The Now Show. Image shows from L to R: Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt. Copyright: BBC
The Now Show

The Now Show

  • Radio comedy / stand-up
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 1998 - 2024
  • 466 episodes (64 series)

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a mix of stand-up, sketches and songs in this popular topical comedy show for Radio 4. Also features Jon Culshaw, Marcus Brigstocke, Jon Holmes, Mitch Benn, David Quantick and more.

Press clippings

With the death of the BBC's The Now Show, we are in danger of losing the art of radio comedy

The Radio 4 stalwart is ending after 26 years, and it's a depressing sign that slapdash podcasts are taking over the genre.

Stephen Armstrong, The Telegraph, 7th March 2024

The Now Show to conclude after 64 series

Radio 4 has announced that the 64th series of The Now Show will be the satirical comedy's last. Hosts Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis are to launch a new comedy podcast series in its place.

British Comedy Guide, 6th March 2024

Now Show cleared of being 'pro-terrorist'

Radio 4's Now Show has been accused of showing 'bias towards terrorist groups' when talking about the Gaza conflict. A viewer complained to the broadcaster that Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt had wrongly described the phrase 'from the river to the sea' as 'a pro-Palestinian chant'.

Chortle, 19th January 2024

Comedy.co.uk Awards 2022 shortlist

The 60 TV and radio programmes shortlisted across the 10 categories in the Comedy.co.uk Awards 2022 have been revealed. Voting is now open to determine the winners.

British Comedy Guide, 9th January 2023

BBC pulls its Friday Night Comedy podcasts from Apple & Google

The BBC is taking its popular Friday-night radio comedy shows off all the major podcast platforms - except for its own. Programmes such as The News Quiz, Dead Ringers and The Now Show will soon only be available on BBC Sounds, as executives force listeners to use the Corporation's own platform.

Chortle, 27th January 2022

Comedy.co.uk Awards 2021 shortlist

The 60 TV and radio programmes shortlisted across the 10 categories in the Comedy.co.uk Awards 2021 have been revealed. Voting is now open to determine the winners.

British Comedy Guide, 17th January 2022

Are you laughing at Radio 4 comedy? A week in radio

The stock thing to say is that Radio 4 comedy is a bit of an oxymoron. It's not really true, though, is it? Without Radio 4 there'd be no Alan Partridge, no Mighty Boosh, no League Of Gentlemen. Not that the highlights (or lowlights for that matter) should be what the station should be judged on. To listen in to the 6.30pm comedy slot on Radio 4 this last week is to see its comedic strengths and failings.

Teddy Jamieson, The Herald, 10th April 2021

Comedy.co.uk Awards 2020 shortlist

60 TV and radio programmes have been shortlisted across 10 categories for the Comedy.co.uk Awards 2020. Voting is now open to determine the winners.

British Comedy Guide, 11th January 2021

The BBC's bid to axe left-wing comedy will fail

From Punch in the 19th century to P. J. O'Rourke to Auberon Waugh to Craig Brown to Titania McGrath, if it's grown-up, nuanced political humour and satire you want, refer to books, newspapers, magazines or the internet. Let the lefties have the airwaves.

Patrick West, The Spectator, 3rd September 2020

BBC propaganda / satire stopped being funny ages ago

Changing the Corporation's pandering, predictable approach to comedy needs more than new material - it requires a revolution.

Robin Aitken, The Telegraph, 1st September 2020

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