John Oliver was candid when questioned about the forthcoming SNL (Saturday Night Live) adaptation in the UK. A recent press appearance by the anchor of Last Week Tonight, a former Daily Show contributor, suggested that she was not convinced by the concept. He acknowledged SNL's iconic stature in American pop culture, but he made it plain that an attempt to replicate its popularity in the UK might backfire.
“It sounds like a terrible idea,” Oliver said. “It just like sounds like a bad [idea].”
After his direct criticism, he explained why he thinks Saturday Night Live is special in America, citing its lengthy history, cast chemistry, and the nature of live sketch comedy, elements that are difficult to convey across cultural boundaries. Additionally, he alluded to the difficulties of modifying the framework in a nation with distinct comedy customs and audience expectations.
Oliver's remarks immediately caused a stir among viewers of the American and British shows. Although some viewers shared his viewpoint, others thought a different viewpoint would provide something novel. Oliver's comments capture the cynicism that many people have about replicating a show that is so deeply ingrained in American entertainment culture, regardless of public opinion.
"It's a cult" — John Oliver gets honest about his opinion of SNL UK spin-off
John Oliver's skepticism of the UK spin-off of SNL (Saturday Night Live) took a hilarious but brutally honest turn when he likened the venerable American sketch comedy program to a cult. The host of Last Week Tonight went into greater detail during an interview with Late Night With Seth Meyers about why he thinks it is difficult to replicate the original show in other countries.
"I just feels like Saturday Night Live is such a unique group — it’s a cult,” he joked. “I’m trying not to say that word. It’s a cult, and so I don’t know how you can impose that cult onto the UK."
Many viewers were moved by Oliver's remark since they are aware of the very specialized and demanding atmosphere of the American show, which may not be easily translated to the UK comedy scene.
Oliver didn't hesitate to respond when asked what specifically made SNL feel like a cult. Meyers responded by saying,
"You know, just lots of it, what night is it that you stay up all night?" Meyers mentioned Tuesday. "That’s ridiculous. I’m saying that’s the type of thing a cult leader would make you do. 'We stay up all night on Tuesdays, by the way.'"
From its brutal writing schedules to the close-knit ensemble dynamic, Oliver's blend of satire and criticism highlights how unique the show's culture is. Oliver believes that SNL is what it is because of its intensity, which is also why a UK version could not work.
The SNL (Saturday Night Live) UK spin-off is expected to be released next year.