Format

NBC Universal Format division brings back the celeb show The Saturday Night Live to Italy, on TV8 Channel, part of Sky Italy Group.
Building on the global success of its Emmy award-winning format, Saturday Night Live, NBCUniversal International Formats has signed a deal with Sky Italia for the production of a local version of the show for its free to air channel, TV8.

Produced by Fatma Ruffini’s independent production company, FTM Entertainment, the 6x90’ series will launch on Saturday 7th April at 9pm. Fronted by renowned actor and presenter, Claudio Bisio, the series will showcase the best in Italian comedy and entertainment. Featuring an ensemble of leading talent and comedians, each episode will mix topical and political subject matter, with observational humour and parody.

Sky Italia’s version will mark the twelfth international remake of the cultural phenomenon, with versions already remade across France, Poland and South Korea.

Debuting in 1975, Saturday Night Live is now in its 43rd season on NBC and is the only format in the history of US television to have dominated its time slot for over 40 years. Co-produced by NBC and Broadway Video, the show has changed the face of comedy and acted as a launch pad for a host of comedy talent, in turn earning it 45 Emmys and 202 nominations.

Ana Langenberg, SVP, Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal International Formats comments: “It is great to be partnering with Sky Italia on SNL. As such an iconic brand, the show will remain true to its format, but we can’t wait to see FTM Entertainment and Sky put their own twist on it to keep it fresh and culturally relevant for local audiences.”