From Fawlty Towers to Have I Got News for You it's usually America that adapts English showsm so that already makes the UK version of US comedy warhorse Saturday Night Live an anomaly. Plus there's a problem that a lot of transatlantic remakes don't translate, which adds to the pressure. The fact that SNL UK has started with an impressive debut makes it even more of a pleasant surprise. 

Comedy fans will be familiar with most of the cast and will know faces if not names. Standouts in the first episode include Emma Sidi, who is such a good character comic she is made for this multi-setting format. George Fouracres is another comedy chameleon and even though I wasn't entirely convinced by his Keir Starmer in the all-important 'cold open' first sketch about the UK joining America against Iran, he certainly triggered laughs.

Guest host Tina Fey fitted in really well and is clearly a fan of UK comedy. The last time I saw her she was standing outside Jordan Brookes' gig at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh last summer. I did wonder briefly what Brookes would have been like on this show. Could he have been the British Belushi? A curveball Chevy Chase?

But back to the cast. Larry Dean is essentially known as a high energy stand-up so it'll be good if this series gives him a chance to stretch himself. Ania Magliano and Paddy Young came across as smart-brained, smart-suited news anchors on Weekend Update. Celeste Dring, who played Princes Eugenie in the Windsors, has funny bones and judging by the live shows I've seen her do Ayoade Bamgboye could be the real series breakout star, a truly versatile, distinctive comedian.

There has been a huge build-up to this show, as if the future of UK sketch comedy despends on whether it succeeds. Yet behind the industry hype, gossip and bitching it's not on BBC One, or even Channel 4. While my socials have been full of speculation on whether it will be hit or miss, I doubt if it is being discussed over many breakfast tables on Sunday morning the way the American version has been at its height. 

I should add, of course, that as the title suggests, it does go out live - so respect is due to the quick changes and smooth running. It also gives them scope for late-breaking additions to the script, which it might well need to make more use of in the coming weeks given the fast-changing political landscape.

A few guest stars including Graham Norton added some starry gold dust to this first episode, but maybe it didn't need it. It's a shame the run is only eight episodes though. If they keep this standard up they will definitely leave viewers wanting more.

Saturday Night Live UK, Saturdays, 10pm, Sky One.