SNL UK Season 2 premieres with a hilarious cold open mocking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! Get the full sketch recap and streaming details!
Late-night satire took aim at royalty as Saturday Night Live UK returned for its highly anticipated Season 2 premiere on September 12, 2026. Broadcast live on Sky One and streaming on NOW in the UK as well as Peacock for US audiences, the episode opened with a scathing cold open parodying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their recent return to Great Britain. Hosted by Hollywood icon Jeff Goldblum alongside musical guest CMAT, the premiere set a bold tone for the British adaptation of the legendary Universal Television sketch comedy franchise.
What Happened During the SNL UK Royal Family Cold Open?
The opening sketch transported viewers to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, setting the stage for a fiery collision between the British monarchy and the Montecito-based royals.
- Royal Tension at Balmoral: The bit featured Larry Dean as King Charles III and Emma Sidi as Queen Camilla enjoying a quiet weekend away before being interrupted by Jack Shep playing Prince Harry and Ayoade Bamgboye taking on Meghan Markle.
- Digs at Netflix Deals: The sketch poked heavy fun at the couple's media earnings, with Dean's King Charles exasperatedly asking if they had already burned through their 16 million dollar Netflix payout.
- Lifestyle Brand Parodies: Bamgboye's Meghan presented Queen Camilla with a homemade ice tray while boasting about her kitchen skills, prompting Shep's Harry to chime in that his wife simply hires the best chefs.
Who Else Was Parodied in the SNL UK Premiere?
Beyond royal drama, the Season 2 opener targeted current British politics and embraced classic host energy.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham Mocked: Comedian George Fouracres appeared as Prime Minister Andy Burnham, delivering a desperate pitch offering to buy the public a pint to boost his personal popularity.
- Jeff Goldblum Monologue: Guest host Jeff Goldblum kicked off the night in style, delivering a charismatic, jazz-infused musical monologue reflecting on his love for London.
- Full Cast Return: All 11 original ensemble members returned for the new run, cementing SNL UK as a premier destination for British sketch comedy.
Catch new episodes of Saturday Night Live UK every Saturday evening on Sky One or stream full episodes on demand via Peacock.