The highly anticipated debut of “Saturday Night Live UK” arrived on Sky this evening, kicking off with a political cold open that immediately set the tone for a distinctly British seize on the long-running American comedy institution. Hosted by Tina Fey, the premiere episode didn’t shy away from current events, tackling the complex relationship between the UK and the US with a satirical edge.
The opening sketch centered around a comically anxious Prime Minister Keir Starmer, played by George Fouracres, attempting to avoid a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump. The scene, reminiscent of classic SNL political humor, saw Starmer agonizing over how to delicately inform Trump of the UK’s reluctance to join a potential war in Iran. The sketch quickly veered into absurdity, with Starmer referencing shared cultural touchstones – from D-Day and Live Aid to the minutiae of the sitcom Friends – in a desperate attempt to appease the American president. “Remember the one where Ross and Rachel were on a break?” Starmer offered, suggesting a temporary pause in international conflict.
Fey’s monologue followed, immediately addressing the elephant in the room: why an American comedian was hosting the inaugural episode of a British SNL. “Like so many large scale U.S. Operations these days, nobody really knows why,” she quipped, acknowledging the inherent oddity of the situation. Her appearance was met with playful questioning from the audience, including Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who challenged Fey’s presence. Fey responded with characteristic wit, stating, “The way it was explained to me was that for this first episode, anyway, how do I set this politely, none of you fuckers would do it.”
The monologue quickly evolved into a comedic exchange with other celebrity guests, including Arrested Development star Michael Cera and TV host Graham Norton. Cera expressed surprise at the allowance of swearing, playfully testing the boundaries with phrases like “Shitbird” and “fucking bollocks…”, whereas Norton questioned Fey’s qualifications to comment on British comedy. Fey deftly responded by showcasing her impressive range of British comedic impressions, including characters from Fawlty Towers, Are You Being Served, and Monty Python, as well as the viral Jet 2 Holidays voiceover advert.
The launch of SNL UK wasn’t without its logistical hurdles. According to reports, the broadcast nearly began in chaos due to a prolonged English Premier League match between Brentford and Leeds United running into injury time on Sky One. Sky managed to switch over to the sketch display just in time to meet the scheduled 10pm start time.
Wet Leg served as the musical guest for the premiere episode, joining the newly established SNL UK cast: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. The show’s debut comes 50 years after the original Saturday Night Live launched in the U.S. As NBC’s Saturday Night.
The arrival of SNL UK has been met with a degree of skepticism within the British television industry. Some industry insiders have questioned whether the American format will resonate with UK audiences, particularly given the country’s historically limited appetite for late-night comedy. One source reportedly described the production as the “slowest car crash in TV history” prior to its launch. But, initial reactions have been largely positive, with comedy market watchers praising the sketches and Fey’s performance.
Comedians within the UK have similarly voiced their support for the show, emphasizing the scarcity of sketch comedy opportunities in the country. Stevie Martin, known for her work on Channel 4’s Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping, passionately urged audiences to give SNL UK a chance, stating, “If you don’t like it, shrug and move on, and it will lead to more shows that you maybe do like. TV sketch comedy in the UK is on its knees right now. Just let it try.”
The series has been extended to eight episodes, two more than originally planned, signaling a degree of confidence from Sky in the show’s potential. The success of SNL UK could pave the way for a resurgence of sketch comedy in the UK, offering a platform for emerging comedic talent and providing a modern outlet for established performers.
As SNL UK moves forward, its ability to balance its American roots with a distinctly British sensibility will be crucial. The show’s willingness to tackle topical issues, as demonstrated by the opening sketch, suggests a commitment to relevant and engaging content. The next episodes will undoubtedly be closely watched by both industry professionals and audiences alike, eager to see if SNL UK can establish itself as a lasting fixture on the British comedy landscape.
What did you think of the first episode of SNL UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
