SNL UK's Cold Open Features First Crossover with SNL's James Austin Johnson as Trump

Key points

• James Austin Johnson, who has portrayed Donald Trump on 'SNL' for five years, appeared in the cold open of 'SNL UK' for the first time.
• The sketch depicted a meeting between U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham (played by George Fouracres) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (played by Freddie Meredith).
• Zelenskyy's character requested the restoration of Starlink internet service and mentioned being behind on the U.K. reality show 'Celebrity Traitors.'
• Johnson's Trump character offered to swap jobs with Burnham, describing the U.S. presidency as a terrible job full of 'disgusting people.'
• The sketch included jokes about the Russell Brand trial, Manchester City, the small boats crisis, and a tiger attack.
• Johnson's Trump criticized 'SNL UK' for not having a cast member capable of playing Trump, mocking the U.K. acting establishment.

Background

This is the first instance of a cast member from the U.S. 'SNL' appearing on 'SNL UK.' The U.S. 'SNL' has recently featured cold opens satirizing the Republican Party's midterm strategy and Trump's policies, including a 'Trump Dividend' promise. 'SNL UK' is in its second season, with all original cast members returning and new cast member James Meredith joining. The show is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio's UK production team and Broadway Video, with Lorne Michaels as executive producer.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both reported on the cold open, highlighting the first crossover between the U.S. and U.K. 'SNL' casts and the job swap joke. Variety emphasized the specific dialogue regarding 'Celebrity Traitors' and the RADA joke, while Deadline focused on the broader context of the sketch, including references to Manchester City and the small boats crisis. The Belfast Telegraph reported on the sketch as a general mockery of Trump, Burnham, and Zelenskyy, without detailing the specific jokes or the crossover aspect. All three outlets agreed on the core facts of the sketch and the involvement of James Austin Johnson.

Why it matters

The crossover between 'SNL' and 'SNL UK' marks a significant moment for the U.K. version of the show, which has been building its reputation since its launch. The sketch's focus on U.S.-U.K. relations and the war in Ukraine reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the role of satire in addressing serious political issues. The inclusion of James Austin Johnson, a well-known Trump impersonator, adds a layer of authenticity and recognition to the U.K. show's political satire.

What to watch

The next episode of 'SNL UK' will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo, concluding the first half of Season 2. The show will continue to feature its full cast, including Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young, with James Meredith making his debut.