

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

Oct 18, 2024 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep 6. Cleverly Timed Exits
Anoushka Astana, Andrew Maxwell, and Athena Kablenu bring their comedic prowess to dissect the latest political mishaps. They dive into Sue Gray's dramatic cabinet exit and mock the quirky campaign tactics of Morgan McSweeney. The trio hilariously contrasts the chaos of Labour under Keir Starmer with absurd political personas. Expect witty critiques on James Cleverley's missteps, unexpected Tory leadership twists, and some laugh-out-loud stories that blend humor with current events, including a whimsical nod to a puppet series on climate change.

Oct 11, 2024 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep 5. Peace & Peaks
Join comedians Zoe Lyons and Scott Bennett, alongside Cindy Yu and Alasdair Beckett-King, as they humorously tackle global issues. From whimsical ideas for world peace led by women and children to witty critiques of UK political absurdities, the conversation is vibrant and satirical. They discuss extravagant political figures, poke fun at bizarre protests, and celebrate the quirks of parenthood in politics. Expect laughter and insightful commentary, wrapping up with Team Optimism emerging victorious!

Oct 4, 2024 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep4. Conference & Confidence
In a lively discussion, Robin Morgan, a media and comedy luminary, joins comedians Ian Smith and Alice Fraser, alongside political commentator Ash Sarkar. They explore Keir Starmer's challenges at the Labour conference with sharp humor. The panel takes jabs at political language, critiques the UN, and shares a funny hotel breakfast mix-up over sausages. They also tackle global issues like a newly discovered second moon and playful thoughts on crime reform, wrapping it up with witty banter about celebrity weddings and NASA's asteroid alerts.

Sep 27, 2024 • 28min
The News Quiz: Ep3. Work & Play
Simon Evans, a sharp-witted comedian, joins Ian Smith, an engaging stand-up, along with Aditi Mittal, a socially-conscious Indian comic, and Anushka Asthana, a keen political journalist. They poke fun at political fashion, dissecting PM's wardrobe choices and political scandals. The panel humorously tackles salary controversies, remote work dynamics, and paternity rights. Nostalgic sports references and absurd scenarios keep things light, making for a delightful blend of humor and critique on today's pressing topics.

Sep 20, 2024 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep2. Prisoners and Pensioners
This lively comedy news quiz tackles the looming winter challenges facing pensioners and the early release of prisoners with sharp wit. The panel humorously critiques political absurdities, intertwining lighthearted anecdotes with serious reflections on national accountability. They explore Britain's controversial history through satire, encouraging a rethink of national pride. The show balances laughter with poignant commentary on politics and pop culture, making it an entertaining blend of humor and insight.

Sep 13, 2024 • 29min
The News Quiz: Ep1. Labour’s Brat Summer
The panel dives into the quirky concept of 'brat summer' and navigates the twists of Labour's political landscape. They humorously critique the Grenfell inquiry and highlight gaps in accountability within society. National identity takes center stage as they explore perspectives on patriotism, intertwining humor with serious historical reflection. The discussion unfolds with delightful commentary on British history and modern political antics, showcasing a blend of satire and clever insights that keep audiences entertained and engaged.

Sep 6, 2024 • 29min
Catherine Bohart: TL;DR - 6. Hang on - are there ghosts in this machine?
In this episode, journalist Hugo Rifkind navigates the ethical maze of artificial intelligence, discussing the potential for AI to become our overlords. Professor Gina Neff highlights AI's transformative impact on society, raising concerns about job displacement and emotional connections. Comedian Sunil Patel adds a humorous spin, exploring the quirky world of AI romance. Together, they dive into the cultural implications of gendered technology and the intersection of AI and human creativity, making for an insightful and entertaining conversation.

4 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 29min
Catherine Bohart: TL;DR - 5. Are we going to see Robert Jenrick's Brat Summer?
In this engaging discussion, Russian stand-up comedian Olga Koch emphasizes the necessity of a strong political opposition, linking it to democratic health. Financial Times columnist Stephen Bush analyzes tactics for opposition parties to regain influence. They dissect the comedic yet serious dynamics of the Conservative leadership race, touching on how the party's factionalism impacts its credibility. With a lighthearted tone, they explore the implications of recent political shortcomings and the significance of accountability in British politics.

Aug 23, 2024 • 28min
Catherine Bohart: TL;DR - 4. Want to brush up on education for the new school year?
Catherine Bohart, a comedian and writer, brings her sharp wit to the pressing issue of the UK’s university funding crisis. She humorously critiques news reporting and frames global events through the lens of everyday dilemmas. Bohart dives into the alarming financial struggles faced by nearly half of UK universities, discussing potential hybrid funding models and the implications for student accessibility. With satirical anecdotes about student debt and a comparison of educational systems worldwide, she keeps the conversation engaging and thought-provoking.

Aug 16, 2024 • 28min
Catherine Bohart: TL;DR - 3. What's with all the riotous goings-on?
Catherine Bohart, a sharp-witted comedian and writer, hosts lively discussions with Tom Neenan and Anand Menon, delving into the chaotic world of current events. They tackle the rise of far-right movements in Europe and the bizarre dynamics of recent riots. Zoe Lyons adds humorous insights into why British fascists lack the flair of their continental counterparts. Together, they blend satire and critical analysis to explore issues of accountability and the complexities of racism in today's society, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.