SNL UK, the UK version of the iconic American sketch show Saturday Night Live, made its debut on March 21, 2026. The first episode featured a star-studded lineup, including host Tina Fey and guest Graham Norton, who is known for his charm and wit.
During the show, Nicola Coughlan humorously interrupted Tina Fey’s monologue, questioning why an American was hosting a British version of the 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 quipped, adding, “Scotland is in Britain Tina, educate yourself.”
Fey responded by explaining that the choice of host was due to a lack of availability among British celebrities for the inaugural episode. “The way it was explained to me was that for this first episode, anyway, how do I put this politely, none of you would do it. Does that make sense?” she said.
The episode also included a lively performance by the band Wet Leg, contributing to the show’s vibrant atmosphere. The inaugural cast of SNL UK features notable UK comedians such as Hammed Animashaun and Celeste Dring, alongside George Fouracres and Ayoade Bamgboye.
Graham Norton, reflecting on the experience, stated, “I have a gift in making American celebrities likeable to British audiences,” highlighting his unique role in bridging the two cultures.
The first episode ran for 75 minutes and was filmed in the same studio as The Graham Norton Show, adding a familiar touch for fans of the host’s previous work. Jonno Johnson serves as the head writer for the new series.
Viewers can catch SNL UK on Sky and the streaming service Now. The next episode is set to air on March 28, 2026, promising more laughs and surprises.
As the show progresses, observers are keen to see how it will evolve and whether it will capture the same magic as its American counterpart.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding future guest appearances and potential changes in the show’s format, but anticipation is high among fans.