Bell Media has secured the exclusive rights to Saturday Night Live, moving the longstanding sketch comedy series to CTV and Crave starting this fall. Previously, Corus had the rights and it was broadcast on Global.
The deal with NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution brings the show’s 52nd season to a new home in Canada, where it will air in simulcast on CTV and stream live on Crave.
“Crave and CTV are proud to be the new home of Saturday Night Live in Canada,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Global Content, Bell Media, in a statement on Monday. “A proven hit for over 50 years, the series has always been at the vanguard of pop culture, setting the tone for modern humour. We will be enjoying alongside viewers when the new season premieres on Crave and CTV.”
New episodes will be available on demand the day after they air. Subscribers will also have access to a library of past seasons through Crave’s Saturday Night Live Collection.
The acquisition follows the recent launch of Saturday Night Live UK, which premiered on Crave in March. Created by Lorne Michaels, the original series remains the top non-scripted show for Canadian adults between the ages of 18 and 49.
The deal was negotiated by Sarah Weaver, director of content acquisitions and sales for Bell Media. By adding the franchise to its lineup, the broadcaster aims to strengthen its position as a primary destination for major international comedy.
The show reached legendary status in the 1990s when Adam Sandler was in the writers’ room, with icons like Chris Farley, David Spade, and Chris Rock making every episode a must-watch event. Even the Will Ferrell era brought incredible comedy to the table, but it is hard to find anyone who still tunes in to the modern version of the show.
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“The show reached legendary status in the 1990s when Adam Sandler was in the writers’ room, with icons like Chris Farley, David Spade, and Chris Rock making every episode a must-watch event. Even the Will Ferrell era brought incredible comedy to the table, but it is hard to find anyone who still tunes in to the modern version of the show.|
Umm no. It was terrible long before that time. These actors just kept the show from breaking apart to what it is now.