The Last Word with Matt Cooper Richard Osman Talks His New Book, Pointless & More
Nov 24, 2025
Join bestselling novelist and TV presenter Richard Osman as he delves into his new book, The Impossible Fortune, part of the Thursday Murder Club series. He shares the journey of embracing writing in his late 40s and how inspiration struck from his mother’s retirement village. Osman discusses the humor and real-life pain in his stories, while reflecting on aging and mortality. He also touches on his love for game shows and the future of shared viewing experiences, plus insights into his podcast, The Rest is Entertainment.
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Retirement Village Inspired The Series
- Richard Osman based the Thursday Murder Club world on his mother’s retirement village experiences and conversations with residents.
- He observed extraordinary backstories and lively social lives that inspired believable, funny older protagonists.
Truth Makes Humor In Older Characters Work
- Osman purposely writes older characters with real flaws so humour and pain feel authentic.
- He insists jokes must be grounded in truth to let readers accept both the laughs and the grief.
Residents Pitch Murders To Osman
- Osman visits his mother's retirement village where residents pitch murders and want to capitalise on the books' success.
- He enjoys that residents remain unchanged and still lively despite being in care.
