The first ever UK edition of Saturday Night Live debuted with a political cold open featuring a cowering Keir Starmer avoiding a call from President Donald Trump. Cast member George Fouracres played the British Prime Minister, who nervously asked his deputy, David Lammy (Hammed Animashaun), for advice before answering. Starmer attempted to curry favour by listing shared Anglo-American memories, including D-Day, Live Aid, and the first week of the Iraq war, while pleading for a 'break' until Trump's war ambitions subsided.
After the call, Lammy praised Starmer: 'Good work, sir. You did the bare minimum, and that's all people expect from you.' The sketch set the tone for a show that mixed political satire with celebrity cameos.
Host Tina Fey opened the monologue by questioning why the US format was being adapted for the UK, joking: 'Like so many large scale U.S. operations these days, nobody really knows why.' She was interrupted by Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who challenged an American hosting the first British episode. Fey replied: 'For this first episode, anyway, how do I put this politely, none of you fuckers would do it.'
Michael Cera and Graham Norton also joined the chaos, with Cera cheekily swearing and noting his Canadian Commonwealth ties, while Norton questioned Fey's credentials on British comedy. Fey impressed with live impressions of Fawlty Towers, Are You Being Served, Monty Python, and a Jet 2 Holidays advert.
The broadcast narrowly avoided delay as a Leeds United-Brentford match ran into injury time, but Sky cut to SNL UK just in time for its 10pm slot. The debut episode, hosted by Fey with musical guest Wet Leg, featured a cast of 11 comedians. Industry scepticism remains over the show's high production costs, but the premiere drew attention with its blend of US and UK talent.
