Kite Entertainment have optioned the Irish rights to the Saturday Night Live format from NBC Universal.
The comedy sketch show, which has been on-screen since 1975, has had several international versions aired over the years – but it’s understood that a SNL based in Ireland would be the only other English language version in the world.
Kite Entertainment, the same company who brought Gogglebox to TV3, will now pitch the format – which will feature a rotating cast of comedians, actors and other celebrities – to a number of Irish broadcasters.
“We have the rights to go to pitch it to broadcasters and talk to talent about performing and writing for it,” Kite managing director Darren Smith told the Irish Times.
The show’s two-hour running time means it would be “a monster” to make, but Kite believe there’s a gap for a show like this to hit Ireland.
“There is always an appetite for satire here,” Darren added.
On Friday evening, Kite will host a “satire session” at the Dalkey Book Festival – which will include Paul Howard, Colm Williamson of Waterford Whispers News and Blindboyboatclub from the Rubberbandits.
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