Mar 22, 2026 3:15am PT

‘SNL U.K.’ Is Strongest When Leaning Into What Makes British Comedy Great — but Its Replicated Format Risks Feeling Too American: TV Review

Scott Bryan

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Scott Bryan

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It is rare to see British sketch comedy on television. In fact, British comedy on television is so rare that the genre has been deemed “at risk” in recent years. So, naturally, you would have thought that the launch of “Saturday Night Live U.K.” — overseen by legendary executive producer Lorne Michaels, with a heavy investment in a new generation of acting and writing talent — would be welcomed by Brits with open arms. Right? Right?!

Question. Have you met the British?

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'SNL U.K.' Is Strongest When Leaning Into What Makes British Comedy Great — but Its Replicated Format Risks Feeling Too American: TV Review