TV Comedy Preview: 19th to 25th May 2014
These are the new TV episodes we're looking out for this week, 19th to 25th May 2014...
A new animated comedy for the CBeebies channel about a rare marsupial and his musical parents. Jason Donovan is amongst those providing the voices. He explains more about the show in an interview that can be found in our guide. Monday, 3:45pm, CBeebies. Guide
Heavy-Weight Boxing Champion David Haye teams up with Seann Walsh to take on the Emerald Isle's city of Cork in the second episode of this new TV format in which a suitcase full of cash must be spent quickly. They take on homicidal leprechauns, earnest ghostbusters and a singing taxi driver. Tuesday, 10pm, Dave. Guide
Classic BBC prison-set sitcom Porridge is 40 years old, so Gold has commissioned this three-part documentary series. There's naturally some classic clips in this, but there's also new insight from many of those involved, including writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Wednesday, 8pm, GOLD. Guide
Series 11 of the popular panel show comes to an end with Keith Lemon, Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton counting down 'the most special bits' from the last 10 episodes. Ant & Dec, Tom Daley, a parrot and Joey Essex are amongst those featured in the selected highlights clips. Thursday, 10pm, ITV2. Guide
A new romantic comedy series in which Nick Frost plays a buttoned-down 1960s man in crisis. The show was created by Curb Your Enthusiasm's Robert B Weide especially for the star. Olivia Colman is in it too... which is now a pretty good indicator of whether something is worth watching or not. Friday, 9pm, Sky Atlantic. Guide
The first of two episodes which celebrate the 20th anniversary of popular sketch comedy The Fast Show. If you watched the episodes published by Foster's online a couple of years ago you'll have already seen these 'new' sketches, however this is the first time they have been broadcast on 'proper' TV. Friday, 10pm, BBC Two. Guide
A sofa full of big name stars for Graham again: Mary Poppins herself, Dame Julie Andrews makes a super-rare chat show appearance. Also on the sofa are Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, talking about new movie 22 Jump Street; and Pharrell Williams, who chats and performs Marilyn Monroe. Friday, 10:40pm, BBC One. Guide
This comprehensive two-hour documentary celebrates five decades of comedy from BBC Two. It emphasises how the channel has been responsible for some boundary-pushing shows, and also developed some of our best known stars. There are clips from many of the featured programmes, and interviews with some of those people who are now big stars. Saturday, 9pm, BBC Two. Guide
Harry And Paul's Story Of The 2s
Don't miss this! It's excellent. Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse lampoon BBC Two's best known shows and presenters. Blackadder, The Young Ones, QI, Mock The Week and Monty Python are just some of the comedy shows that the duo treat with glorious irreverence. See our guide for a trailer. Sunday, 9pm, BBC Two. Guide
Derek, Episodes, Cardinal Burns, Trying Again, Have I Got News For You and Alan Carr: Chatty Man are amongst the on-going series that also have a new episode this week. For a complete summary, including radio, see our full schedule