Saturday Night Live UK Debuts to Positive Critical Reception
The inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live UK aired on Sky, garnering a mix of praise and cautious optimism from reviewers. The show, which premiered on Saturday, featured host Tina Fey and a cast of 11 young comedians, with musical guest Wet Leg. Sky has since announced the commissioning of two additional episodes, extending the series run to a total of eight shows.
Reviews Highlight Strong Opener and Edgy Humor
Critics have largely responded favorably to the debut. Steve Bennett of Chortle noted, "Whisper it, but I think they might just have nailed it," describing the episode as a "very strong opener" that offers hope for the series' success. He acknowledged the polarized expectations surrounding the adaptation of the iconic American format to British sensibilities.
Other publications offered measured praise. The Independent's Nick Hilton awarded three stars, highlighting "some hits, some misses, and a bang-on Princess Di impression." He commended the show's willingness to "push the envelope" and risk bad taste, suggesting it brings fresh elements to a familiar format.
Similarly, The Guardian's Lucy Mangan gave three stars, stating the debut "didn't fail and it could have been a lot worse." She emphasized the ambition behind retooling the legacy brand for a UK audience, calling it "refreshing." However, she criticized one sketch as "an absolute piece of rubbish."
Mixed Feedback on Jokes and Production
While many reviewers appreciated the edgier humor, some pointed out shortcomings. Charlotte Ivers of The Sunday Times praised the show for not shying away from pushing boundaries but noted that "in many cases the jokes don't live up to the risk."
Ed Power of The Daily Telegraph provided one of the more positive reviews, awarding four stars. He credited Tina Fey and the "shockingly competent" debut, describing it as "funny in places and never actively harmful to your emotional well-being." However, he criticized the use of what sounded like "deafening canned laughter," suggesting it was overkill if artificial.
Background and Future Episodes
The US version of SNL, broadcast on NBC, is a pop culture institution that has launched numerous comedy careers over its 50-year history. Adapting it for the UK posed challenges in a fragmented media landscape, but Sky has shown confidence by extending the series.
The next episode of Saturday Night Live UK is scheduled for March 28, hosted by Jamie Dornan with musical guest Wolf Alice. It will air on Sky and Now in the UK and stream on Peacock in the US the following night.
