Tina Fey Launches SNL UK With Strong Premiere Performance

Tina Fey made a triumphant return to the Saturday Night Live stage, this time across the pond, hosting the premiere of SNL UK on March 21, 2026. The beloved comedian and writer led the inaugural episode of the British adaptation of the iconic sketch show, which originally debuted from New York City back on October 11, 1975. Fey's participation brought star power to the show and set a high bar for the new cast of eleven members.

During the premiere, Fey showcased her comedic prowess, appearing for a total of 21 minutes and 23 seconds, which accounted for 37.4% of the episode. Her segments included five live sketches, two pretaped bits, and a Q&A-style monologue, where she engaged with the audience and shared laughs. Notably, her longest sketch was a humorous take on Shakespeare's domestic life, where she portrayed Agnes, the Bard's wife, during a sketch titled "Shakespeare’s Sexuality." This performance was a nod to her extensive history with SNL, where she had previously served a writer and the first female head writer and co-anchor of the Weekend Update segment.

Joining Fey were a talented group of newcomers, including George Fouracres, who made a notable impression with 14 minutes and 17 seconds of screen time, playing multiple roles including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the iconic naturalist David Attenborough. Fouracres led the first Cold Open, where he humorously depicted a nervous Starmer overthinking a phone call to President Trump. His versatility was evident throughout the evening, closing out the show with his own segment titled "45 Seconds With Fouracres."

Jack Shep, a Bedfordshire TikTok comedian, also shone during the premiere, clocking 14 minutes and 12 seconds on screen. He made eight appearances, including memorable roles such as a Gen-Z advisor to the Prime Minister and Princess Diana, marking him the youngest member of the cast. His diverse performances, which included a dance number and a comedic take on Shakespeare, showcased the youthful energy that SNL UK aims to bring to the sketch comedy format.

The premiere was not without its share of surprise cameos, which delighted viewers. Veteran SNL cast member Graham Norton joined Fey during her monologue, humorously quizzing her on British television shows and adding a touch of familiarity for the audience. Other notable appearances included Michael Cera, who cheekily acknowledged the allowance of swearing on the UK version of the show, and Regé-Jean Page, who made a brief but memorable appearance asking Fey out at the end of a sketch.

Critics and audiences alike reacted positively to the debut of SNL UK, with many expressing surprise at the quality and humor of the sketches. According to a review from The National News, the show exceeded expectations, particularly highlighting Fey's monologue and the sketch featuring Fouracres impersonating Attenborough hosting a dinner party with celebrated British figures. Farah Andrews, a culture commentator, noted that her initial skepticism about the show's potential was quickly dispelled after watching the premiere, underscoring the show's ability to resonate with both British and American audiences.

Alongside Fey, the new cast members brought a mix of fresh talent and established comedic backgrounds. Hammed Animashaun, known for his work on BBC One's Black Ops, debuted with a memorable performance, delivering the first-ever "Live from London, it’s Saturday Night!" alongside Fouracres and Shep. He also played the role of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, contributing to the political humor that has long been a staple of the SNL franchise.

Other cast members included Wet Leg, the Isle of Wight rock band, who served to entertain and to bridge the musical aspect of the show with their performances of "Mangetout" and "Catch These Fists," both from their sophomore album, Moisturizer. Their presence marked a continuation of SNL’s tradition of featuring musical guests who complement the comedic talent.

Viewers were treated to a variety of sketches throughout the night, with highlights including the "Bra Fitting" sketch, where Fey and Emma Sidi performed a comedic take on fitting bras, and the "Shy Baby" sketch, which showcased the talents of several cast members. Each segment aimed to capture the essence of British humor, blending it with the familiar SNL format that fans have come to love.

The show's structure was reminiscent of its American counterpart, with segments like "Weekend Update" making an appearance, albeit with a shorter runtime than its U.S. equivalent. Co-anchors Paddy Young and Ania Magliano kicked off the segment with a mix of satire and light-hearted commentary, introducing the first correspondent, Captain Birdseye, played by Al Nash.

With its blend of British wit and American comedic roots, SNL UK is poised to carve out its own identity within the long-standing SNL legacy. The premiere's positive reception suggests that audiences are eager for more, with many anticipating how the show will evolve and adapt to the UK’s unique cultural and comedic sensibilities.

Fans can catch the first episode of SNL UK live on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with replays available for those who miss the live broadcast. The show's commitment to featuring diverse talent and innovative sketches promises to keep viewers entertained and engaged for seasons to come.