Tina Fey made history this weekend as the first-ever host of “Saturday Night Live United Kingdom“, and she wasted no time in pointing out a key difference between the new series and its American counterpart.
The British edition follows the same basic structure as NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
However, Fey’s opening monologue gave a first look at how the format is tailored for British audiences, including a notable change that is already generating buzz online.
Early feedback suggests that critics and viewers largely view Fey’s debut on “SNL UK” as a success.
Particularly appreciated was the way in which the writers and actors rose to the difficult challenge of translating such a quintessentially American format for a British audience.
Tina Fey leads ‘SNL UK’ in its historic first episode
Fey has worked closely with the “Saturday Night Live” franchise for nearly three decades, first joining the show in 1997 as a writer before quickly rising through the ranks.
Her journey includes several major milestones, including becoming the first female editor-in-chief in 1999.
Fey then transitioned to on-screen work in 2000 as co-anchor of the “Weekend Update” segment, first alongside Jimmy Fallon and later with Amy Poehler.
This role helped make the Pennsylvania-born star a household name.
Even after leaving the show full-time, she remained a regular presence, returning as host on several occasions.
Fey was first reported as the first host of “SNL UK” in early March, according to The Sun.
The only thing “SNL UK” gets away with
Because “SNL” is performed live, NBC heavily self-censors, and the only time you’re likely to hear a performer drop an expletive is if it happens by accident.
In her monologue on the first episode of “SNL UK,” Fey suggested that the British version works without such restrictions.
The comedian said this when Michael Cera joked that he heard her say “the f-word.”
“Oh, yeah. We’re allowed to swear in this version of the show,” Fey responded.
Cera then takes the opportunity to test this freedom: “Sh-tbird! F-cking b-llocks!”
“I think I would use it sparingly. It doesn’t seem very classy,” he added.
Tina Fey’s ‘SNL UK’ Debut Convinces Viewers Who ‘Expected Disaster’
Two days before Fey headlined the launch of “SNL UK,” the Financial Times raised doubts about whether the concept would work in Britain.
“Sky executives know that bringing such a revered and quintessentially American series to the UK carries risk, particularly with sketch shows in decline for two decades,” the report notes.
But by the end of the first episode, that tone had begun to change, with initial reactions shifting from skepticism to quiet appreciation.
“It could have been much worse,” observed a Guardian review. “It could have been a lot better. But it’s likely to be as the team and crowd settle in in the coming weeks.”
Fans are already demanding a separate ‘SNL UK’ YouTube channel
One of the most common reactions in the comments section of Fey’s “SNL UK” monologue YouTube video was a call for a dedicated channel for the show.
“Why doesn’t he have his own YT channel? I don’t want all the other Sky TV content cluttering up my subscription page,” one viewer wrote.
“Please have an SNL YouTube in the UK,” added another, while others argued that there is already a clear audience for it.
“There are British comedy fans who would subscribe to an ‘SNL UK’ YouTube channel, but won’t subscribe to the main Sky channel because they don’t want to be inundated with other Sky videos,” one user said.
After Tina Fey, Fans Already Know Who They Want to Host ‘SNL UK’ Next
Cera wasn’t the only notable guest to join Fey during her “SNL UK” monologue.
Graham Norton also made an appearance and impressed fans, with many already asking him to return as host.
“We need Graham Norton to host an episode!!” wrote one fan.
An even more enthusiastic viewer added: “I want Graham to co-host every episode in some way!” »
