‘SNL UK’ producer claims show “really leaned into” criticisms to make it successful
The producer of Saturday Night Live UK has claimed that the show “really leaned into” criticisms of the format in order to make it successful.
When the classic American sketch show announced that it was launching a British version this year, the news was met with a high level of scepticism, as many believed that the format would not resonate with British audiences.
However, the show actually became an unexpected success after it launched on Sky in March, with it now having been renewed for a second series starting in September.
Subsequently, one of SNL UK’s producers, Kruger Bratt, was appearing at the London Summit as part of SXSW London on June 2nd, alongside various other TV executives, and opened up on what the process of creating the show was like.
“It was about a five-year labour of love,” Bratt said (via Deadline), before adding that despite striving to be different, the US version of SNL was still hugely influential.
“What was beautiful is that it’s a legacy, so you’ve got the foundations of what it takes to make that show,” she explained, noting that initial criticisms and preconceived notions about the show actually helped to form its genesis.
“What went in its favour was that it was talked about so much even before it was on air, and not necessarily in a great way, and actually, I think that played into our favour in that we were able to take on board that criticism and address them in the show,” she said.
The producer ultimately added: “So it’s all about engaging in that conversation and not shying away from it. We really leaned into that.”
Bratt said one of the main criticisms had concerned the “same old faces” appearing on the show as comics, but in actual fact the production were “sending teams to Edinburgh and doing open auditions to bring a new generation to the comedy scene.”
This subsequently brought in talent such as Hammed Animashaun, who previously told Far Out that the opportunity to join the SNL UK cast was a “pinch me moment”.
It comes as SNL veteran Tina Fey also opened up on what it was like to host the first UK show to Jimmy Fallon, describing it as “so weird”.
The comedian also noted that as much as it may have seemed counterintuitive for an American to front the inaugural episode, she had to step into the role as “no British people” would take on the job in case it failed.
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