New 'Saturday Night Live UK' Show Faces Wobbly Start But Shows Promise

The British version of the iconic American comedy sketch show has potential, but stumbles with some obligatory nods to the original format.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:06am

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The launch of a British version of the long-running American comedy sketch show 'Saturday Night Live' was met with skepticism, as previous attempts to recreate the 'SNL' formula in the UK have struggled. However, the new 'SNL UK' show demonstrates strong potential, particularly when it leans into distinctly British humor and avoids feeling beholden to the American original. While the premiere episode had some uneven moments, the talented young cast and the creative freedom to be more risqué than the US version suggest the show could evolve into its own unique entity.

Why it matters

The launch of 'SNL UK' represents an opportunity to bring the iconic American comedy brand to British audiences, providing a platform for a new generation of British comedic talent. However, the show must find a way to differentiate itself from both the original 'SNL' and the various failed attempts at a British equivalent over the years. Its success could pave the way for more distinctly British comedy to reach wider audiences.

The details

The premiere episode of 'SNL UK' opened with a political sketch featuring a nervous Prime Minister Keir Starmer dealing with a Gen-Z advisor, which was described as feeling like 'political satire 101.' The show's setup is largely identical to the American version, with a similar stage and band, but it leans into more bawdy, profanity-laced British humor that the US version cannot. Guest host Tina Fey, a veteran of the American 'SNL,' helped usher in the new era, but the standout moments came when the show embraced its distinctly British sensibilities, such as a surprisingly dark sketch about an anti-aging cream and a surreal, random aside featuring an actor doing various Irish impressions.

  • The premiere episode of 'SNL UK' aired on March 22, 2026.

The players

Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, featured in a political sketch in the premiere episode.

Tina Fey

An American comedian and writer who served as the first-ever guest host for the premiere episode of 'SNL UK.'

Larry Dean

A Scottish comedian who is part of the 'SNL UK' cast.

Ania Magliano

A comedian who is part of the 'SNL UK' cast and co-anchored the Weekend Update segment.

Emma Sidi

A comedian who is part of the 'SNL UK' cast and known for her work on 'Taskmaster.'

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What they’re saying

“The moments that stumble are those that feel too much like obligations to adhere to the American formula, like the political cold open and the David Attenborough's dinner party sketch that was mostly a platform for a lot of wobbly impersonations.”

— Kayleigh Donaldson, Entertainment Writer

“You can also tell that the writers are maybe a bit too excited to have the post-watershed privilege of naughty words.”

— Kayleigh Donaldson, Entertainment Writer

“45 Seconds with Foreacres," a brief side-scene with George Foreacres doing a rambling song of different Irish impressions, was a great peek into a very British future for 'SNL: UK': just a weird random aside that let a talented guy do something entirely their own for no reason other than it was funny.”

— Kayleigh Donaldson, Entertainment Writer

What’s next

The show's producers will likely continue to refine the format and allow the cast to develop their comedic voices in the coming episodes, with the goal of establishing 'SNL UK' as a distinct entity from its American counterpart.

The takeaway

While the premiere of 'SNL UK' had some uneven moments as the show found its footing, the talented young cast, the creative freedom to embrace more distinctly British humor, and the lack of the immense cultural weight carried by the original 'SNL' suggest the show has strong potential to evolve into its own unique comedy institution.