

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 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.

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!

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.


