topic Re: Saturday Night Live UK in What's On

Saturday Night Live UK

Marlu-Nyu — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:15:28 GMT

It's typical American slapstick humour with the British "comedians" no one has ever heard of that Sky could afford.

I can see the punchline before the joke even starts. They are trying too hard to get a joke [Removed]

It's been 31 minutes and I haven't even laughed once. It's beyond terrible.

I think Hammed Animashaun as Ed Boovies says it best when interviewing the cast for "Hot Streak" in SNL UK. [Removed]

I don't know why but it's actually severly annoying me watching it. It's like the movie 50 Shades of Grey all over again, I could only stomach 30 minutes of that before I had to turn it off.

The musical perfomance is by Wet Leg, more like Sore Wet Rash, in my opinion.

Moderator notes: Removed swearing & rude remarks

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Angel_Aka — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:57:30 GMT

I thought it was rather good. Best comedy thing Sky have produced in a long time.
The guy playing Kier Starmer & the guy playing Diana were excellent.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

SKY1992bf — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:44:31 GMT

@Marlu-Nyu your original thread is back

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

MarkGoldsmith — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:58:01 GMT

@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
It's typical American slapstick humour with the British "comedians" no one has ever heard of that Sky could afford.

Moderator notes: Removed swearing & rude remarks

I thought it was a bit hit and miss ( however, that's pretty much been my opinion of any of the US SNL episodes I've watched).

Regarding your point about little-known comedians, that's kind of the point of SNL and has been since its inception in the US. The cast of the US one has practically always been the lesser-known comedians, with them being part of the SNL cast to turn themselves into much bigger names.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Angel_Aka — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:14:26 GMT

@MarkGoldsmith wrote:
@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
It's typical American slapstick humour with the British "comedians" no one has ever heard of that Sky could afford.

Moderator notes: Removed swearing & rude remarks
I thought it was a bit hit and miss ( however, that's pretty much been my opinion of any of the US SNL episodes I've watched).

Regarding your point about little-known comedians, that's kind of the point of SNL and has been since its inception in the US. The cast of the US one has practically always been the lesser-known comedians, with them being part of the SNL cast to turn themselves into much bigger names.

Indeed. That's what was refreshing about it - some new, young faces, some of whom who were genuinely very funny.

I'm very bored of seeing Alan Carr pop up in just about everything, and I don't need to see Romesh doing anything else for a very long time.

I'm quite sure that in 5-10 years time some of the people we're seeing now on SNL UK will be household names too.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

oj01 — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:54:30 GMT

I downloaded it today. Gave it 30 minutes and deleted it. Won't be bothering again. Very much agree with the OP on here. Unknowns who aren't in the least bit funny. Even the American "star" they brought in to host (never heard of her either) wasn't funny. Can't see it lasting long tbh.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

TimmyBGood — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:28:55 GMT

@oj01 wrote:

the American "star" they brought in to host

I'd imagine the decade Tina Fey spent on SNL in the US was something of a factor in asking her: 30 Rock was also reasonably successful (and perhaps not entirely coincidentally, both related to SNL and an NBCU/Comcast product)

Personally I think the UK version was rather effective in channelling the spirit of the original, because that's almost never actually funny either....

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Doc5907 — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:14:23 GMT

@oj01 wrote:
I downloaded it today. Gave it 30 minutes and deleted it. Won't be bothering again. Very much agree with the OP on here. Unknowns who aren't in the least bit funny. Even the American "star" they brought in to host (never heard of her either) wasn't funny. Can't see it lasting long tbh.

Agree, it was pants.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Marlu-Nyu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:56:17 GMT

I think if they actually made a British (and Irish) version of SNL for SNL UK, and not just a copy of the American one, I think it would've been better. Like keep the general sketches and the Weekend Update formats.

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:

Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally

or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK, I think that would've been better. We already have SNL (US) on Sky One, why do we need an exact copy for the UK (and Ireland)?

I would understand if SNL expanded to the likes of SNL France, SNL España or SNL Italia (etc.) as these would be in their native languages, but I feel like SNL UK is just a direct copy of SNL (US), and that humour doesn't really work over here as much. Look at The Big Bang Theory or Friends, yes, they were entertaining, but not incredibly funny as the canned/audience laughter would assume. But SNL UK is specifically a comedy sketch show, with American humour. I don't get why Comcast made it in the first place, in the same format and comedic style as the US one.

Look at the show The Office, the UK one was very different to the US one, different humours for different markets, that worked for their respective markets. SNL US and SNL UK ahould've been very different, but they're not.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

TimmyBGood — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:30:31 GMT

@Marlu-Nyu wrote:

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:

Ricky Gervais

Jimmy Carr

Michael McIntyre

Romesh Ranganathan

James Acaster

Sarah Millican

Dara Ó Briain

Graham Norton (as a cast member)

Tommy Tiernan

Chris O'Dowd

Joanne McNally

or others but on the same level.

I wouldn't imagine the budget could cover even one of those names, particularly as it's in the nature of the show that it's essentially a full time job despite the very limited performance length each week.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

MarkGoldsmith — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:32:49 GMT

@TimmyBGood wrote:
@Marlu-Nyu wrote:

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:
Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally
or others but on the same level.
I wouldn't imagine the budget would cover even one of those names, particularly as it's in the nature of the show that it's essentially a full time job despite the very limited performance length each week.

Also, having a big-name cast list would essentially overshadow the "big star guest host" SNL is meant to have every week.

I certainly do think the guest host is an area that Sky can improve upon over the initial 3 they have announced, particularly if their aim is to try and get people unfamiliar with SNL to tune in and check out the show.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Angel_Aka — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:37:56 GMT

@TimmyBGood wrote:
@Marlu-Nyu wrote:

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:
Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally
or others but on the same level.
I wouldn't imagine the budget would cover even one of those names, particularly as it's in the nature of the show that it's essentially a full time job despite the very limited performance length each week.

Exactly. Plus, there would be zero point in calling it Saturday Night Live because it would be a different show.

The fact that Sky have already extended the run by 2 episodes show that they have faith in it and I think that the second half of the series may end up attracting some pretty big names to host. I'm not expecting Harry Styles or Ryan Gosling but I think many British A-listers who were originally asked and refused, may be re-thinking after seeing the first episode.

There is some genuine talent amongst the core cast. Sceptical viewers need to give it more of a chance after just one episode.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

nolte — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:29:10 GMT

@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
I think if they actually made a British (and Irish) version of SNL for SNL UK, and not just a copy of the American one, I think it would've been better. Like keep the general sketches and the Weekend Update formats.

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:
Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally
or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK, I think that would've been better. We already have SNL (US) on Sky One, why do we need an exact copy for the UK (and Ireland)?

Then it would be The Joanne McNally show, or the Graham Norton Show (i think someone might own that name) or the James Acaster Show, not Snl Uk

It would result in the show revolving around them, rather than as the more collective show.

I liked the first episode overall, it was a bit hit and miss but i find all sketch comedy is like that.

Of the cast, I saw the Ania Migliano stand up special on sky Comedy over christmas/new year and I thought she was very funny. I enjoyed it. A couple others I would recognise from stuff like Celeste Dring.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Marlu-Nyu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:56:00 GMT

@nolte wrote:
@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
I think if they actually made a British (and Irish) version of SNL for SNL UK, and not just a copy of the American one, I think it would've been better. Like keep the general sketches and the Weekend Update formats.

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:
Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally
or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK, I think that would've been better. We already have SNL (US) on Sky One, why do we need an exact copy for the UK (and Ireland)?

Then it would be The Joanne McNally show, or the Graham Norton Show (i think someone might own that name) or the James Acaster Show, not Snl Uk
It would result in the show revolving around them, rather than as the more collective show.

I liked the first episode overall, it was a bit hit and miss but i find all sketch comedy is like that.

Of the cast, I saw the Ania Migliano stand up special on sky Comedy over christmas/new year and I thought she was very funny. I enjoyed it. A couple others I would recognise from stuff like Celeste Dring.

@MarkGoldsmith, @Angel_Aka, @TimmyBGood, and @nolte :

I did mention:

"[...] or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK [...]"

Just to clarify, the big names were more on an idea, to put SNL UK on the map, but equally I meant more for Comcast to look at these comedians, and use that same humour that these comedians do and put that into a version of SNL UK. So, not necessarily the comedians I mentioned, but that kind of humour for SNL UK and not a direct UK copy of the US one, is what I meant.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

Mr+Ripley — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:20:57 GMT

@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
@nolte wrote:
@Marlu-Nyu wrote:
I think if they actually made a British (and Irish) version of SNL for SNL UK, and not just a copy of the American one, I think it would've been better. Like keep the general sketches and the Weekend Update formats.

Get well-known comedians (as the cast) like:
Ricky Gervais
Jimmy Carr
Michael McIntyre
Romesh Ranganathan
James Acaster
Sarah Millican
Dara Ó Briain
Graham Norton (as a cast member)
Tommy Tiernan
Chris O'Dowd
Joanne McNally
or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK, I think that would've been better. We already have SNL (US) on Sky One, why do we need an exact copy for the UK (and Ireland)?

Then it would be The Joanne McNally show, or the Graham Norton Show (i think someone might own that name) or the James Acaster Show, not Snl Uk
It would result in the show revolving around them, rather than as the more collective show.

I liked the first episode overall, it was a bit hit and miss but i find all sketch comedy is like that.

Of the cast, I saw the Ania Migliano stand up special on sky Comedy over christmas/new year and I thought she was very funny. I enjoyed it. A couple others I would recognise from stuff like Celeste Dring.
@MarkGoldsmith, @Angel_Aka, @TimmyBGood, and @nolte :

I did mention:

"[...] or others but on the same level. I think if Sky and NBC (Comcast) looked at all of the comedians' styles and humour that I listed, and made that sort of comedic style into a version of SNL UK [...]"

Just to clarify, the big names were more on an idea, to put SNL UK on the map, but equally I meant more for Comcast to look at these comedians, and use that same humour that these comedians do and put that into a version of SNL UK. So, not necessarily the comedians I mentioned, but that kind of humour for SNL UK and not a direct UK copy of the US one, is what I meant.

@Marlu-Nyu I generally like your posts on the forum & usually agree with you. However, in this case, I have to disagree. That list of comedians you have given ( or even other similar comedians ) are not known for doing sketch shows. Stand-up, guests on panel shows & game shows, hosting panel shows & game shows, yes, but not sketch shows. So I really don't think that idea would work.

As for the show itself, I'll admit I went in with low expectations. I had only heard of two of the cast members because they have appeared on Taskmaster. I now have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. It actually made me laugh & more than I thought it would. Tina Fey's opening monologue was pretty good, especially when Graham Norton joined her. I also liked the skin cream sketch & the film junket sketch. Weekend Update was also pretty good. Yes, overall it was hit & miss, but that seems to be standard for this franchise. I wasn't so keen on the use of cue cards though. But, in the end, it made me laugh, so it did its job, and I may well watch E2.

SNL UK cool or crass?

Max2000AD — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:58:48 GMT

Just saw some of SNL UK on Sky catch up, seemed kind of harsh humour most of the time, but nothing unlike what I see with UK stand up comedy elsewhere on TV.

Does anyone think it will succeed or will it probably be cancelled after this season and never see the light of day again because it's too hit and miss?

Re: SNL UK cool or crass?

Daniel0210 — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:12:17 GMT

@Max2000AD

I have merged your post into the current thread discussing this programme.

Re: SNL UK cool or crass?

Angel_Aka — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:12:25 GMT

@Max2000AD wrote:
Just saw some of SNL UK on Sky catch up, seemed kind of harsh humour most of the time, but nothing unlike what I see with UK stand up comedy elsewhere on TV.
Does anyone think it will succeed or will it probably be cancelled after this season and never see the light of day again because it's too hit and miss?

Well the first episode was much better received by critics and viewers than most people thought it would be.

It's too early to say whether it'll return for a second run but I think it'll depend on who they can attract to host the second half of this first series. We don't know who they've got after Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed. If they can get some decent, interesting and unexpected folk to do it then it could easily keep going.

Sky have already upped the episode count by two for this first season, so the likelihood of a second series I would say is quite high.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

MarkGoldsmith — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:56:53 GMT

Just seen they have added Jack Whitehall as a guest host (https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/jack-whitehall-announced-as-next-host-of-saturday-night-live-uk-)

I'm guessing this is more a promotional thing for the launch of The ‘Burbs on Sky One.

Re: Saturday Night Live UK

nolte — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:18:32 GMT

I thought the second episode was really enjoyable. Probably my favourite 2 was the songs the cast did.