SNL UK Finds Its Feet After Star-Studded Debut

SNL UK Launches with Big Names, Mixed Reviews

The highly anticipated British spin-off of the iconic American sketch show, Saturday Night Live, made its debut last night. While the launch featured a star-studded cast and ambitious sketches, critics suggest the show is still finding its footing.

A Star-Studded Premiere

The first episode of SNL UK aimed high, featuring a mix of British and American talent. One notable sketch imagined naturalist David Attenborough using genetic engineering to host a dinner party with historical figures like Agatha Christie, Freddie Mercury, and Winston Churchill. The sketch included lines such as, “Before we commence, there is a mystery I should like to solve. Are we doing starters?” and “Yes, order whatever you like. Tonight is about thrilling conversation and the greatness of Great Britain.”

Expert Opinions: Promising, But Not Perfect

Film and TV critic Ashanti Omkar shared her thoughts on the premiere. “I have to say that I went in a little skeptically because this is something that has worked in America. Will that format work in the UK was the question on our minds,” she said. Omkar noted that the show addressed these concerns early on, with actress Nicola Coughlan delivering lines with “gusto” and Tina Fey, who has a background in the American version, also impressing. The show also included appearances from Graham Norton, Reggie-Jean Page, and Michael Cera, contributing to what Omkar called a “good mix of people.”

It was I won’t say that it was magnetically hilarious. I I would say that it is finding its feet and it’s we’ve got eight episodes, you know, seven more episodes coming up of this and I feel that it will find its feet as it goes along.

Despite the star power, Omkar felt the show wasn’t “magnetically hilarious” yet. She explained, “The first episode, you know, as with most pilots and with something that only had a week for the writers to get together. This this felt like it’s it’s not quite there yet, but it will be.” She added that this was a very critical assessment, as the show did draw a good number of viewers.

Viewer Numbers and the Digital Age

The live broadcast attracted 226,000 viewers, which Omkar described as “very, very good” in today’s viewing landscape. “In this day and age when people are not watching telly as much and people are relying on this digital first thing where you’re putting, you know, you’re putting clips up, people are looking at them as marketing clips.”

However, Charlotte Ivers, TV critic for The Sunday Times, offered a different perspective on the viewer numbers. “To me that number that you gave of viewers for a UK program is very very small indeed. I would have thought it would need a bit more to make a massive impact.” Ivers pointed out the rise of “clip culture,” where audiences consume content through short segments on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. “No one’s sitting down for a full meal. they’re just going to get a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”

Omkar agreed that this digital-first approach has been key to SNL‘s continued relevance in the US. “The reason it’s still become and and still kept relevant is because of this digital first approach that they had. They picked the best clips and put them up online and their TikTok is doing really well and their Instagram is doing really well.” She anticipates the UK version will follow a similar strategy.

Finding the British Voice

Ivers also raised concerns about the show’s comedic style, suggesting it felt too American. “It’s very sort of theater kid. It’s very jazz hands. It’s very overstated, very much gurning, very much sort of manic almost. And that’s not really the style of British comedy.” She contrasted this with the understated, wordplay-driven humor often found in British comedy. “When we think about the great of British comedy, quite often it’s very understated. It’s quite small. It’s all based on quite smart word play.”

Despite these criticisms, both critics saw potential for the show. Ivers noted that SNL UK doesn’t shy away from “edgy humor” and “pushing things close to the line,” which she sees as a positive. “I think if they can sort of finesse that slightly, this could be a good show.” She believes the issue isn’t the format itself, but rather an “Americanized way of performing” that needs adjustment to better suit British tastes.

Spotlight on New Talent

The show also introduced new talent. Omkar highlighted a performer doing a Princess Diana impression, calling him a “standout star.” George Forge was also mentioned as a “decent impressionist” with strong characterization and accents.

Ivers added that the cast consists of the “best of the best,” with a competitive selection process seeing “1,200 people applied for essentially 30 jobs.” She expressed optimism that these talented individuals, given the space and opportunity, will “be able to do great things.”

Looking Ahead

With seven more episodes scheduled, SNL UK has time to evolve. The show’s producers face the challenge of balancing the established SNL format with a distinctly British comedic sensibility. The success of the show may depend on its ability to adapt, refine its humor, and better connect with a UK audience, likely through a strong digital presence showcasing its best sketches.

Source: SNL UK ‘Finding Its Feet’ After Star-Studded Launch | Ashanti Omkar (YouTube)