SNL UK Hits our Screens

Everyone has their favorite SNL moments, from Mary Katherine Gallagher to Domingo. Saturday Night Live always comes around to cheer you up when you need it most. On March 21st, 2026, the very first episode of Saturday Night Live UK premiered on European broadcasting channel Sky. It was hosted by long-time SNL cast legend and member of the 5-Timers Club, Tina Fey!

This version of SNL was made to highlight British talent; hence, the cast is comprised of 11 rising comedians from the U.K. (mostly English or Scottish-based). The musical guest, Wet Leg, is a Brit Award and Grammy Award-winning British indie rock band. The show follows the same structure as the U.S. version but is full of witty British humor! In the UK, they broadcast the show on Sky, but here we can stream it on Peacock the very next day!

Did you know this isn’t the first time SNL has gone global? Not even close! I know it’s hard to imagine an SNL without the cynical White House cold opens, but actually, it has been done in over a dozen countries! Granted, the only version with substantial long-term success has been Saturday Night Live Korea (still running today since 2011). We've also gone 'live from not* New York on Saturday night' in Arabia, Québec, Japan, Italy, Spain, and France! It just goes to show—whether it’s in Seoul, Paris, or Rome, the SNL formula of laughs, sketches, and a little chaos truly knows no borders!

A few things to note

Though you may not know the exact rules, if you watch live American TV (speaking to those over the age of 30 here), you will surely have noticed the avoidance or censoring of swear words (maybe just Jimmy Fallon getting nervous when Jennifer Lawrence is a guest). Typically, American broadcast television must avoid strong language, sexual innuendo, and excessive violence. Conversely, in the UK, the guidelines are much more relaxed, principally for late-night television. Before 9 pm, mild language like "hell," "damn," or "bloody" (Brits) is allowed. "Strong language" is allowed after 9 pm—you can consider this to be your typical four-letter words.

So that is one thing that sets it apart from the SNL you may be used to. Bear in mind, if you choose to watch this version of the show (and we hope you do), there will definitely be stronger language than what you might be used to!

Another thing to note—and this may go without saying—is that this show may be a bit challenging for viewers outside of the UK who are not familiar with British pop culture or politics. For example, the cold open is about UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, trying to muster up the courage to call Donald Trump-leaning heavily on the personalities and antics of UK political figures. This means non-UK viewers might not catch every joke, but the lively cast and inventive sketches ensure there’s plenty to enjoy regardless.

Episode Highlights

In this first premiere episode, there were a record number of celebrity cameos and surprises! If you are a fan of Bridgerton, you’d be ecstatic to see Irish actress Nicola Coughlan appear in the middle of Fey's monologue—funny enough, she questioned why Fey was hosting and not a Brit, which is a fair question. Keeping with the Bridgerton theme, the Duke of Hastings himself, Regé-Jean Page, crawled out of his hermit shell to grace us with his witty humor and pretty eyes…anywho.

We also got appearances from Irish TV host Graham Norton, along with Michael Cera and drag queen, Kate Butch!

Another episode highlight was Tina Fey’s opening monologue, in which she, of course, started out by roasting the entire concept of SNL UK. The most talked-about moment has been when she dropped multiple F-bombs, which shocked viewers used to U.S. censorship, as I mentioned before.

One final highlight that really impressed audience members was the Last Supper sketch. It imagined British historian and TV host David Attenborough narrating a surreal dinner with famous British icons like Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Freddie Mercury, and Cilla Black. It was a stellar way to hard-launch the UK cast’s impression skills! The sketch already has 1.4 million views on YouTube and has caught lots of global attention.

If you know me, you’d know my personal favorite sketch was 'Shakespeare as a Gen Z Influencer' because he "lowkey would be dropping some fire sonnets and spitting bars while flexing that Elizabethan drip."

From cringe to genius, SNL UK delivers it all—catch it now on Peacock!