When Saturday Night Live first aired in the US in 1975, it was chaos. Now, more than 50 years later, the show has been refashioned for British audiences as Saturday Night Live UK. The Sky One debut was hosted by American comedian Tina Fey, who joked in her opening monologue that no British host would take the job. Fey proved a capable guide, indulging in singularly British jokes about Come Dine with Me and Autoglass adverts.
The show features a young cast including Taskmaster's Emma Sidi. However, SNL UK faces challenges: it airs on Sky One, which few Brits have access to, and has only been commissioned for eight episodes. The creators seem to know the show must work as a collection of clips for social media rather than a linear TV programme.
The opening episode had several misses, including an interminable David Attenborough sketch and an inelegant swipe at Keir Starmer. But there were also hits: a de-aging serum sketch, a Paddington immersive experience, and a zingy Weekend Review segment. Jack Shep's bang-on Princess Diana impression was a standout, though some gags fell flat.
While SNL UK plays it safe with the formula, it shows a willingness to push the envelope and risk bad taste. The chemistry between the cast needs time to settle, and social media reactions will likely inform which sketches succeed. Borrowing a beloved American format, the show at best demonstrates what it has learnt from its New York cousin, but at worst seems like tepid cosplay.
