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BCG Daily Friday 1st December 2023

News

Features

BCG Pro

Press clippings

Genie. Flora (Melissa McCarthy). Credit: Sky

Genie review

Please put this dreadful comedy back in the bottle.

Kevin Maher, The Times, 1st December 2023
Saltburn. Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan). Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Warner, Amazon Studios

What does Saltburn say about class and privilege in the UK?

From searing commentary to narrative confusion, Emerald Fennell's lavish, shocking film has divided critics since its release. Now Guardian writers weigh in.

Charlotte Higgins, Rupert Neate, Sirin Kale, Jess Cartner-Morley, Gwilym Mumford and Danny Lavelle, The Guardian, 1st December 2023
R.I.P - Rest In Peace

Artist and Tutti Frutti writer John Byrne dies, aged 83

The artist and writer John Byrne, who created the acclaimed TV series Tutti Frutti, has died at the age of 83.

Craig Williams, BBC, 1st December 2023
R.I.P - Rest In Peace

John Byrne obituary

Playwright and artist who wrote the BBC series Tutti Frutti and Your Cheatin' Heart, and plays including The Slab Boys.

Michael Coveney, The Guardian, 1st December 2023
Smothered. Image shows left to right: Sammy (Danielle Vitalis), Tom (Jon Pointing)

Monica Heisey: 'The UK's comedy legacy is being left to rot'

Can Smothered, a new Sky six-part drama by the Canadian Schitt's Creek writer, revive the beleaguered genre?

Susie Goldsbrough, The Times, 1st December 2023
Meera Syal

Meera Syal: one director said I'd get the role if I slept with him

The writer and actress talks to Carol Midgley about harassment, her fears for TV comedy and why a sense of humour can save your life.

Carol Midgley, The Times, 1st December 2023
Rain Dogs. Image shows left to right: Costello Jones (Daisy May Cooper), Iris Jones (Fleur Tashjian)

The 50 best TV shows of 2023 - 50 to 11

Featuring Rain Dogs (No. 50), The Change (No. 46) and Boat Story (No. 45).

The Guardian, 1st December 2023

Aladdin pantomime at Hackney Empire

After 16 years starring in the Hackney Empire's annual panto - and now with a few years as director under his belt - it's beyond all possible doubt that Clive Rowe is the doyenne of dames. This year's production of Aladdin doesn't have any particularly unique concept and there's nothing remotely deep smuggled into Will Brenton's book, but it's no less entertaining for it. There are some elements that aren't the strongest and yet everything comes together in a very tasty pudding indeed, with Rowe sublime as ever as Widow Twankey.

Julia Rank, What's On Stage, 1st December 2023

Videos

Podcasts

TV & radio

BBC Radio Scotland 1:30pm
30 min
BBC Radio 5 Live 1:30pm
30 min
My Mate's A Footballer. Image shows left to right: Patrick Bamford, Joe Wilkinson. Credit: BBC

My Mate's A Footballer

Series 1, Episode 3 - Patrick Bamford's 5-A-Side Clinic

An episode about transfers gets derailed as Joe asks Pat how to become a better player.

Radio 4 6:30pm
30 min
The Now Show. Image shows from L to R: Hugh Dennis, Steve Punt. Copyright: BBC

The Now Show

Series 63, Episode 5

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches. They're joined by David Eagle unpacking the Advent, Jessica Fostekew looking into the repeal of the New Zealand smoking ban, and an original song from Archie Henderson, performed with Becky CJ.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 9pm
30 min
Have I Got News For You. Guz Khan

Have I Got News For You

Series 66, Episode 8

Guz Khan hosts the satirical panel show, with Ross Noble and Janet Street-Porter joining Ian and Paul.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 9:30pm
30 min
Two Doors Down. Image shows left to right: Michelle (Joy McAvoy), Cathy (Doon Mackichan)

Two Doors Down

Series 7, Episode 2 - Cathy Loves

A new bathroom is a big commitment, and Christine can't decide, driving Beth and Eric demented. Meanwhile, Cathy and Michelle bond over a boozy lunch, but will this new friendship last?

Sky Comedy. Copyright: Sky 10pm
30 min
Breeders

Breeders

Series 4, Episode 8 - No Control

Paul and Ally are on their way back from their holiday, Luke and Maya discuss Luke's future prospects when Maya's water breaks and goes into labour.

Channel 4 logo. Copyright: Channel 4 Television Corporation 10pm
65 min
The Last Leg. Image shows from L to R: Josh Widdicombe, Adam Hills, Alex Brooker

The Last Leg

Series 29, Episode 4

Adam, Josh and Alex are joined by guests Harry Hill, Chris Packham and Jordan Gray.

BBC One. Copyright: BBC 10:40pm
50 min
The Graham Norton Show. Graham Norton. Credit: So Television, Christopher Baines

The Graham Norton Show

Series 31, Episode 9 - Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Timothée Chalamet, Cher

Cher says she is not a diva, Julia Roberts reveals the original dark side of Pretty Woman, Tom Hanks enthuses about moonwalking and Timothée Chalamet reveals how proud he is of Wonka.

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