The inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live UK, a retooling of the 51-year-old American original founded by Lorne Michaels, has finally arrived on Sky. Despite some initial reservations, the show's ambition was refreshing to see, with a mix of impressive impressions, witty sketches, and a few missteps.
The episode began with an impression of Keir Starmer by George Fouracres, which, although well-intentioned, struggled to find its footing. However, the show quickly picked up pace with the guest host monologue, delivered by Tina Fey, former head writer at SNL and creator of 30 Rock. Fey's monologue started off a bit stilted but eventually warmed up, thanks in part to a pop quiz from Graham Norton on Britishisms.
One of the stronger sketches of the evening was a clever take on a skincare range, dubbed Undérage, which promised to make users look so youthful that people would think their husband is a nonce. The sketch, although a bit overlong, was a highlight of the episode, showcasing the show's potential for clever writing and satire.
Sketches and Performances
A bafflingly bloated sketch about David Attenborough's Last Supper with reanimated icons was followed by two bits that hit their mark much better. Hammed Animashaun shone as an unmaliciously honest film critic and as part of a team dedicated to making the internet "as bad as it can possibly be". These sketches were followed by a solid Weekend Update, presented by Ania Magliano and Paddy Young, which managed to deliver some proper jokes for grownups.
A Shakespeare sketch and a Paddington one were also featured, with varying degrees of success. However, the show's ability to tackle a wide range of topics and themes was evident, and its willingness to take risks was commendable. The episode also included two performances by Wet Leg, which, unfortunately, fell flat.
Room for Improvement
While the inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live UK was not without its missteps, it showed promise and a willingness to experiment. As the team and the audience settle in over the coming weeks, it is likely that the show will build towards real success. With some recurring characters and a more established rhythm, the show could become a staple of British comedy.
As noted by The Guardian, the show's attempt to retool a legacy US brand for a British audience is an ambitious undertaking. Although it may not have been perfect, the show's refreshing ambition and willingness to take risks make it an exciting development in the world of British comedy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inaugural episode of Saturday Night Live UK was a mixed bag, with some impressive sketches and performances, as well as a few missteps. However, its ambition and willingness to experiment make it a promising addition to the world of British comedy. As the show continues to evolve and improve, it will be exciting to see how it develops and what it has to offer in the coming weeks.
