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US TV institution Saturday Night Live has entertained viewers and created comedy stars for 50 years. Can a British version reach the same heights?
For five decades, the phrase “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” has boldly opened episodes of Saturday Night Live, with its tried and tested mix of topical sketch comedy, celebrity cameos and big-name musical guests.
Now, the stateside staple is set to come live from London after Sky announced plans for a “star-studded” UK spin-off, fronted by British comedic talent, to launch next year.
Overseen by the US original show’s creator Lorne Michaels, now 80, the broadcaster is promising the same “live, fast-paced style” as its American cousin.
Comedy heritage
Since being launched by Michaels in 1975, SNL has been a livewire springboard for comedic talents like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and Mike Myers.
Famed for its ever-revolving cast, Joe Piscopo of the 1980s cohort summed it up in a documentary marking the show’s 50th anniversary: “They took sketch comedy to a whole other level,” he said. “Comedy slowly became rock ‘n’ roll.”
The unpredictable live premise, combined with its longevity, has helped maintain its status. No other show has been nominated for (331) or won (90) more Emmy Awards.
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“I don’t think you can underestimate that heritage when accounting for its current success,” says the Guardian’s TV and comedy writer Rachel Aroesti. “Which is something the UK version obviously won’t be able to emulate.”
The heritage is one reason why the show still attracts major young stars like Timothee Chalamet, who grew up watching even as linear TV audiences have dropped sharply in the streaming age.
“In the US, the guests’ involvement is often newsworthy in itself – they also know their presence will generate a lot of publicity, so it’s a win-win situation,” Aroesti adds.
“I would be surprised if the UK version is able to attract the same calibre of guest.”