SNL Separation Anxiety: SNL UK Critics, Thompson, "The Rundown" & More

Article excerpt

Saturday Night Live's UK spinoff faces early skepticism from critics even as the American show celebrates Kenan Thompson's milestone tenure and Sarah Sherman launches a new sketch series. The British version, starring James Longman and Celeste Dring, is navigating the familiar challenge of distinguishing itself from its influential American parent while establishing its own voice. Meanwhile, Thompson reflects on his years as a cast member, and Sherman's "The Rundown" offers another outlet for the show's comedic talent. The pieces sketch out SNL's expanding reach and internal dynamics as the franchise grapples with questions of legacy, longevity, and what makes a sketch show resonate with audiences on different sides of the Atlantic.