When Saturday Night Live UK first launched, many skeptics doubted it could translate the iconic American format for British audiences. But the show quickly proved them wrong, becoming one of the freshest comedy hits in recent memory. With a talented cast of emerging comedians and a willingness to embrace British quirks—from Thomas the Tank Engine's Fat Controller to Mr. Blobby emerging from the miner's strike—the first season delivered 64 sketches. Now, we've revisited every one to rank the best.
10. "Posh Gits" (Episode 6)
Hosted by Aimee Lou Wood, this sketch brilliantly parodies Made in Chelsea, the long-running reality show about London's ultra-wealthy. The cast leans into every stereotype: exaggerated accents, stiff mannerisms, and absurd small talk. Emma Sidi's character "Bacon" steals the show, and Al Nash's insult—calling Jack Shep's character a "f–ing rodent"—is a keeper. The sketch takes a dark turn when Larry Dean's character asks the group to move aside so he can drag his mother's corpse through the street.
9. "Operation: A Party Game With A Problem" (Episode 3)
This pre-recorded sketch, from the episode hosted by Riz Ahmed, takes the children's board game Operation to a terrifyingly real level. Ahmed plays a husband who can't accept he's bad at the game, and when a medical emergency occurs at a restaurant, he volunteers to perform surgery. Al Nash plays the patient with a bright red nose, and Ahmed ends up pulling out organs. It's a perfect example of the show's ability to push a silly premise to dangerous extremes.
8. "Looking Theroux the Mirror" (Episode 8)
Hosted by Ncuti Gatwa, this sketch features the season's best celebrity cameo: Louis Theroux. Larry Dean perfectly captures Theroux's soft-spoken awkwardness as he films a documentary in a Bromsgrove Travelodge, interviewing himself in the mirror. Al Nash plays a second Theroux, Gatwa a third, and the real Theroux appears at the door. The four Louis' then share a salivary "tongue kiss." It's a hilarious tribute to Theroux's unique style.
7. "Traitors: A Very Confident Mistake" (Episode 3)
This sharp parody of The Traitors features Celeste Dring as Claudia Winkleman, complete with heavy fringe. The contestants must decide who among them is secretly a "Great Big Crab Man." The joke is that the answer is obvious: George Fouracres sits at the table in an enormous crustacean costume, but everyone ignores him and becomes suspicious of Riz Ahmed's character, Imran. The sketch cleverly critiques unconscious bias in voting patterns, with contestants misspelling Imran's name as "Enron" and "Aslan."
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6. "The Fat Controller's Revenge" (Episode 2)
This sketch reimagines Thomas the Tank Engine's Fat Controller as a vengeful figure after the trains go on strike. The cast's physical comedy and deadpan delivery make it a standout, with the Fat Controller's increasingly absurd punishments drawing laughs. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and dark humor.
5. "Doctor Who: The Lost Regeneration" (Episode 4)
Hosted by a surprise guest, this sketch parodies Doctor Who's regeneration process, with a new Doctor who is hilariously incompetent. The sketch mocks the show's convoluted lore while celebrating its enduring appeal. The cast's impressions of classic Doctors are spot-on.
4. "Mastermind: The Musical" (Episode 5)
This sketch turns the quiz show Mastermind into a musical, with contestants breaking into song about their specialist subjects. The absurdity of the premise is matched by the cast's impressive vocal performances. It's a clever twist on a beloved format.
3. "Weekend Update: Ania and Paddy's Best Bits" (Episode 7)
The chemistry between Ania Magliano and Paddy Young on Weekend Update was a highlight of the season. This sketch compiles their funniest moments, from sharp political satire to absurdist banter. Their dynamic is reminiscent of the best SNL news anchors, but with a distinctly British edge.
2. "Mr. Blobby's Comeback" (Episode 1)
The season premiere introduced Mr. Blobby emerging from the miner's strike, a surreal and hilarious commentary on British pop culture. The sketch's blend of nostalgia and political satire set the tone for the season, proving that SNL UK wasn't afraid to take risks.
1. "The Great British Bake Off: The Aftermath" (Episode 9)
The top spot goes to this sketch from the season finale, which imagines the chaotic aftermath of a Bake Off disaster. The cast's physical comedy and rapid-fire jokes make it a masterpiece. It's a perfect encapsulation of what made SNL UK's first season so special: sharp writing, fearless performances, and a deep love for British culture.
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