As the curtain falls on the inaugural series of Saturday Night Live UK, the show has limped to a close, recording its lowest audience figures to date. With a mere 86,420 viewers tuning in for the finale, hosted by Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, the programme faced stiff competition from the much-anticipated Eurovision Song Contest, which captivated an average of 5.2 million viewers on the BBC.
A Disappointing Finale
The final episode aired at 10pm on Saturday, marking a significant drop of 28 per cent from its previous low of 120,000 viewers, which was recorded during comedian Jack Whitehall’s guest hosting in April. This decline is particularly stark when compared to the 197,000 viewers who flocked to see Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham take the reins just one week earlier. The outcome has left fans and critics alike reflecting on the show’s uneven journey since its launch in March.
Critics have had mixed opinions about the UK adaptation of the American classic, with some praising its potential while others have harshly labelled it “cringe.” One user on social media voiced their discontent with the show, stating, “I know they had this SNL garbage in America but they exported it over here to the UK and it’s even bigger garbage…as if we haven’t got enough problems.” Conversely, another fan defended the series, asserting that “live comedy on a Saturday night is what we’ve needed on TV for so long” and commended the cast for their efforts.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the disappointing finale ratings, Sky has confirmed that SNL UK will return for a second series, consisting of twelve episodes, scheduled to air this autumn. Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind the SNL franchise, expressed optimism about the show’s future, stating that the UK edition “keeps getting better every week.” This renewal suggests that the series has been deemed worthy of another chance, reflecting a belief in its potential to grow and evolve.
The cast, which includes notable talents such as George Fouracres, Jack Shep, and Annabel Marlow, has garnered attention for their comedic prowess. They have made significant strides in showcasing a new wave of British humour. The Weekend Update segment, hosted by Ania Magliano and Paddy Young, has also been commended for its sharp wit.
Early Success and Subsequent Decline
SNL UK initially launched with promising numbers, attracting 226,000 viewers for its premiere episode featuring Fey, followed by a solid 205,000 for Jamie Dornan’s appearance. However, the show’s viewership dwindled significantly with subsequent episodes, highlighting a trend that may concern producers. The series has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent audience, which raises questions about its long-term viability in a competitive television landscape.
In a recent interview, comedian Nick Mohammed declared that SNL UK represents “the best thing that’s happened to British comedy since” Ricky Gervais’s groundbreaking sitcom The Office. He noted the irony that it took an American format to inspire a revival of live comedy in the UK, reflecting both the potential and the hurdles of adapting such a well-known show for British audiences.
Why it Matters
The mixed reception of SNL UK underscores the complexities of adapting successful formats across cultures, especially in an era where live comedy is making a resurgence. While the show has struggled with ratings, its renewal hints at a commitment to cultivating a new style of comedy that resonates with modern audiences. As the UK prepares for a second series, the hope is that it will refine its voice and find a stronger footing in the landscape of British entertainment, offering viewers a fresh and engaging alternative to traditional Saturday night programming.
