Last Week Tonight host John Oliver expresses skepticism regarding the newly revealed U.K. adaptation of Saturday Night Live. He shared his thoughts candidly during a recent segment on Late Night with Seth Meyers, stating, “It sounds like a terrible idea.” As a native of England and a former correspondent for The Daily Show, Oliver reflected on the unique essence of sketch comedy shows, saying, “We have had sketch comedy shows before, and it just feels like Saturday Night Live is a unique group…it’s a cult. I don’t know how you’re going to impose that cult onto the UK.”
Recently, Sky TV made headlines by announcing that Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels would take on the role of executive producer for the British version of the iconic late-night live sketch comedy show, which is set to debut in 2026. This adaptation aims to capture the spirit of the original while potentially tailoring the comedic style to suit British audiences.
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Over the years, several international renditions of Saturday Night Live have been attempted, but with the notable exception of a successful version in Korea, many of these adaptations have struggled to find longevity. The challenges of translating the unique humor and cultural nuances of the American original into different contexts have often led to the brief existence of these international shows.
Oliver expressed a desire for the British Saturday Night Live to avoid adopting some of the more exhausting traditions of its American counterpart. “What night is it you stay up all night, Tuesday?,” he posed to Meyers, a former cast member from 2001 to 2014. “That’s ridiculous. I’m saying that’s the kind of thing a cult leader would make you do. It doesn’t have to be dictated to the day that you must not sleep on that day or the great leader will be irritated.”
The original Saturday Night Live continues to thrive, with its 50th season concluding on May 17, featuring Scarlett Johansson as the host and Bad Bunny performing as the musical guest, showcasing the enduring appeal and cultural impact of the show.
Catch John Oliver’s Thoughts on a British Version of ‘Saturday Night Live’
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A significant portion of the show’s humor is derived from impersonations, yet Saturday Night Live has also introduced a plethora of unforgettable recurring characters that have become staples in comedy history.
Gallery Credit: Corey Irwin
