SNL Korea's The Smile Clinic to become 10-episode sitcom on Coupang Play
NBCUniversal Formats struck the deal with Coupang Play for the first spin-off from an international version of Saturday Night Live.
"The Smile Clinic," a digital short from SNL Korea Season 8, is being developed into a 10-episode, 30-minute sitcom for Korean streamer Coupang Play, according to Deadline. NBCUniversal Formats struck the deal with Coupang Play, with CP Entertainment producing.
The sitcom is described as the first-ever spin-off from an international version of Saturday Night Live. Lee Su-ji, Kim Won-hun, Gong Min-jeung, Kim Kyu-won and Ji Ye-eun all return from the sketch's cast.
According to NBCUniversal Formats, clips of the sketch have amassed more than 17 million views on YouTube.
Spin-offs from the U.S. Saturday Night Live have a long history: Wayne's World and Coneheads became films, and MacGruber became a 2010 feature before returning as a Peacock series in 2021.
Other international editions are also expanding. A UK version of SNL launched and was most recently hosted by Cynthia Erivo, and Canal+ recently announced a French version.
Quick answers
How many episodes will The Smile Clinic sitcom have?
It is planned as a 10-episode sitcom with 30-minute episodes.
Where will The Smile Clinic sitcom stream?
It is being made for the Korean streamer Coupang Play.
Who from the original sketch is returning?
Lee Su-ji, Kim Won-hun, Gong Min-jeung, Kim Kyu-won and Ji Ye-eun return.