The Rise of Saturday Night Live UK
Saturday Night Live UK has made a strong start with its first season, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about shows on television. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team behind the spin-off. However, for many viewers, one segment stands out as the show’s true highlight.
The UK version of the long-running US comedy variety show faced significant challenges from the beginning. With high expectations, skepticism towards remakes, and the difficulty of live comedy, it was easy to think that this venture might not succeed. But after just five episodes, the cast has risen to the occasion, delivering memorable moments that have already become part of the show’s legacy.
From the popular recurring skit “45 Seconds with Fouracres” to Jack Shep’s impressive character work, including his spot-on portrayal of Princess Di, the show has showcased a range of talent. Guest stars like Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed, and Nicola Coughlan have also contributed to the show’s growing popularity.
While the viewing figures have been respectable, they have shown a slight decline over the weeks. However, the real impact of SNL UK is being felt on social media, where it has taken off completely. The show has amassed millions of YouTube views, countless TikTok reels, and several clips from the latest episode going viral each week.
As the show settles into its rhythm, it’s clear that while some sketches may be hit or miss, one segment has truly shone: Weekend Update. Hosted by Ania Magliano and Paddy Young, this segment sees the duo posing as news presenters, delivering satirical takes on the biggest headlines of the week. They often introduce other members of the cast as larger-than-life faux pundits.
What makes this segment so successful is the bold and no-holds-barred humor of Ania and Paddy. On live mainstream TV, they are unafraid to make the jokes that many people are thinking about some of the most controversial topics, something that few other comedy shows currently deliver, including the US version.
Meanwhile, British panel shows like Have I Got News For You and the Mock the Week reboot have struggled to maintain their previous levels of popularity. Enter the new generation of comics with SNL UK, who have brought a fresh perspective to political satire.
In the latest episode, their commentary on the Michael Jackson biopic was particularly notable. While critics and mainstream media have flailed in the face of the Thriller singer’s historic accusations of child sex abuse, SNL UK had no such qualms. Their sharp and unfiltered take on the subject received widespread praise from fans online.
Risky jokes like the Jackson one have been praised by fans, with one user stating, “This show gives less of a f**k every week and that’s exactly how it should be.” Another fan, Steve, said, “I just love how they really don’t care, they are literally leaving everything uncensored, and I am here for it!!!”
The dynamic duo has also tackled other sensitive topics, such as the body of (formerly Prince) Andrew being found in a marsh, influencers being bombed out of Dubai, Jesus being the only murdered Palestinian we’re allowed to talk about, and journalists in Saudi Arabia killing themselves. These jokes have resonated with audiences and added to the show’s reputation for boldness.
While not as regular as the Weekend Update segments, there have been similar bold gambits during the SNL UK sketches themselves. For example, Fouracres’ pitch-perfect singing about Epstein not killing himself and a spot-on parody of the strange racism on The Traitors have been highlights.
It’s difficult to think of a recent SNL US joke that has landed with the same splash. In fact, many of the recent sketches have faced backlash for poor taste rather than applause. Even their Weekend Update segments tend to lack real oomph these days, with few clips making a significant impact on social media.
On the flip side, Paddy and Ania’s humor seems closer to the days of yore in the US, with one Reddit user comparing it to the Amy Poehler/Tina Fey/Seth Myers era. The show also makes use of much stronger language and explicit scenes, which naturally fuels its provocative nature.
Poll
Do you think Weekend Update is the best part of SNL?
– Absolutely, it’s iconic!
– It’s good, but I prefer the sketches.
– Not really, I don’t find it very funny.
– I don’t watch SNL.
Perhaps it’s no surprise, especially thanks to Weekend Update, that SNL UK is proving itself a razor-sharp standout. Creator Lorne Michaels wanted the British version to be “smarter, funnier and more original.” Certainly, Ania and Paddy are proving the brilliance of punching up in comedy after years of older comics complaining about political correctness going rogue.
Take note, Ricky Gervais – Ania and Paddy’s sharp satirical quips about the rich and famous are funnier than a million jokes about trans people. All this to say, Weekend Update has quietly proven itself the show’s secret weapon, drawing in viewers who might have otherwise not tuned in for another episode, and it could bolster SNL UK’s success for years to come (if we’re lucky).
