SNL spinoff Saturday Night Live UK opened its first-ever episode with a joke about President Trump and former Prince Andrew.
‘SNL’ mocks President Trump over rising gas prices during cold weather
“Saturday Night Live” began its latest episode with a cold opening in which Donald Trump discusses Iran and rising gas prices.
The first ever “Saturday Night Live UK” will be broadcast live from London!
The new British spinoff of “Saturday Night Live” aired its first episode on March 21, and comedians who are “SNL” royalty helped kick off the festivities. The debut episode was hosted by Tina Fey and featured musical guest Wet Legs.
The cold open followed a similar format to most American “SNL” episodes and focused on President Donald Trump. It depicts Prime Minister Keir Starmer (George Fouracres) nervously preparing to call President Trump in his office and tell him that no more ships can be sent to the Strait of Hormuz, as the United States is at war with Iran.
“What if Donald screams at me?” he asked.
Although the Trump character did not physically appear in the sketch, his voice could be heard on the phone and a photo of the real Trump could be seen in the background. As soon as Trump answered the phone, Four Acres’ Starmer got worried and hung up. “What a horrible, horrible, wonderful president,” he said, asking why President Trump was so “difficult to talk to.” He also said he wanted to avoid confrontation and make President Trump happy, declaring, “I can change him!”
Four Acres’ Starmer went on to rehearse what he would say when he called Trump back, explaining what he meant by the word “friend.”
“Remember when Ross and Rachel were on a break? I think that’s probably what we need,” he said. “Not forever. Only until we get all this war out of the system. Listen, we want something different. I know how badly you want to start World War III, and that’s great. You absolutely should. But we can’t be part of it. But you can use the naval base whenever you want.”
The cold opening ended with the cast twisting the iconic “SNL” opening line, “Live from London, Saturday night!”
Trump, who has often criticized the American version of “SNL,” appeared to approve of the sketch on Sunday when he shared part of the “SNL UK” cold open on Truth Social without comment. The post included only the first half of the cold open, in which Starmer nervously makes a phone call to Trump, and omitted the second half, which featured World War III policy.
Tina Fey jokes ‘No one knows why’ ‘SNL’ to be spun off in UK
“Why do a British version of ‘SNL’? Well, like many big American operations these days, no one knows why,” Fey joked in her opening monologue.
Similar to America’s “SNL,” the monologues included celebrities appearing as cameos as members of the audience to ask questions of the host.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan was the first to appear, asking why an American was chosen to host the first episode, asking: “Shouldn’t it be a British icon like David Beckham or Judi Dench or Shrek?” In response, Faye joked that no one else would “do that.”
One major difference between the two shows was revealed by Fey dropping f-bombs during her monologue, which was strictly prohibited in the American version. Michael Cera came along and made this observation. “Oh yeah, swearing is allowed on this version of the show,” Faye tells him, prompting Sera to drop some of her swearing as well.
Another notable difference was the set used for the monologue, which had a more bar-like aesthetic than the American version. The stage layout was such that the audience was seated not only in front of the host, but also to the left and right.
The cold open ended with Graham Norton pointing out, “This is always my studio,” and appearing on stage holding a card to interview Fey, like an episode of a talk show.
‘SNL UK’ criticizes Prince Andrew on ‘Weekend Update’
SNL UK also has its own version of “Weekend Update,” a satirical news segment hosted by Ania Mariano and Paddy Young. In the debut edition, he skewered former Prince Andrew, who was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public life.
Mr Mariano said: “Renovations to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new home, Marsh Farm, have taken place over the last month, including the installation of Sky TV.” “So, if you’re watching, hello Andrew! You’re not going to like it next time. And I’m older than I look.”
The “next bit” Mariano referred to was a shocking joke about Andrew’s death that drew laughs from the audience.
Jamie Dornan will be the next host of SNL UK on March 28th, along with the musical Wolf Alice. The following week, Riz Ahmed will host the show with musical guest Kasabian. Ahmed’s show marks the first time that episodes of the American and British versions of “SNL” will air on the same day. In the United States, “SNL” will be on hiatus until April 4, when Jack Black returns as host.
Where to watch ‘SNL UK’
American viewers will be able to watch “SNL UK” on Peacock on Sunday, the day after it airs in the UK.
