LONDON — The British adaptation of the long-running American comedy staple Saturday Night Live made its debut on Sky on Saturday night, drawing mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike. Titled Saturday Night Live UK, the show aired at 10 p.m. local time, featuring a lineup of sketches that aimed to capture the irreverent spirit of the original but left at least one prominent reviewer underwhelmed.
The premiere episode opened with a cold open sketch depicting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a tense phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a review in Deadline Hollywood, Starmer was portrayed as "quivering" while turning down an invitation from Trump, though the segment reportedly lacked any memorable punchlines. This set the tone for the hour-long program, which included appearances by high-profile guests and a series of satirical bits targeting British culture and celebrities.
Guest host Tina Fey, known for her work on the original Saturday Night Live and in films like Mean Girls, took the stage early on. She was joined by actress Nicola Coughlan, star of Netflix's Bridgerton, who playfully questioned Fey's presence with the line, "Why?" Comedian Graham Norton, host of his eponymous BBC talk show, also made a cameo, offering commentary that added to the star-studded vibe. The episode marked the first outing for the UK version, produced under the guidance of original SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who launched the U.S. iteration on NBC in 1975.
One of the standout sketches, according to the Deadline review, was titled "David Attenborough’s Last Supper," a parody imagining the famed naturalist hosting a dinner with historical British figures. The scene featured portrayals of Queen Elizabeth I, Princess Diana in her early "shy Di" phase played by comedian Jack Shep, and others debating the merits of a starter course. A character quipped that the evening was about "scintillating conversation," but the review described the exchange as falling flat, with no real wit or humor emerging.
Another segment, "Boovies Goes to the Film’s," spoofed a movie review show hosted by comedian Hammed Animashaun, known for his role in Black Ops. Animashaun interviewed fictional stars from the made-up film Hot Streak, delivering a line that the movie "sucked all the way through." While the reviewer noted a brief hint of amusement at that moment, the overall sketch was deemed emblematic of the show's shortcomings, mirroring the perceived lackluster quality of the entire broadcast.
Baz Bamigboye, writing under the pseudonym Breaking Baz for Deadline Hollywood, offered a scathing assessment of the premiere. "Painful, that’s what," Bamigboye wrote, adding, "Yeah, seriously. Beyond seriously unfunny." He described his viewing experience as one filled with "sighs, yawns — yes. But: No. Laughter," emphasizing that the show was missing "comedy’s vital component: Wit." Bamigboye, a veteran entertainment journalist, confessed, "I’m honestly not a bah-humbug kind of bloke, but SNL UK broke me."
The review highlighted the historical context of the original SNL, which debuted in 1975 amid a dearth of edgy humor on U.S. television. Michaels' creation was revolutionary for its live format, akin to a "high-wire act," Bamigboye noted, where the risk of failure added to the thrill. In contrast, he argued that the UK version arrived in 2026, a time when British audiences might not feel the same hunger for such content, with sketches feeling "stale, pale" and reminiscent of jokes from the 1950s.
Airing at 10 p.m. on a Saturday drew criticism for its timing. Bamigboye consulted his son, a young DJ in London, who explained that people his age typically do not watch live broadcasts of this nature. "Duh, Dad," the son texted, according to the review. "No one worth their salt watches this kind of show live... If it’s any good, they will hear about it and watch a replay or clips on Instagram, Deadline (plug) or the New York Times or YouTube." This insight suggested that the show's success might hinge on social media buzz rather than live viewership.
Online reactions echoed some of Bamigboye's sentiments. In the comments section of the Deadline article, one reader remarked, "Well, if the US version of Saturday Night Live is painfully unfunny every week, why shouldn’t the UK version be just as painfully unfunny also?" Another user agreed, saying, "I was literally going to say the same thing but you beat me to it." These responses indicate a broader skepticism toward the franchise's ability to translate across the Atlantic, with some viewing the UK launch as an inevitable extension of perceived declines in the original's quality.
Despite the negative feedback, the show's producers have not yet responded publicly to the critiques. Sky, the network broadcasting SNL UK, has positioned the program as a fresh take on late-night satire tailored for British audiences, incorporating local politicians, celebrities, and cultural references. The inclusion of stars like Coughlan and Norton underscores an effort to blend British talent with the American format's legacy.
The original Saturday Night Live has endured for over 50 years, evolving through political upheavals, cultural shifts, and changes in its cast and writing team. Lorne Michaels, now in his late 80s, has overseen adaptations and spin-offs, including international versions in countries like France and Australia. The UK edition, however, represents a more direct transplant, airing weekly on Sky with a mix of live sketches, musical performances, and guest monologues.
Broader implications for SNL UK could depend on its ability to build a loyal audience in a crowded comedy landscape. British television already boasts sharp satirical programs like The Mash Report and Mock the Week, which have carved out niches with pointed political humor. If word-of-mouth remains negative, as Bamigboye's son predicted, the show risks fading into obscurity, with younger viewers opting for viral clips over full episodes.
Looking ahead, the next episode of Saturday Night Live UK is scheduled for the following Saturday at the same 10 p.m. slot on Sky. Producers may adjust based on initial feedback, potentially sharpening sketches or tweaking the format to inject more of the "dangerous, cutting-edge humour" that defined the original. For now, the debut has sparked debate about whether the SNL formula can thrive beyond its American roots or if it requires a complete reinvention for UK tastes.
In the entertainment industry, where transatlantic adaptations often face scrutiny—think The Office or Shameless—SNL UK's launch adds another chapter to the story of cultural exports. As streaming and social media fragment audiences, the pressure is on for live comedy to deliver immediate impact. Whether this version finds its footing remains to be seen, but the premiere has certainly given critics and fans plenty to discuss.