four times what Sky's now axed A League Of Their Own would attract, which has long been seen as its most successful and biggest entertainment show.

Of course, terrestrial viewing figures are no longer the ultimate deciding factor of the success of a show. Those high up in the production and Sky will be stalking the engagement the programme receives on other platforms such as social media and streaming.

Its long established US sibling is known for its sketches going viral across the globe. Early signs from SNL UK shows the series is on course to be exactly the same.

US President Donald Trump has inadvertently helped with this, resharing a toe-curling sketch from the opening of the episode that mocked Prime Minister Keir Starmer for being too afraid to call him. 

The scene depicts the PM in No 10 too terrified to pick up the phone to talk to Mr Trump about Iran.

'What if Donald shouts at me?' the comedian playing Sir Keir says to his deputy, David Lammy. When 'Mr Trump' answers he immediately hangs up in a panic.

'I just hate conflict so much,' Sir Keir says, admitting he is 'out of my depth'.

In the skit, Sir Keir - who has a framed photo of Mr Trump behind him - says: 'I just want to keep him happy, Lammy. You don't understand him like I do. I can change him.'

The faux premier later adds: 'I'll say anything, I'll do anything, except take a stand.'

Without any caption, Mr Trump reposted the clip to his legion of followers on his social media platform Truth Social. 

Elsewhere in the episode, viewers watched as its first Weekend Update sketch saw them roast Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, who has has kept out of sight since his arrest last month over the Epstein files and claims of misconduct in public office when he was a UK trade envoy. 

Ania joked in the 'news' segment: 'Renovations to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's new home, Marsh Farm, have been taking place over the last month, including the installation of Sky TV. So, if you're watching this Andrew, hello!'

'You're not gonna like this next bit. Also, I'm older than I look. Andrew's new residence, Marsh Farm, is of course named after the nearby marsh where his body will be found...

'It was reported this week that the police investigation into Andrew is set to widen,' Paddy said. 'The big question now is, if Andrew is charged, found guilty and put in prison, will he be able to keep his mouth shut? I hope not, said his cellmate's penis.'

Sky will be hoping all eyes will be on SNL's next episode, which this week is presented by Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan, with BRIT Award-winning band Wolf Alice performing. 

And on April, 4, Academy Award-winning British actor Riz Ahmed will be joined by titans of rock Kasabian.

The hosts for the following five episodes have yet to be announced. 

Saturday Night Live UK airs at 10pm on Sky One.