

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

Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep5. A Budget, A Bombshell, and a Bedtime Story.
This week, Janet Ellis, the beloved Blue Peter presenter, shines as she humorously retells the budget in a children's book style. Alongside her, Kate Checker dissects the media's recycled takes on the budget, revealing the public's confusion over tax complexities. The duo also explores how AI misinformation influences political narratives and the unique monetization opportunities arising from post-war Ukraine. Expect laughs, satire, and a light-hearted approach to complex topics that'll keep you entertained!

7 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep4. Immigration, Espionage, and a game of Guess Who? - Epstein Edition.
Larry Budd, a sharp-witted correspondent known for his satirical takes, dives into immigration policies and their theatrical presentations. He humorously critiques the tendency for empty political promises across successive UK governments. The conversation shifts to the Epstein files, revealing intriguing revelations and reactions from notable figures like Trump. To top it off, Andrew and Larry play a cheeky game of 'Guess Who: Epstein Edition,' blending satire with news as they guess who might be in the infamous files.

15 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep3. Trump, Traitors, and RIP Tim Davie
Join comedian Milo Edwards and investigative journalist Cat Neilan as they delve into the week's absurdities and serious issues. Milo shares hilarious fundraising stunts for the BBC, while Cat uncovers shocking labor abuses in UK franchises, including the Papa John's scandal. They humorously dissect Trump's latest antics and the BBC's editorial missteps. With a mix of satire and sharp commentary, the duo highlights the tension between news representation and comedy, all while keeping you laughing at the chaos of it all.

10 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep2. Trains, Tice, and Taylor Swift
Guest Paul Dunphy, a political communication correspondent known for his humorous commentary, discusses the art of shoehorning agendas into unrelated news using clever metaphors. Cat Neilan, an investigative correspondent, dives into concerns about political fundraising and audits, revealing behind-the-scenes insights. The podcast also features a cheeky guest appearance by Taylor Swift, blending comedy with critiques of political gaffes and media sensationalism. The discussion ranges from surprising interviews to satirical takes on current events, keeping it light-hearted yet impactful.

22 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep1. Royal lodges, asylum hotels and witches.
Bella Hull, a guest correspondent known for her investigative and satirical features, teams up with Cat Neilan, a member of the investigations team providing sharp political insights. They dive into Prince Andrew's controversial royal lodge escapades, spinning him into an absurd consumer product. Hull humorously suggests ways to profit off asylum hotels while exposing the shady dealings behind the scenes. The show culminates in a satirical on-air protest, targeting corporations profiting at the expense of vulnerable communities.

36 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep8. Titles, Jewels and "Chocolate" Bars
Join Alasdair Beckett-King, a witty stand-up comedian; Laura Lexx, known for her sharp observations; Ahir Shah, who mixes humor with insightful commentary; and political editor Ava Santina, as they tackle royal titles and crown jewels amidst hilarious banter. Topics include a satirical take on Boris Johnson's pandemic comments, the fallout from a by-election upset, and a quirky discussion about polar bears and chocolate. Their comedic insights make for a lively analysis of current events and political challenges.

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!

48 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!


