ITV buys SNL

ITV has brought the rights to screen new shows on its ITV4 digital channel from November 4.

The show has been broadcast ‘live from New York’ almost every Saturday night since its debut in 1975.

However the British show – also going out on Saturdays at midnight – will be two to three weeks behind the US broadcast.

The show features a core cast of comedians with a big-name guest shows, including Steve Martin, Drew Barrymore, Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken in recent weeks.

Over the years, it helped launch the careers of dozens of comedy stars, including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock, and has also spawned movie hits including The Blues Brothers and Wayne’s World.

The cast of show has been pared down from 16 to 11 for the 32nd series – which starts in the US this Saturday – because of budget cuts imposed by broadcaster NBC.

Published: 28 Sep 2006