Shakespeare goes to London but returns to Stratford-upon-Avon changed — he has a little earring and a chain. The Bard, Paddington, Princess Diana — no British icon is safe from mockery because “Live from London, it’s Saturday night!”

Tina Fey hosted the first episode of “Saturday Night Live: UK,” which premiered Saturday with musical guest Wet Leg. The season will be eight episodes long and the episodes will be available to stream on Peacock in the United States the following Sunday after they air in the United Kingdom. 

As expected with any spinoff of a beloved show, responses to the first episode were mixed. Some thought it killed, yet others found it hardly laughable. Having seen the critics’ responses to the show, it seems important that someone from the Daily Trojan chimes in, especially as USC is a major collegiate exporter of SNL cast members. Shoutout to legendary Trojans Will Ferrell, Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett and Ego Nwodim.

The strength of “SNL: UK” comes from the cast’s specific brand of very British comedy, which pokes fun at themselves and their stiff upper lips. I am optimistic that their dry humor infused into the silly sketch show will provide a fresh perspective, one that audiences have been begging for. 

Whether “SNL” is funny anymore has been a subject of debate for decades. Critics throughout the show’s 50-year run constantly assert that it was funnier the decade before.

“SNL: UK” has the unique opportunity to reinvent the show and put its own spin on it. While this may be a daunting feat, it’s an important duty, and I have confidence that the Brits will be able to win over audiences worldwide — though there may be some slang, celebrity references and accents that some viewers might not understand.

As a huge fan of the British reality game show “Taskmaster,” I have become familiar with British humor and its vast difference from what tickles our American funny bone. While American comedy often leans on absurdity and ridiculousness, British humor is much more subtle and sarcastic. Irish actress Nicola Coughlan asserted from the audience of the first episode of “SNL: UK,” “British people tend to root for the failure of others.” Her words, not mine!

The coolness the Brits possess is an unlikely asset. While a lack of shame may be seen as a comic necessity, they just don’t have to try quite as hard to be funny. Just look at “Taskmaster”; the original British version far surpasses the American spinoff. 

The Americans try too hard to be funny while completing the insane challenges, while the Brits simply — earnestly, though often begrudgingly — try their best. The result is exponentially more hilarious because of the determination and sincerity they bring to the table, rather than desperation to land a punchline.

Now, the Brits are faced with the ultimate task — beat the Americans at their own game or, at least, make executive producer Lorne Michaels proud. And the cast of up-and-comers is ready to face the challenge.

The opening sketch of the first “SNL: UK” episode began with a cold open in which Prime Minister Keir Starmer, portrayed by George Fouracres, tries to appeal to Donald Trump. He talked about the U.S. and Britain’s “long history of cooperation,” not only as commentary on diplomatic relations between the two countries but also as an appeal from the show itself to audiences — that a British take on an American show can still add something new.

Fouracres was a highlight of the show, taking on a leading role in many sketches. His song “What kind of Irish is your granddad?,” which closed out the first show, was reminiscent of a better, Adam Sandler-esque time. While he’s certainly silly, his unflinching commitment to the bit and excited delivery made it all the more hilarious.

He also stunned as British national treasure David Attenborough in a sketch set at the Last Supper, which saw impressions of Winston Churchill, Freddie Mercury, Agatha Christie and Princess Diana. 

Jack Shep was a standout as well. His Lady Di was to die for as she played relentless eye tag with the camera.

While Fouracres as Attenborough attempted to get his guests to discuss “what makes Britain great,” he struggled to pull their attention away from the menu, as they seemed more concerned about what they should order for dinner. The scene ended in an orgy, of course.

Though some other sketches fell flat — it’s inevitable that the cast and its writers will need to work out some kinks as they go along, no pun intended — the episode as a whole was a strong start for the Brits. 

Their committed portrayals of British icons and their fast-paced quips during the famous “Weekend Update” segment more than held up to the American standard, with Paddy Young and Ania Magliano’s snappy delivery making them perhaps even more convincing as television news broadcast hosts.

Michael Che, Colin Jost and the rest of the American cast — run! The British are coming! Or, as Shakespeare might say, take arms against a sea of troubles!

Nina Kremer is a sophomore writing about comedy in her column, “Comic Relief,” which runs every other Wednesday. She is also an Arts & Entertainment editor at the Daily Trojan.