

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

16 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 28min
Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 1. Farage Goes to School, The Snowman v Keir, and Alan Carr: Special Negotiator
The team delivers sharp impressions and sketches, with Nigel Farage making a comical entrance at Hogwarts, showcasing his infamous rhetoric. A surreal journey features a Snowman guiding Keir Starmer, humorously addressing Labour's struggles. Alan Carr takes the stage as a hilariously inept negotiator for peace, while skits parody pop culture, including a mockumentary on 'I'm a Celebrity' and satirical takes on political interviews. It's a delightful blend of humor and social commentary that keeps listeners laughing and engaged.

Dec 12, 2025 • 28min
The Naked Week: Ep6. Parties, polycules, and pardoning
Cat Neilan, an investigative journalist focused on housing issues, joins the discussion, uncovering the complexities of the supported exempt accommodation scheme and the exploitation rampant in Birmingham's housing sector. She highlights the council’s slow responses and the pressing need for reform. The show also dives into hilarious political gaffes and festive satire, along with expert insights on navigating polycule leadership in a political context. The blend of serious issues with comedic flair makes for an eye-opening and entertaining listen!

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!


