John Oliver recently made it clear that he is not in favor of a U.K. version of “Saturday Night Live.” During an interview on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” the British comedian expressed his disapproval of the idea, calling it a “terrible idea.” Oliver went on to explain that the concept of a U.K. version of the iconic sketch comedy show does not sit well with him, stating that the original “SNL” is a unique and special entity that should not be replicated.
When pressed by Meyers to elaborate on his stance, Oliver humorously likened “SNL” to a cult, jokingly referring to the cast’s tradition of staying up all night on Tuesdays to prepare for the show. He pointed out that this extreme dedication to the show’s production schedule is akin to something a cult leader would demand from their followers.
Oliver emphasized that great comedy can be created without sacrificing sleep, and that the demanding schedule of “SNL” is not a necessary requirement for success in the industry. He suggested that the show’s long-standing tradition of working tirelessly to meet deadlines is not the standard practice for all comedy productions.
The announcement of a U.K. version of “SNL” came last month, with plans for the show to air on Sky next year. Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of the original “SNL” since its inception in 1975, will also be involved in the U.K. adaptation.
To watch John Oliver’s full interview on “Late Night,” check out the video below.
Overall, Oliver’s humorous take on the idea of a U.K. “SNL” sheds light on the unique and demanding nature of the original show, highlighting the challenges and quirks that make it a beloved institution in the world of comedy.
