

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

15 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep3. Bored of peace
Shappi Khorsandi, comedian and writer known for sharp satire, and Lucy Porter, upbeat comedian from topical shows, riff on politics and absurd news. They lampoon Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ and his peace-related blunders. They laugh about China’s mega-embassy in London and marvel at Veronica, a tool-using cow, while poking fun at media chaos and political theatrics.

9 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep2. U-Turn, We Defect
Cindy Yu, Times columnist and journalist offering sharp topical commentary. Scott Bennett, comedian known for quick-witted panel turns. Susie McCabe, stand-up comic bringing topical comedy flair. Paul Sinha, quizzer and comic with measured observations. They riff on political defections and U-turns, a mass water outage in Tunbridge Wells, Brexit-era party chaos, Scottish budget quirks and ambitious rail and green energy plans.

9 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 16min
Introducing The Skewer
Dive into a whirlwind of satire where Trump's obsession with Greenland gets hilariously dissected. Political betrayals are lampooned as Farage welcomes defections. The absurdity of US foreign policy is framed in a game of Risk, while water outages take on a cult-like twist. The show also mocks Trump's health claims and his Nobel dreams. It wraps up with a farce on the Gaza 'Board of Peace' and the bizarre trade wars ignited by Denmark. Expect laughs and sharp commentary on current events!

25 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep1. Red, White, Blue and Green-land
Hugo Rifkind, a witty journalist and comedian, joins Lucy Porter, known for her sharp humor, and Geoff Norcott, a political commentator delivering a right-leaning perspective. The trio dives into the surreal US raid to capture Nicolás Maduro, lampooning Trump's antics and the bizarre world of geopolitics. They tackle a new UK proposal for driving tests for the over-70s and debate the implications of Grok AI. The panel's comedic takes on these topics deliver sharp insights and plenty of laughs!

48 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 28min
Best of The News Quiz 2025
Join a hilarious look back at a tumultuous year filled with political chaos and comedic gems. Topics include a satirical take on NHS reforms and Keir Starmer's awkward encounter with Trump. The panel riffs on the rise of Reform UK and the unpredictability of Farage's rhetoric. Relive the chaotic Spain blackout and Labour's missteps with pensioners. Enjoy sharp wit on England's flag culture and King Charles's meeting with the Pope, all leading up to a cheeky outlook for the year ahead.

11 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 28min
The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special
In a Boxing Day special, political heavyweight Michael Gove discusses Tory decline and defends Scrooge’s economic mindset, while journalist Miranda Green explores the Lib Dems’ past coalition woes. Comedian Pierre Novelli adds a youthful spin to the conversation, highlighting political absurdities. The panel reflects on Boris Johnson's Partygate scandal, Keir Starmer's leadership challenges, and the spectral consequences of political missteps, all wrapped in Dickensian humor. Audience confessions add a whimsical touch to a sharply insightful discussion.

31 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 29min
Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 2. A Very Kemi Christmas and a Lammy New Year
Get ready for a festive laugh as the cast takes on the week’s news with hilarious impressions! From Scrooge's absurd money-saving tips from a ghostly Martin Lewis to a Grinchy Rachel Reeves mocking austerity, the sketches are sharp and witty. Witness political satire with a twist, like Trump’s grievances and a mock interview with David Lammy and sheepdogs. The hilarity continues with a parody of celebrity perfume ads and a time-traveling terminator. It's a rollicking comic ride through the holiday chaos!

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!


