

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4
Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday.Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

19 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep7. Forecast for Inflation and Flooding
This week, Adam Kay, a former doctor turned comedian, shares hilarious insights on NHS funding proposals, sparking laughs about creative fundraising ideas. Zoe Lyons brings the heat with a comedic take on an espionage case involving China, shaking up political sensitivities. Science-savvy Ria Lina addresses alarming flood risks projected by 2050. Political journalist Stephen Bush weighs in on Labour's tax dilemmas amidst inflation forecasts, prompting a lively discussion on the economy's future.

20 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep6. Peace Deals and Police Powers
Join comedian Scott Bennett, known for his sharp wit on topical comedy, as he dives into a wild week of news. They tackle Trump's surprising role in a Middle East peace deal and discuss the chaos at the Conservative Party Conference. From gaffes and misspellings to the first billionaire footballer in Cristiano Ronaldo, no stone is left unturned. Plus, hilarity ensues when they explore new anti-protest laws and the hilarious reasons behind workplace hangovers. Get ready for a comedic take on the week's headlines!

31 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep5. Less Flags, More Bunting
The panel dives into the Labour Conference, with Kier Starmer's metaphor about Britain's 'fork in the road' sparking lively debate. There's a comedic dissection of Nigel Farage's views on identity, and a humorous take on Starmer's popularity and the idea of electing the Women's Institute for a new approach. Discussions about proposed 'good citizenship' tests for migrants and the controversial two-child benefit cap provide both satire and insight. Plus, the wild notion of leopards impacting human evolution adds a quirky twist!

42 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep 4. A Lib Dem Conference and a Seagull Summit
This week, Simon Evans, a regular panellist and sharp-witted stand-up comedian, joins Neil Delamere, an Irish comic known for his witty storytelling. They dive into the chaos of the Lib Dem Conference and its marketing strategy against the Conservatives. The duo humorously examines Trump’s bizarre UN speech and the political ramifications of a Seagull Summit in Inverness, shedding light on both human and feathered follies. Prepare for laughter as they tackle everything from leadership ambitions to the quirks of seagull behavior!

33 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 3. Crossing the Pond, Crossing the Floor
Join Hugo Rifkind, a witty columnist known for his sharp takes on current affairs, as he delves into the hilarities of the week with fellow comedians. They tackle Trump's state visit and royal shenanigans, including the curious topic of reserve banquet fillers. The panel also pokes fun at chimps getting tipsy on fermented fruit and discusses the absurdity of made-up countries. Plus, they explore Penny Mordaunt's bleak take on being a Conservative and dissect the shifting political landscape in the UK. Expect laughs and insightful jests throughout!

7 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 2. Cards revealed and Reshufffle
Join the hilarity as a lively panel dissects recent political shake-ups, including the surprising return of Mandelson and the deputy leadership contest. They dive into international drama with Russian drones and a controversial strike in Qatar. Tech takes a quirky turn with discussions on a telepathy device that could change communication forever. Plus, enjoy some zany headlines and a nod to Banksy’s latest controversy. It's a wild mix of news, comedy, and sharp wit!

31 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep 1. Flags out, stamp duty. Stamped out, off duty.
Join a hilarious roundtable as the team digs into the latest political antics, from Angela Rayner's escapades with stamp duty to the curious rise of St George's flags. There's witty commentary on nationalist tensions and a zany take on a global summit featuring prominent figures. The absurdity of youth policies and energy drink bans also gets a comedic twist. With playful banter and fun quiz formats, the hosts make light of political blunders, leaving you entertained and chuckling at the world's quirks.

Sep 5, 2025 • 28min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 6. Computer says no
Guesting are Kate Devlin, a leading expert on AI and society, and comedian Sunil Patel. They dive into the humorous implications of AI in our lives, tackling the absurdity of treating robots as overlords. Devlin shares insights on the emotional complexities of AI-human interactions, while Patel offers comedic takes on the reliance on technology. The conversation also touches on data privacy concerns and the quirkiness of nostalgia in today's digital world, all wrapped in a playful critique of our tech-saturated lives.

20 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 29min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 5. The Special Relationship
Join Felicity Ward, an Australian comedian known for her witty takes on current issues, as she dives into the quirky dynamics of the UK-US 'special relationship' in 2025. The discussion humorously compares international diplomacy to dating, highlighting Keir Starmer's political intrigue and personal mishaps. From Brexit's impact to absurdities in global alliances, this conversation sheds light on evolving political norms while blending laughs with thoughtful insights on self-acceptance and credibility in the digital age.

Aug 22, 2025 • 29min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 4. We've got our work cut out
Hugo Rifkind, a witty broadcaster and journalist for The Times, teams up with Isabel Berwick, head of the Financial Times Working It brand, to dissect the reasons behind rising unemployment in Britain. They explore whether AI, early retirements, or other factors are driving joblessness. The conversation humorously tackles the challenges of modern work culture, from workplace burnout to the need for better job mobility. With a mix of satire and insightful commentary, they reveal the evolving expectations of younger workers and the absurdities of hiring practices.


