

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

10 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.

10 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 29min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 3. Let's get this party started
Zoe Lyons, a talented British comedian known for her sharp stand-up, joins Sunil Patel, a writer celebrated for his observational humor, and Ian Dunt, a political expert with years of Westminster insight. Together, they dive into the absurdities of Britain’s evolving political scene. They humorously tackle the challenges of new political parties, discussing ridiculous party names and the quirks of admin tasks. With witty banter, they explore robots in politics and the unpredictable outcomes shaping the future landscape of British society.

Aug 8, 2025 • 28min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 2. It's a taxing subject
Join Ayesha Hazarika, a savvy political commentator, and Sunil Patel, a witty comedian, as they dive into the wealth tax debate in the UK. They tackle whether a wealth tax is a 'no-brainer' or a 'non-starter,' while also exposing the absurdity of billionaires' extravagant lifestyles. Expect sharp humor as they discuss societal narratives, tax loopholes, and the role of philanthropy in wealth redistribution, peppering their insights with relatable banter. It's a clever mix of comedy and serious topics that makes finance fun!

Aug 1, 2025 • 28min
Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 1. There's something in the water
Phil Wang, a British-Malaysian comedian known for his witty stand-up, joins roving correspondent Sunil Patel to tackle the UK's water regulation crisis. They dive into rising costs and sewage pollution while mixing humor with sharp critiques of privatization. Anecdotes about quirky date ideas lead to a lighthearted yet critical discussion on water management. The pair even taste-test various water sources, poking fun at the absurdities surrounding water quality and infrastructure failures, revealing the comical side of a serious issue.

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
Dead Ringers: Ep 6. Super-injunctions, Superheroes, and, er, Diane Abbott.
This installment dives into the quirks of super-injunctions and superheroes, bringing Diane Abbott's political escapades into the spotlight. A humorous exploration contrasts racism in politics with absurd fiction, featuring scandalous mishaps involving Wallace and a window-cleaning machine. The satire continues as comedians mimic government officials on serious topics like Palestinian recognition, while culinary chaos unfolds in a mock MasterChef crisis. Expect witty banter and playful critiques of media and society, all wrapped in a light-hearted yet insightful package.

33 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 28min
Dead Ringers: Ep 5. Man of Steel, Woman of Salt Path
Join a hilarious rollercoaster as the team tackles immigration policy with a satirical Prime Minister monologue. Experience dark humor in 'actual hell' with a chilly reporter and political chaos. Witness a superhero twist, as a 'Man of Steel' mocks Trump amid political absurdities. Enjoy the thrill of basketball intertwined with a comedic Ambridge saga and absurd tariffs. Plus, laugh through sketches on budget cuts affecting sound effects and a skit on bizarre fragrances, critiquing culture and accountability in a delightfully absurd way.

Jul 11, 2025 • 29min
Dead Ringers: Ep 4. Welfare woes and Wimbledon
The hosts unleash their vocal talents to tackle news with humor, dissecting the government's welfare issues and the BBC's amusing mishaps at Glastonbury. Expect whimsical comparisons of workers to bees and absurd money-saving tips from royalty. Politically charged banter cleverly intertwines tennis commentary with global dilemmas, featuring a fictional AI line judge named Elon at Wimbledon. The absurdity of celebrity political advice brings laughs, as the team navigates British blunders and quirky tennis tales with sharp wit.