Fifty years after the iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL) first hit American television, the beloved comedy show is making its way to the UK, bringing with it a fresh and uniquely British twist. The UK version of the show is set to debut, marking a significant milestone in the world of live sketch comedy. With its roots firmly planted in the US, SNL has long been a launchpad for some of the most celebrated comedians, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Eddie Murphy.
For those who may not be familiar with the format, SNL is a weekly live sketch comedy variety show that features a celebrity guest host, a musical guest, and a team of writers and performers who deliver a series of timely and humorous sketches. Now, the UK is stepping into this world, aiming to replicate the success and cultural impact of the original.
The first episode of the UK version of SNL will air on Saturday, March 21, and it’s set to be a star-studded affair. Tina Fey, a household name in the world of comedy, will be the guest host for the inaugural show. She will be followed by Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed, while Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, and Kasabian will take turns as musical guests.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new venture, some fans have expressed concerns about whether the American-style humor will resonate with a UK audience. However, the cast and crew are confident that the British version will bring its own unique flair to the table.
Speaking on the Sky Up Next red carpet, producer James Longman and cast members Paddy Young and Ania Magliano shared their thoughts on the upcoming show. They emphasized that the UK version will have its own distinct voice, drawing from the talents of modern British writers and performers.
“We’ve just got an amazing writer’s room full of different voices, full of modern British voices, and they’re just so funny. It’s just a different perspective, a real British perspective,” said James. He also noted that while the US version is a remarkable show, the UK edition is its own entity.
Paddy and Ania highlighted that the UK version will air earlier than its American counterpart, which could be a big plus for viewers. Ania praised Tina Fey, calling her “a genius” and expressing how exciting it was to work with someone of her caliber.
“It’s incredible. She came and sat in on one of our writing sessions and was pitching us jokes. It was like: ‘These are so funny.’ It’s amazing to work with someone who’s so successful and has still got it,” she said.
Paddy echoed similar sentiments, stating that it was an honor and a privilege to have Tina on board for the first episode. He added that having someone like her on the show would help set the tone and provide support for the entire team.
With the potential to become a launching pad for emerging comedians, the cast and crew were visibly excited about the opportunity. Ania, known for her role in Taskmaster, described her reaction as one of shock and relief after a long audition process. She admitted that she was so giddy with excitement that she couldn’t fully express it at the time.
Paddy, on the other hand, took a more British approach to the news, heading to the pub to celebrate. He said he initially struggled to process the news, but now it feels real.
As the eyes of the world turn to the UK version of SNL, the pressure is on to make a strong debut. With an extended eight-episode season already planned, the cast and crew are determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Producer James shared his hopes for the show, saying, “I just hope that people enjoy it.” He added that in these challenging times, the goal is simply to bring some laughter and joy to viewers on a Saturday night.
“I just hope we can do it justice,” he said.
When asked if there would be any surprises in store, Paddy quipped, “I think people will be surprised how funny it is. Don’t you reckon?”
Saturday Night Live UK will air on Sky at 10pm tonight and will be available to stream on NOW.
