Saturday Night Live UK has been branded a ‘hit and miss’ by critics as it took aim at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the Beckhams in its ‘savage’ debut this weekend.
The eight-part Sky Original series premiered with Mean Girls icon Tina Fey presenting the first ever episode, alongside the likes of Ania Magliano and Paddy Young.
In their first Weekend Update section they roasted Andrew – who has kept out of sight since his arrest last month over the Epstein files and claims of misconduct in public office when he was a UK trade envoy.
Ania joked in the ‘news’ segment: ‘Renovations to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new home, Marsh Farm, have been taking place over the last month, including the installation of Sky TV. So, if you’re watching this Andrew, hello!’
‘You’re not gonna like this next bit. Also, I’m older than I look. Andrew’s new residence, Marsh Farm, is of course named after the nearby marsh where his body will be found…
‘It was reported this week that the police investigation into Andrew is set to widen,’ Paddy said. ‘The big question now is, if Andrew is charged, found guilty and put in prison, will he be able to keep his mouth shut? I hope not, said his cellmate’s penis.’
Saturday Night Live UK has been branded a ‘hit and miss’ by critics as it took aim at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the Beckhams in its ‘savage’ debut this weekend (host Tina Fey seen)
The eight-part Sky Original series premiered with Mean Girls icon Tina presenting the first ever episode, alongside the likes of Ania Magliano and Paddy Young
There was later a joke about the ongoing Beckham feud as Paddy said: ‘Feuding father and son David and Brooklyn Beckham narrowly missed each other whilst at the same Beverly Hills hotel.
‘The feud began when Victoria was, quote, ‘inappropriately’ close with her son at his wedding, and escalated after Brooklyn accidentally yelled out his wife’s name during sex with his mum.’
However critics weren’t overly impressed with the first episode, with The Times writing that it ‘needs work’.
Their critic savagely penned: ‘I would like to propose a drinking game. Head over to a friend’s house and put on the new UK version of Saturday Night Live. Take a shot of vodka every time you laugh. Then drive home.’
They added that some of the jokes ‘didn’t live up to the risk’ and that ‘the spark is not there yet’ with the show.
The Independent gave a three star review, pointing out that because it was airing on Sky – which most people don’t have access to – it was never going to be seen by a huge amount of the public.
They also point out that they didn’t ‘invest in much of a shake-up to the formula’, adding: ‘This means SNL UK lacks its own spark of irreverence.
‘At best it shows what it’s learnt from a half-century of its New York cousin; at worst it seems like tepid cosplay.’
The Guardian also gave it three stars but overall was more positive about the debut episode.
They penned that while some sketches were weak ‘it could have been a lot, lot worse’.
In their first Weekend Update section they roasted Andrew – who has kept out of sight since his arrest last month over the Epstein files and claims of misconduct in public office
However critics weren’t overly impressed with the first episode, with The Times writing that it ‘needs work’
They added in their review: ‘And it could have been a lot better. But it is likely to become so as the team and the audience settle in over the coming weeks and we might see some recurring characters and start to build a rhythm and rapport with the show.’
The Telegraph was much more positive giving four stars, writing: ‘Tina Fey shines as guest host in shockingly competent spin-off.’
Tina hosted the launch episode and was joined by chart-topping musical guest, Isle of Wight indie sensations Wet Leg.
The next two hosts have already been announced for upcoming episodes.
On March, 28, critically acclaimed Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan will be joined by the BRIT Award-winning band Wolf Alice.
And on April, 4, Academy Award-winning British actor Riz Ahmed will be joined by titans of rock Kasabian.
Live from London at 10pm every Saturday night, each 75-minute episode, will see a different host take to the stage alongside SNL UK’s inaugural cast.
The cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy.
It comes as bookies Coral have revealed that there is an odds of 1-2 for it being scrapped after the first series.
Coral’s John Hill said: ‘We are not optimistic about Saturday Night Live UK lasting very long.
‘We make it odds-on to be scrapped after just one series.’
Despite that, many had taken to X before the first episode aired to share how excited they are about the show.
‘I genuinely thing SNL UK has the potential to actually be way better than the yank version.’
‘wait snl uk sounds fire hello.’
‘i’m excited for uk snl im not gonna lie.’
‘I AM SOO SAT FOR THE UK SNL. I’M ON FREEZE MODE TILL MARCH.’
‘actually so excited for snl uk.’
‘UK SNL? FINALLLLLLYYYYY.’
On March, 28, critically acclaimed Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan will host the show and will be joined by the BRIT Award-winning band Wolf Alice
And on April, 4, Academy Award-winning British actor Riz Ahmed will host and will be joined by titans of rock Kasabian
‘Saw a tweet about UK SNL but my timeline refreshed. maybe god IS real and looking out for me.’
‘Omg uk SNL cast is SO GOOD.’
Saturday Night Live, created by Lorne Michaels, is an American late-night sketch show that has aired on US channel NBC since 1975.
There have been 1,000 episodes across 51 seasons.
Now, they have decided to create their own version in the UK.
Viewers will be treated to a new guest host who will be joined by a chart-topping musical guest each week.
Lead producer, James Longman, said of the upcoming series: ‘The UK is absolutely packed with incredible comedy talent right now and this cast represents the freshest voices we have, they’re bold, exciting and of course, incredibly funny.
‘The chemistry between them is something special and we can’t wait to share this funny group of people with the world.’
Executive director of Unscripted Originals at Sky, Phil Edgar Jones OBE, added: ‘We all need a laugh like never before, so we’re beyond excited to bring Saturday Night Live to the UK, only 50 short years after it first launched in the US.
‘The show’s long-standing legacy of discovering and nurturing outstanding comedy talent speaks for itself, and this UK version will build on that legacy with the support of Lorne Michaels, a brilliant local production team, and an exciting new generation of voices.
‘Saturday nights are looking bright!’
Watch Saturday Night Live UK live on Sky and streaming service NOW every Saturday from March, 21, or catch-up on demand.
