SNL UK premiere splits viewers over Prince Andrew and Beckham jokes
The debut episode of Saturday Night Live UK has drawn a mixed reaction from viewers after sketches and monologues referenced Prince Andrew and the Beckham family. The London-based spin-off of the long-running US show premiered on March 21, 2026, and quickly became a talking point online as some praised its humour while others criticised the tone and writing.
BollywoodShaadis reported that the episode’s “Weekend Update” segment included jokes about Prince Andrew’s arrest and his reported move into a new home, as well as gags about Brooklyn Beckham’s highly publicised dispute with his family.
According to the report, cast member George Fouracres portrayed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a political parody involving a phone call with US President Donald Trump. A dinner-party sketch also featured figures described as “history’s greatest Britons”, including Princess Diana, Sir David Attenborough and Sir Winston Churchill, before the show’s attention turned to Prince Andrew and the Beckhams.
The programme’s jokes about the Duke’s housing situation echoed recent tabloid reporting, including claims that Prince Andrew was seen moving into a Sandringham home following the loss of his previous royal residence.
Viewers’ responses were sharply divided, with some social media users describing the episode as “brilliant” and welcoming fresh comedy talent, while others complained they did not laugh and predicted the series would not last beyond a first run.
