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Minecraft Movie star Jack Black recently teamed up with SNL cast member Michael Longfellow in a notable sketch on Saturday Night Live, a program that has been a mainstay of American television for fifty years. As SNL continues to thrive, the question arises: can a British adaptation achieve similar success?
Since its inception in 1975, the iconic phrase “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” has heralded each episode of Saturday Night Live, which has become renowned for its mix of current events-driven sketches, unexpected celebrity appearances, and high-profile musical acts.
Now, in an exciting development, Sky has announced plans to launch a “star-studded” UK version of this beloved show, featuring British comedic talent, slated for debut next year.
With oversight from Lorne Michaels, the original creator of SNL, who is currently 80 years old, the UK edition aims to replicate the “live, fast-paced style” that fans have come to expect from its American counterpart.
Comedy Heritage
Over the years, SNL has served as a launching pad for numerous comedic legends, including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Mike Myers. Joe Piscopo, a member of the show’s 1980s cast, captured the essence of its evolution in a documentary, remarking that SNL has transformed sketch comedy into a dynamic force akin to rock ‘n’ roll.
The show’s commitment to live performances, coupled with its longevity, has solidified its status within the entertainment industry, making it a record-holder for Emmy Awards, boasting 331 nominations and 90 wins.
Rachel Aroesti, a TV and comedy writer for the Guardian, highlights the importance of the show’s rich history in its enduring appeal, noting that this aspect is something that the UK rendition may struggle to replicate. The strong legacy is a key factor in attracting contemporary stars like Timothee Chalamet, who have grown up watching the program, even as traditional television audiences dwindle in the streaming era.
“In the U.S., the celebrity guests draw attention in their own right, generating significant publicity, which benefits everyone involved,” Aroesti explains. “I would be surprised if the UK version manages to enlist guests of the same caliber.”
A ‘Courageous’ Move
Helen Lewis from The Atlantic describes the industry’s reaction to the announcement as one of cautious optimism, labeling the decision to produce a UK version as “courageous.” Commentators recognize that the two countries’ television landscapes present notable differences.
The budget for SNL in the U.S. far exceeds the typical financial scope for UK television, allowing for a larger ensemble cast and a dedicated team of writers who work around the clock to deliver timely humor. Lewis notes that this financial model is responsible for the substantial expenses associated with retaining a full-time cast and writers.
The comedic style across the Atlantic also differs, with Lewis suggesting that American humor leans towards slapstick, whereas British comedy is often perceived as more sardonic. Jack Bernhardt, another comedy writer, points out that while UK comedy groups often form from personal relationships and showcase their work at events like the Edinburgh Fringe, many American comedians refine their skills through established improv and sketch clubs tailored for formats like SNL.
Bernhardt cautions that these cultural distinctions cannot simply be addressed by creating a UK version of SNL; they are indicative of broader comedic traditions that would require a fundamental shift.
Given these hurdles, launching a rebranded SNL in the UK is a notable gamble, especially at a moment when the British television industry faces challenges.
Nevertheless, SNL’s resilience is evident, as it has maintained strong viewer ratings this decade, even as numbers from the pre-streaming era have significantly decreased. Reports indicate that SNL continues to draw an average of 8.4 million viewers each week, outpacing all other late-night shows, marking it as the leading entertainment program for adults aged 18 to 49.
Furthermore, the sketch format is well-suited to social media, allowing for easy sharing and engagement across platforms. Recent statistics show that SNL clips enjoy substantial viewership on platforms like TikTok, X, and YouTube, indicating that while real-time viewership may be declining, the content remains highly relevant online.
Past attempts to adapt American late-night programming for a UK audience have seen varied success. The 1980s program Saturday Live, later known as Friday Night Live, enjoyed a productive run, nurturing the careers of talents such as Ben Elton, Harry Enfield, Stephen Fry, and Rik Mayall. Similarly, The 11 O’Clock Show introduced audiences to comedic icons like Ricky Gervais and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Jimmy Mulville, a seasoned British comedy producer, believes that discovering and nurturing fresh talent will be a major incentive for Sky, even with the associated risks. He suggests that if the team can effectively cultivate new stars, this could lead to the creation of additional successful productions featuring these performers.
Mulville emphasizes the importance of assembling a skilled group of writers and cast for the project, expressing optimism that, with the right approach, the UK adaptation can succeed. He reflects on his experience bringing the BBC’s panel show Have I Got News for You to American audiences, where it will soon return for a second season, highlighting the need for localized content that appeals to specific demographics.
While the British SNL could stand on its own, it must not simply mimic its American counterpart; instead, it should be rooted in genuine British comedic sensibilities to resonate authentically with local viewers.
Source
www.bbc.com