China is set to screen its own version of the American TV sketch show Saturday Night Live after an internet company in the country said it had reached a deal to adapt the show.
Sohu, which has streamed the New York version of the show since 2013, is in the process of recruiting comedians for the show, which is being tailored for Chinese audiences but “will have international appeal”, Sohu said in a statement.
“SNL, which combines the best elements of live music and sketch comedy, will be a refreshing new option for Chinese viewers,” the company said.
Sohu said it had come to an agreement to adapt the show with SNL creator Lorne Michael’s Broadway Video Entertainment; consultants from Saturday Night Live will help with the Chinese version of the show, which aims to premiere at the end of 2015 or early 2016, according to the New York Times.
Countries including Brazil and Japan have aired their own versions of Saturday Night Live.
In Spain, the show aired on Thursday nights, but otherwise stuck to the general structure of the US show.
In 2013, actor Tom Hiddleston danced on SNL Korea – South Korea’s version.
The US version of Saturday Night Live celebrated its 40th season in a special anniversary show last month.
