SNL UK debuts with a political cold open: PM Starmer navigates a "special situationship" with the U.S. in a satirical sketch.
- April 15, 2026
AceShowbiz - The debut episode of Saturday Night Live U.K. aired live from London on March 21, marking the British adaptation’s first broadcast with the classic opening line, "Live from London, it's Saturday night!" While expected, the phrase still caught some viewers by surprise as it highlights the show’s connection to its American counterpart.
The sketch begins with a politically charged cold open featuring George Fouracres as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Hammed Animashaun as Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. The two characters grapple with the delicate task of withdrawing support from former President Donald Trump amid concerns about igniting World War III, all while trying to preserve the so-called "special relationship" between the U.K. and the U.S.
Adding a modern twist, a Gen-Z adviser, played by Jack Shep, refers to this alliance as a "special situationship," infusing humor into the political satire. The solution they devise involves a voice memo, which mostly revolves around various episodes of the TV show Friends. Despite the lighthearted approach, Starmer’s character is confident the message has been effectively communicated.
Fans can look forward to watching the full episode of Saturday Night Live U.K. when it becomes available on Peacock this Sunday, showcasing a fresh British perspective on the iconic American sketch comedy format.