The pre-publicity for Saturday Night Live UK was considerable, as were the detractors on social media for the first broadcast. It shone, as it turned out. Overnights reveal a total of 226K viewers.
SNL alumnus Tina Fey, as host did a lot of the heavy lifting, drawing on Nicola Coughlan, Michael Cera, and Graham Norton in the opening monologue.
The ensemble is strong, however. George Fouracres in his extended 45-second sequence, demonstrated a remarkable range (better than the opening skit about Keir Starmer, which overstayed its welcome). Jack Shep is a secret weapon, deploying an uncomfortably good Diana impression and a ‘shy’ but still keen-to-dance fetus. Larry Dean did physical comedy well, but needs a bigger presence. Hammed Animashaun is consistently strong.
The Live Paddington Experience was surprisingly well-crafted and well-executed. The newsreader sequence was a little weak.
Saturday night needs grown-up appointment to view stuff. It costs money. If you’re prepared to invest (the credits go on for a LONG time) then the audience is sated. The ultimate test will be how it performs with a different host. SNL UK’s success will ultimately be measured by what UK talent either seeks it out or ends up hosting it.
