Saturday Night Live UK has received mixed reviews from critics after its star-studded series premiere, with some saying the show "could have been a lot worse". The first episode, hosted by American actress and comedian Tina Fey, featured topical sketches including a parody of Sir Keir Starmer and impersonations of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sir Winston Churchill.
The Sky Original also included cameos from Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page and a performance from Isle of Wight band Wet Leg as the first musical guest. The inaugural cast featured George Fouracres, Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.
The Guardian awarded the show three out of five stars, stating: "It could have been a lot, lot worse. And it could have been a lot better." The Independent also gave three stars, noting "some hits, some misses, and a bang-on Princess Di impression". However, The Financial Times awarded four stars, saying the "debut episode shows promise".
The Telegraph gave four stars, describing predictions that a transatlantic SNL would crash and burn as "wide of the mark". British comedy website Chortle also gave a four-star rating, calling the debut "impressively strong" and adding: "Whisper it, but I think they might just have nailed it."
Jonno Johnson is the head writer for the new series, joined by 8 Out of 10 Cats' Charlie Skelton as head writer for the satirical news segment The Weekend Update. Other writers include Stath Lets Flats star Al Roberts and Have I Got News For You's Bella Hull. The US version of the show has been running since 1975.
