SNL UK is the UK version of the long-running US sketch show Saturday Night Live. The inaugural episode of SNL UK aired on March 21, 2026, featuring Tina Fey as the host. Graham Norton, a well-known figure in British entertainment, made a guest appearance on the show, which was filmed in the same studio as The Graham Norton Show.
During the episode, Nicola Coughlan interrupted Tina Fey’s monologue, humorously questioning why an American was hosting a British show. “If it’s SNL UK then why are you our first host? Shouldn’t it be a British icon like David Beckham or Judi Dench or Shrek?” she asked, adding, “Scotland is in Britain Tina, educate yourself.”
The show also included a performance by the band Wet Leg and featured a lineup of UK comedians, including Hammed Animashaun and Celeste Dring. The first episode ran for 75 minutes and was well-received by viewers.
Graham Norton, reflecting on the show, stated, “I have a gift in making American celebrities likeable to British audiences.” This suggests a blend of cultural humor that SNL UK aims to achieve.
Jonno Johnson serves as the head writer for SNL UK, which is available to watch on Sky and the streaming service Now. The next episode is scheduled to air on March 28, 2026, promising more comedic content from the UK entertainment scene.
As the show progresses, observers are keen to see how SNL UK will evolve and whether it will successfully capture the essence of its American counterpart while catering to British audiences.
