SNL UK Navigates Mixed Reception: Praised for Imperfections, Criticised for Crude Humour

The inaugural season of Saturday Night Live UK has landed with a splash, eliciting a spectrum of reactions from critics and audiences alike. While some have lauded the show's willingness to embrace imperfections and its uniquely British comedic sensibility, others have pointed to a reliance on crude jokes and a struggle to find its footing in the UK comedy landscape.

A Comedy Of Errors

• The show has been described as a "welcome comedy of errors," with its imperfections being a source of charm rather than failure.

Many critics have noted that SNL UK's strength lies in its unpolished nature, drawing parallels to live comedy where unexpected moments can enhance the experience. The show's creators have embraced this, with cast members acknowledging that "things are bound to go wrong" and that this human element can be appealing to audiences. This approach has been seen as a refreshing departure from more tightly produced comedy formats.

Crude Jokes And Cultural Differences

However, not all aspects of SNL UK have been met with enthusiasm. Some reviews have highlighted a tendency towards crude or overly broad humour that doesn't always land with a British audience. The inherent differences between American and British comedic sensibilities have been a recurring theme, with some suggesting that SNL UK has struggled to bridge this gap effectively. Sketches have been described as "bloated," with "dud jokes" and "cringey performances" alongside moments of brilliance.

Finding Its Voice

The show has featured a range of segments, including musical performances by artists like Kasabian, who performed "Release The Pressure" and "Great Pretender." Host Riz Ahmed also participated in sketches, including one that satirised the reality show "The Traitors" by exploring unconscious bias. Despite the mixed reviews, there's a sense that SNL UK is still finding its feet, with the potential to evolve and refine its comedic voice over time. The use of cue cards, a deliberate choice to allow for last-minute changes, and the adaptation of the iconic New York set with London elements demonstrate a commitment to crafting a distinctively British version of the show. Whether it can ultimately win over a discerning British audience remains to be seen.

Sources

• Watch Kasabian perform Release The Pressure and Great Pretender on SNL UK, Radio X.

• SNL UK is a welcome comedy of errors – what to watch, listen to and read this week, The Conversation.

• Saturday Night Live UK review: this comedy is doomed in Britain, New Statesman.

• SNL UK takes on The Traitors : Video 2026 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide, Chortle.

• Saturday Night Live UK: Can it make Britons laugh?, BBC.