Saturday Night Live Launches Down Under to a Wave of Acclaim
The iconic American sketch comedy institution, Saturday Night Live, has officially landed on UK shores, making its debut on Sky One to a chorus of positive reviews from viewers. Social media platforms buzzed with excitement following the inaugural broadcast, with many hailing the show as a welcome addition to the British television landscape.
The premiere episode, helmed by the ever-charming American actress Tina Fey, featured a standout musical performance from the buzzy indie band Wet Leg. The show didn’t shy away from tackling contemporary British culture and personalities, kicking off with a “cold open” that saw a fictionalised UK Prime Minister, played by George Fouracres, attempting a rather awkward phone call to then-US President Donald Trump. In the skit, “Starmer” expressed a desperate desire to appease Trump, even going so far as to suggest facilitating World War Three, albeit with a caveat that the UK wouldn’t be directly involved. The scene concluded with a bizarre offer of naval base access and the perplexing phrase, “Me basa su basa.”
Another sketch that garnered significant attention featured a poignant impersonation of the late Princess Diana by cast member Jack Shep. The comedic take on the beloved royal left a lasting impression, with one widely shared tweet even calling for a BAFTA award for the performer.
The show also paid tribute to the legendary broadcaster David Attenborough, envisioning him hosting a “last supper” alongside a gathering of departed British luminaries. This particular segment resonated deeply with online audiences, with many praising its originality and execution. Thomas Ridgewell, known online as “TomSka” and the mastermind behind the asdfmovie animated series, expressed his admiration, tweeting, “I’m David Attenborough and it can’t be long now” and declaring the sketch “f***ing bodied me.”
The response on X (formerly Twitter) was overwhelmingly positive. Chuck Thomas, a producer for News UK, labelled the broadcast “a masterclass in live television.” The enthusiasm was echoed by a broad spectrum of personalities, from entertainment figures to everyday viewers.
Richard Osman, co-host of The Rest is Entertainment and a familiar face from House of Games, confirmed his enjoyment, stating he was “loving it.” Similarly, presenter Richard Bacon shared his positive impressions, deeming the sketches he witnessed “great.” Comedian Stevie Martin declared the first episode an unqualified “hit.”
Beyond individual sketches, many viewers underscored the show’s broader significance. One X/Twitter user stressed the “vital” role SNL UK plays in supporting live music, sketch comedy, and providing a platform for emerging talent, noting the scarcity of shows offering such a blend. Another user acknowledged that while the show “perhaps needs to find its feet and figure out what works,” it ultimately felt like a “modern” production that authentically captures UK culture, drawing parallels to beloved past programs like Harry Hill’s TV Burp.
However, not every viewer was completely won over. Journalist Josh Kaplan offered a more critical perspective, describing the experience as a “tough watch.” Despite any mixed opinions, SNL UK is set to continue its run on Sky One, promising more comedic offerings in the coming weeks.
The upcoming episodes are already generating buzz. The fall star Jamie Dornan is slated to host, with the acclaimed band Wolf Alice lined up as the musical guest for one of the forthcoming shows.
The launch of Saturday Night Live in the UK marks an exciting moment for live comedy and entertainment, offering a fresh perspective and a platform for both established and new voices to shine. As the series progresses, it will be fascinating to see how it continues to evolve and cement its place in the British television schedule.
