At a glance
Expert’s Rating
Our Verdict
Sky One’s adaptation of NBC’s iconic late-night show has surprisingly become a must-watch, overcoming skepticism to potentially launch the careers of its talented cast. There’s hope for another season.
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During her opening monologue on SNL UK, Nicola Coughlan commented on the British tendency to relish others’ failures, explaining to guest Tina Fey why the first episode was met with hesitance. This sentiment is reflected in the show’s ratings: the premiere drew 226,000 viewers, but by the fourth episode, viewership had dropped to 120,000.
Despite this, the show’s experimental nature—featuring new comedians on a late-night subscription channel—was unlikely to garner massive numbers initially. However, its positive word-of-mouth and viral success suggest it deserves another season, having revitalized UK TV comedy.
With few new sitcoms and overused formats like Mock the Week resurfacing, the comedy scene had grown stale. SNL UK, with its fresh talent and daring sketches, has made 10pm on Sky One a must-watch time slot.
It’s provided UK TV comedy with the shot in the arm it desperately needed
The show’s debut was a standout, combining humor with distinctly British wit, dispelling fears of it being a poor imitation of its American counterpart. The first skit, a face cream ad with a dark punchline, set the tone.
Early stars like George Fouracres and Jack Shep, known for his Princess Diana impression, captivated audiences with unique sketches. Tina Fey, a seasoned SNL veteran, lent credibility and welcomed a new wave of talent.
Jamie Dornan later demonstrated the show’s potential to succeed without established stars. Known for his looks and charm, Dornan impressed with his comedic timing and willingness to embrace quirky sketches.
SNL UK is infinitely weirder than its Stateside counterpart and all the better for it
The second episode featured standout skits like ‘Pub Song,’ which humorously criticized British tourists, and a horror spoof with Jools Holland as a villainous figure.
Riz Ahmed, known for his satire Bait, embraced the show’s eccentricity in episode three, while Jack Whitehall shone in a Mastermind parody during episode four.
The show’s constant, Weekend Update, delivers irreverent weekly news summaries, with hosts Paddy Young and Ania Magliano skillfully balancing humor and provocation.
SNL UK also stands out for its live music performances, showcasing talents like Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, and Jorja Smith, though some acts, like Kasabian, may have misfired.
SNL UK should be applauded for providing one of the few TV platforms for live music
While the show has some issues, such as underusing certain cast members and struggling with skit conclusions, its talented team deserves time to refine these aspects. Far from a disaster, SNL UK has become a cultural highlight.
Should you watch SNL UK?
Absolutely. It’s currently the most entertaining show on TV and a bold venture in UK comedy. If you haven’t already, catch the first four episodes. The upcoming episodes, featuring Nicola Coughlan and Aimee Lou Wood, promise to uphold the show’s high standards.
The first four episodes of SNL UK are available to stream on Sky/NOW TV with a new episode airing each Saturday at 10pm on Sky One until May 16.
