
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
Download the best satirical comedy from Radio 4, every Friday. Features The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn't Read.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 29min
The Naked Week: Ep 3. Benefits, Borders, and a game of Truss or Towers.
The team delivers sharp satire on modern politics, playfully critiquing youth unemployment and the absurd job application process. A whimsical game contrasts former Prime Minister Liz Truss with amusement park rides, showcasing clever banter and political wit. They creatively utilize haikus to address pressing issues, while tackling the ethical dilemmas of lobbying with humor. Expect a blend of nostalgia and comedy that sets the stage for a future exploration of history, revealing the quirky intersections of current events and entertainment.

7 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 29min
The Naked Week: Ep 2. Brick Walls, Dead Wood, and Charlie.
Join Paul Dunphy, Naked Week's witty concussion correspondent, as he delivers sharp satirical insights on current events. The hosts humorously dissect the chaos around the Reform Party, likening it to a bedazzled 90s boy band. They also explore government inefficiencies through a whimsical woodworking analogy, competing for the 'Deadwood Trophy.' Quirky royal playlists and a haiku summary of the news add an extra layer of fun. Tune in for a clever blend of laughter and critique!

8 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 29min
The Naked Week: Ep 1. Oval arguments, awful algorithms, and a game of Top (Donald) Trumps.
This week, a blend of humor and satire explores the bewildering world of politics, from Trump's antics to TikTok's troubling algorithms targeting youth. A guest correspondent radicalizes children, while at the same time, they playfully navigate corporate influences in politics. An unconventional chat with a young boy linked to Hamas adds unexpected depth. As they dissect military priorities and young perspectives on defense, the team balances serious topics with comical insights, revealing the absurdities of contemporary life.

Mar 7, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep8. Mr. Starmer Goes To Washington
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Scott Bennett, Sara Barron, Alex Massie and Lucy Porter for The News Quiz recorded from Scarborough. In the last of the current series, the panel unpack the Prime Minister's Washington visit, aid cuts and defence pastes, silent albums and AI-generated essays.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Simon Alcock, David Duncan, Laura Major, Christina Riggs and Peter Tellouche.
Producer: Rajiv Karia
Executive Producer: James Robinson
Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman
Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
An Eco-Audio certified Production.

21 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep7. Lying and Reassurance
Comedian Zoe Lyons joins the discussion with her sharp observational humor. They tackle the absurdities of global politics, poking fun at Trump and Putin's recent talks. The episode delves into the hilarity of Britain's defense spending, balancing military ambitions with budget realities. They also explore prison overcrowding, proposing unconventional solutions with comedic flair. The conversation highlights the struggle between honesty and the comfort of lies, making for an engaging and entertaining take on serious topics.

22 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep6. Corruption Leagues and Leaked WhatsApps
Get ready for a comedic ride through the wacky world of news. Hosts scrutinize the irony of denying citizenship to refugees while laughing about homeopathy's 'water memory.' They tackle British identity and Generation Z’s views with a cheeky nod to modern entertainment. Corruption in football? Check! Climate issues? Of course! And who knew woolly mammoth hybrids could spark such a hilarious debate on ethics? A perfect blend of satire with insightful commentary!

25 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep5. Tariffs, Tabloids and Typewriters
Ayesha Hazarika, a sharp-witted comedian and political commentator, joins the panel to dive into the absurdities of modern news. They tackle tariffs and the chaotic landscape of UK politics with humorous takes on Trump's tumultuous policies. The discussion also highlights a comical critique of Ofsted's whimsical grading system, pokes fun at political misinformation, and playfully imagines messages for future generations. Hazarika's unique insights add a delightful twist to the serious topics at hand!

38 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 4. Gear shifting and Shoplifting
This week, comedian Simon Evans brings his sharp wit to the table as he joins a panel to dissect current affairs. They humorously tackle Keir Starmer’s growth agenda and the controversial Heathrow runway. A lively discussion ensues about the rise in shoplifting and quirky trends, like chess in car parks. Evans shares insights on British consumer habits and the oddities of modern shopping, offering a delightful mix of satire and reflection on today’s societal quirks.

35 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 3. The Donald and The Dons
Join comedian Jay Lafferty, known for her sharp wit and engaging comedic style, as she dives into a lighthearted discussion about the week's news. The panel hilariously dissects Donald Trump's quirky political antics and the UK health minister's questionable use of public funds amidst sporting thrills. They also explore the allure of Scottish accents, playfully debating the sexiness of Glaswegian tones. Expect laughter, sharp commentary, and a blend of serious and absurd moments as they unpack current events with humor.

22 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 2. Unconditional Discharge In Charge
Nish Kumar, a sharp-witted comedian and political commentator, joins author and journalist Zing Tsjeng to tackle the absurdities of political life. They dive into Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration and its quirky entertainment choices, including a nod to the Village People's 'YMCA'. The duo humorously critiques Keir Starmer's AI proposals and discusses the resignation of a corruption minister. Expect laughs about vaccine skepticism and personal tales that reveal the surrealism of modern governance, all wrapped in their uniquely insightful commentary.