The launch of Saturday Night Live UK on Sky this weekend marks a significant moment for British comedy. After a considerable build-up, the show arrives amidst a surprising level of debate – some are eagerly anticipating its success, while others are bracing for failure. Even promotional material, down to an advertisement featuring the show’s initials spelled out in baked beans, has been scrutinized and dissected online, fueling a sense of pre-emptive skepticism. Whether the show will live up to the hype, or fall flat, remains to be seen.
The challenge facing SNL UK is considerable. Replicating the success of the long-running American institution – arguably the United States’ most recognizable comedy export – is a daunting task. Beyond the inherent difficulties of producing a live, weekly comedy show, the UK version must navigate the delicate balance between honoring the original format and establishing its own distinct comedic identity. Lorne Michaels, the creator of the original Saturday Night Live, is involved as an executive producer, lending his experience to the project. But can the show successfully transplant itself across the Atlantic?
Finding a British Voice in a Transatlantic Format
One of the central concerns surrounding SNL UK is whether it will become lost between the comedic traditions of the US and the UK. Will it appeal to anyone if it tries to be both? A potential roadmap for success, surprisingly, might be found in another new British comedy currently airing: the second series of Last One Laughing UK, a Prime Video reality show.
While seemingly disparate – SNL UK is a scripted variety show, while Last One Laughing UK is largely unscripted – both programs are adaptations of international formats. Last One Laughing originated in Japan and has been exported to 30 countries, with each version tailored to its local audience. As Graham Norton told the New York Times, “The Irish version is so Irish… Lots of the references in the show are deep-dive Irish references, things that a UK audience wouldn’t even understand.”
The UK version of Last One Laughing, which premiered in 2023, has successfully cultivated its own unique flavor through its cast of comedians. The first series featured the surreal humor of Bob Mortimer alongside the more intellectual wit of Richard Ayoade and the boisterous energy of Judi Love. The Guardian noted the show’s success stemmed from its refusal to cater to an international audience, exemplified by a viral moment featuring Joe Wilkinson’s mock presentation about the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
Lessons from Saturday Live
This emphasis on local specificity is a lesson SNL UK would be wise to heed. The last attempt to adapt Saturday Night Live for a British audience, Channel 4’s Saturday Live in the 1980s, largely abandoned the original format in favor of British variety traditions and the burgeoning alternative comedy scene. Ben Elton’s politically charged stand-up routine, a highlight of Saturday Live, would have felt entirely out of place on the American SNL.
Early indications suggest SNL UK won’t deviate quite so drastically from the source material. The “Weekend Update” segment will be retained, albeit with a British focus and Tina Fey is slated to host the inaugural episode, according to The Guardian. However, there’s a clear understanding that British humor needs to permeate the SNL branding. Cast member Celeste Dring has stated that the show will be “more open to the absurd and maybe the trivial” and “flirt with the darkness a bit more.”
The Writing Team and Early Expectations
Adding to the optimism surrounding the show is the presence of writers from the acclaimed sketch group Sheeps. The Guardian’s review of Sheeps’ 2024 Edinburgh Fringe performance praised the group’s inventive and often surreal comedy. Their involvement suggests a commitment to originality and a willingness to push boundaries.
The success of SNL UK will ultimately depend on its ability to capture the spirit of British comedy while maintaining the energy and unpredictability of the original Saturday Night Live. It’s a high-wire act, to be sure, but one that could pay off handsomely if executed well. The show’s first episodes will be a crucial test of its potential.
To read the complete version of this newsletter please subscribe to receive The Guide in your inbox every Friday.
The first episode of Saturday Night Live UK airs on Sky this Saturday, March 22nd. Further episodes are scheduled weekly, with Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed confirmed as subsequent hosts. The show’s performance in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the future of comedy on British television.
What are your expectations for SNL UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Worth a look
