Nicola Coughlan and Graham Norton were amongst those appearing on the very first episode of SNL UK this weekend, as the reviews continue to roll in.
The first episode of the British version of the long-running US sketch show aired on Saturday with self-confessed ‘longtime SNL employee’ Tina Fey hosting.
The Mean Girls star delivered a witty opening monologue before taking a couple of brief questions from the audience — one of which came from Galway woman Nicola.
‘It is lovely to see you, but my question is if this is SNL UK, then why are you the first host?’ the actress wondered, ‘Shouldn’t it be like a British icon like David Beckham or Judi Dench or like Shrek?’
‘Yeah,’ Tina conceded, before questioning: ‘Shrek is British?’
‘Scotland is in Britain, Tina,’ Nicola explained, ‘Educate yourself.’
‘My apologies,’ Tina responded, before hitting out that ‘none of you f****rs would do it.’
Nicola went on to note: ‘Is it possible that many of us were a little reluctant to be in the first show because this is going out in Britain and British people tend to root for the failure of others.’
‘Yeah, yeah, why are you guys like that?’ Tina asked Nicola, who quickly noted she was Irish.
‘Educate yourself,’ the Bridgerton star told Tina for the second time.
Nicola’s appearance was followed by Michael Cera, and then Graham Norton who told of how SNL UK is in the same studio he films The Graham Norton Show in.
Joining Tina on the stage, Graham instantly went into hosting mode and started quizzing Tina on her love for British comedy.
Tina Fey’s very British education. #SNLUK #SNL #SaturdayNightLive pic.twitter.com/DzgRTcWzdn
— Sky TV (@skytv) March 22, 2026
‘I have a gift for making American celebrities likeable to a British audience,’ Graham explained.
The inaugural show brought in a mixed reaction online, with many taking to X to have their say.
‘This is why people don’t watch TV,’ one said, with another noting the laughter sounded ‘canned.’
This is why people don’t watch TV #SNLUK
— Frank (@themacfranky) March 21, 2026
They added: ‘This sounds so forced. I really hope this isn’t the quality. Not the strongest opening.’
Others were in disagreement, however, with one viewer saying the pilot ‘could’ve been MUCH worse.’
‘These rising comedians are talented & SNL royalty Tina Fey kicking off the show definitely helped,’ they detailed, ‘Not every sketch landed for me & I personally didn’t enjoy Wet Leg, but I can see the potential.’
Oh dear! It sounds like canned laughter on Saturday Night Live UK. This sounds so forced. I really hope this isn’t the quality. Not the strongest opening. #SNLuk
— Liam Calland 🇺🇦 (@yorkshireguy) March 21, 2026
My main takeaway with #SNLUK pilot is it could've been MUCH worse.
These rising comedians are talented & SNL royalty Tina Fey kicking off the show definitely helped. Not every sketch landed for me & I personally didn't enjoy Wet Leg, but I can see the potential.
— Mica Blackwell (she/her) (@INA_TheatreSnob) March 22, 2026
