Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Comedy

About

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

  • The News Quiz: Ep3. When the King came round for tea

    This episode of The News Quiz discusses King Charles' state visit to Donald Trump's White House and the state of the nation ahead of upcoming elections. It also covers the topic of MPs drinking at work.

  • The News Quiz: Ep2. The art of vetting

    This episode of The News Quiz discusses topics such as the Peter Mandelson vetting saga, banning phones in schools, and robots in sports. Featuring comedians Daliso Chaponda, Catherine Bohart, Hugo Rifkind, and Ria Lina, and written by And…

  • The News Quiz: Ep1. Messiah or Doctor?

    Andy Zaltzman hosts a new episode with guests Andrew Maxwell, Zoe Lyons, Stephen Bush, and Kiri Pritchard-McLean. They discuss current events, including the upcoming elections and other global topics. The episode also features written cont…

  • The Naked Week: Ep6. Swearing, Steeplechase, and Strikes.

    This episode of The Naked Week from Friday Night Comedy discusses Trump's tirade, a steeplechase, and strikes. The team presents a satirical take on the week's news with writers including Jon Holmes and Katie Sayer.

  • The Naked Week: Ep5. Jesus Christ Superstarmer, and Dark Satanic Mills

    The Naked Week team from Friday Night Comedy discusses current events, including "Jesus Christ Superstarmer" and "Dark Satanic Mills." The episode is hosted by Andrew Hunter Murray.

  • The Naked Week: Ep4. Who ya gonna call...? (Clue: It's Donald Trump)

    This episode of The Naked Week discusses Donald Trump and the BBC Director General. It features satirical news commentary from Jon Holmes and Andrew Hunter Murray.

  • The Naked Week: Ep3. Shipping, Shopping, and Shagg...you know what, never mind.

    The Naked Week episode from Friday Night Comedy discusses current events, shipping, shopping, and an investment portfolio. The show features a team of satirists and writers, and is hosted by Andrew Hunter Murray.

  • The Naked Week: Ep2. The Naked Week team party like it's the 2003 Iraq War.

    The Naked Week team, led by Jon Holmes and Andrew Hunter Murray, satirizes the 2003 Iraq War. This episode of Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4 features contemporary satirists and is recorded in front of a live audience.

  • The Naked Week: Ep1. War, Law, and Operation Amol Rajan.

    The Naked Week team from Friday Night Comedy discusses topics including war, law, and selected highlights from Amol Rajan's Instagram feed. The episode features writers including Jon Holmes and Katie Sayer, with guests Rachel Parris, Mark…

  • The News Quiz: Ep8. Flight risks and fly-tips

    Andy Zaltzman hosts the final episode of the series with guests Simon Evans, Zoe Lyons, Cindy Yu, and Ahir Shah. They discuss topics such as UK politics, Trump's State of the Union address, and the Chagos Islands.

  • The News Quiz: Ep7. The worst birthday ever

    This episode of The News Quiz covers royal news, a government U-turn, Nigel Farage's proposed 'shadow cabinet', and topics related to robots and aliens. Guests on the show include Mark Steel, Daliso Chaponda, Coco Khan, and Bella Hull.

  • The News Quiz: Ep6. Is the UK getting sunnier?

    The panel discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Valentine's Day advice, and long-term weather trends in the UK on this episode of The News Quiz. Host Andy Zaltzman is joined by guests Alasdair Beckett-King, Rachel Fairburn, Stephen Bush,…

  • The News Quiz: Ep5. The Prince of Darkness

    This episode of The News Quiz discusses topics including the Peter Mandelson scandal, royal lodgings, humble addresses, and iguanas. Guests include Desiree Burch, Pierre Novellie, Daniel Finkelstein, and Catherine Bohart. Andy Zaltzman wri…

  • The News Quiz: Ep4. By-elections, hello defections

    This episode of The News Quiz discusses the Labour party, Suella Braverman's defection to Reform, and the future of British pubs. Andy Zaltzman is joined by guests Daliso Chaponda, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hugo Rifkind, and Holly Walsh.

  • The News Quiz: Ep3. Bored of peace

    Andy Zaltzman hosts The News Quiz alongside Lucy Porter, Alasdair Beckett-King, Stephen Bush, and Shappi Khorsandi. The panel discusses topics including Donald Trump, China's new embassy in London, and a tool-using cow.

  • The News Quiz: Ep2. U-Turn, We Defect

    Andy Zaltzman hosts an episode of The News Quiz featuring panelists Susie McCabe, Paul Sinha, Cindy Yu, and Scott Bennett. The discussion covers political defections, U-turns, and a water supply issue in Tunbridge Wells.

  • The News Quiz: Ep1. Red, White, Blue and Green-land

    Guest host Ian Smith and panelists Ria Lina, Hugo Rifkind, Lucy Porter, and Geoff Norcott discuss the week's news, including political events involving the US and Greenland, new driving rules for seniors, and Grok AI.

  • Best of The News Quiz 2025

    Andy Zaltzman presents a compilation of highlights from The News Quiz in 2025, covering political stories from local elections to international events. This episode is a BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4.

  • The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special

    In this Boxing Day special of The Matt Forde Focus Group, comedian Matt Forde explores the year's political events through the theme of A Christmas Carol. Joined by guests including Michael Gove, the show applies a Dickensian lens to polit…

  • Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 2. A Very Kemi Christmas and a Lammy New Year

    The Dead Ringers team delivers festive impressions focusing on the week's news in this Christmas-themed episode. Performers include Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Duncan Wisbey, and Jess Robinson.

  • Dead Ringers Christmas: Ep 1. Farage Goes to School, The Snowman v Keir, and Alan Carr: Special Negotiator

    In this Dead Ringers Christmas episode, the team delivers impressions featuring Nigel Farage, Keir Starmer, and Alan Carr. The episode features impressionists Jan Ravens, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson, and Josh Berry.

  • The Naked Week: Ep6. Parties, polycules, and pardoning

    In this episode of The Naked Week, host Andrew Hunter Murray and a team of contributors cover topics such as parties, polycules, and political pardons through a blend of satirical skits and investigative reporting.

  • The Naked Week: Ep5. A Budget, A Bombshell, and a Bedtime Story.

    In this episode of The Naked Week, hosts Andrew Hunter Murray and Jon Holmes present a satirical look at the week's news through stunts, guest segments, and investigative reports. Guests Kate Cheka and Janet Ellis join the team for this bl…

  • The Naked Week: Ep4. Immigration, Espionage, and a game of Guess Who? - Epstein Edition.

    Host Andrew Hunter Murray and producer Jon Holmes present a blend of satire and investigative journalism covering the week's news in this episode of The Naked Week. The program features segments on immigration, espionage, and a topical gam…

  • The Naked Week: Ep3. Trump, Traitors, and RIP Tim Davie

    Andrew Hunter Murray and Jon Holmes present The Naked Week, a comedy programme featuring news satire, stunts, and investigations. This episode covers Trump, traitors, and features guest appearances from Paul Gorton, Milo Edwards, and The B…

  • The Naked Week: Ep2. Trains, Tice, and Taylor Swift

    Hosts Andrew Hunter Murray and Jon Holmes present the second episode of The Naked Week, featuring satirical news coverage, investigative segments, and a guest appearance by Taylor Swift. The show explores the week's events through a mix of…

  • The Naked Week: Ep1. Royal lodges, asylum hotels and witches.

    Andrew Hunter Murray and Jon Holmes present an episode of The Naked Week, covering topics such as royal lodges, asylum hotels, and witches. The program features a mix of satirical stunts, investigations, and comedy sketches.

  • The News Quiz: Ep8. Titles, Jewels and "Chocolate" Bars

    Andy Zaltzman hosts Alasdair Beckett-King, Laura Lexx, Ahir Shah, and Ava Santina in this episode of The News Quiz. The panel discusses the loss of Royal Titles and Crown Jewels, and debates whether current events are improving or declinin…

  • The News Quiz: Ep7. Forecast for Inflation and Flooding

    Andy Zaltzman is joined by Adam Kay, Zoe Lyons, Ria Lina, and Stephen Bush to discuss the week's news, including budget talks, inflation forecasts, flood risks, and solar farms.

  • The News Quiz: Ep6. Peace Deals and Police Powers

    Andy Zaltzman is joined by Scott Bennett, Ayesha Hazarika, Kate Cheka, and Ian Smith to discuss recent news, including international peace deals, the Conservative Party Conference, protest restrictions, and a new football billionaire.

  • The News Quiz: Ep5. Less Flags, More Bunting

    Andy Zaltzman is joined by a panel of guests to discuss news from the Labour Conference and Keir Starmer's warning about the future of Britain. The episode features contributions from comedians and writers on The News Quiz.

  • The News Quiz: Ep 4. A Lib Dem Conference and a Seagull Summit

    Andy Zaltzman hosts a panel featuring Simon Evans, Neil Delamere, Tiff Stevenson, and Cindy Yu to discuss recent news, including the UN General Assembly, the Lib Dem conference, and a Seagull Summit.

  • The News Quiz: Ep 3. Crossing the Pond, Crossing the Floor

    Andy Zaltzman hosts a panel including Hugo Rifkind, Pierre Novellie, Sara Barron, and Lucy Porter to discuss the week's news events, ranging from Trump's state visit to current political developments in the UK.

  • The News Quiz: Ep 2. Cards revealed and Reshufffle

    Andy Zaltzman hosts a discussion on the week's news with guests Daliso Chaponda, Susie McCabe, Geoff Norcott, and Ash Sarkar. Topics include the Labour Deputy Leader election, the return of Mandelson, international news stories, and telepa…

  • The News Quiz: Ep 1. Flags out, stamp duty. Stamped out, off duty.

    Host Andy Zaltzman and guests Alasdair Beckett-King, Andrew Maxwell, Lucy Porter, and Coco Khan discuss recent news, including Angela Rayner, Xi Jinping, and St George's flags. The panel also covers the decline in cement and the Green Part…

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 6. Computer says no

    Catherine Bohart explores the potential influence of artificial intelligence and humanity's future relationship with technology. She is joined by Olga Koch, Professor Kate Devlin, and Sunil Patel for this episode of Too Long; Didn't Read.

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 5. The Special Relationship

    Catherine Bohart explores the nature of the UK-US "special relationship" in 2025. Featuring Felicity Ward, John Bolton, and Sunil Patel, the episode examines the history and current state of the diplomatic connection between the two nation…

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 4. We've got our work cut out

    Catherine Bohart and guests Hugo Rifkind, Isabel Berwick, and Sunil Patel explore the reasons behind rising unemployment in Britain. They discuss potential factors including AI and early retirement in this episode of Too Long; Didn't Read.

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 3. Let's get this party started

    Catherine Bohart investigates the rise of new political parties in Britain and why they challenge the two-party system. She is joined by Zoe Lyons, Ian Dunt, and Sunil Patel.

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 2. It's a taxing subject

    Catherine Bohart explores the debate surrounding a wealth tax as a solution to Britain's financial challenges. She is joined by Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, Sunil Patel, and Dr. Emma Chamberlain to discuss the topic.

  • Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 1. There's something in the water

    Catherine Bohart, Phil Wang, and Sunil Patel explore the regulation of the water industry in this episode of the podcast. They are joined by Guardian environment reporter Helena Horton to discuss a major story from the week.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep 6. Super-injunctions, Superheroes, and, er, Diane Abbott.

    The Dead Ringers team uses impressions to address news topics including super-injunctions, superheroes, the Epstein files, and Diane Abbott. This episode features the main cast and a group of writers.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep 5. Man of Steel, Woman of Salt Path

    The Dead Ringers team reacts to political and cultural news, featuring impressions related to the Post Office Inquiry Report, tariffs, and The Salt Path. The episode features a full cast including Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, and Lewis Macleod.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep 4. Welfare woes and Wimbledon

    The Dead Ringers team examines recent news, including government welfare issues, the BBC, and a parody version of Just A Minute featuring impressions of international politicians.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep 3. Glastonbury, Benefits, and Bombs.

    The Dead Ringers team delivers impressions centered on the week's news, including segments on Donald Trump, David Lammy, and Martin Lewis at NATO. The episode features a full cast and writing team.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep2. De-escalation and nuclear proliferation

    The Dead Ringers team presents a satirical take on the week's news, featuring impressions of figures including Laura Kuenssberg and Ross Kemp, alongside sketches about nuclear proliferation and WMD inspectors in Iran.

  • Dead Ringers: Ep1. Greta, Trump and Eau de Farage

    The Dead Ringers team delivers impressions of news stories featuring Greta Thunberg, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Gary Lineker. This episode is performed by Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson, and Duncan Wisbey.

  • The News Quiz: Ep 8. Musk and Trump Break Up

    Andy Zaltzman is joined by Glenn Moore, Felicity Ward, Athena Kugblenu, and Marie Le Conte to discuss the week's news, including Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and British national security. The panel also looks at the implications of involving…

  • The News Quiz: Ep 7. Tariff Turmoil

    Andy Zaltzman hosts The News Quiz alongside Armando Iannucci, Ria Lina, Ian Smith, and Cindy Yu. The panel discusses topics including Trump's tariffs, the King's holiday, Middle East developments, and the Department of Justice.

  • The News Quiz: Ep 6. Big Deals

    Andy Zaltzman hosts an episode of The News Quiz alongside Andrew Maxwell, Ian Smith, Alex Kealy, and Cindy Yu. The panel discusses news topics including billionaire sightings, the usage of the semi-colon, and recent political events.