BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4, which has been broadcasting comedy ever since it took over from the BBC Home Service in 1967, has launched hundreds of comedy shows. Popular R4 comedies series include The News Quiz, The Now Show, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, Just A Minute, Old Harry's Game and Ed Reardon's Week. Many famous TV comedies actually started life in audio form on Radio 4 - Dead Ringers, Little Britain, That Mitchell and Webb Sound and Goodness Gracious Me are just four of the many series that went on to become TV hits. Radio 4 currently broadcasts comedy shows every weekday at 11:30am, 6:30pm and 11pm.

Radio 4 website

On BBC Radio 4 today

6:30pm
30 min
Tim Key's Late Night Poetry Programme. Key (Tim Key). Copyright: BBC

Tim Key's Poetry Programme

Series 6, Episode 1 - The Pilot

The poetry show (without the poetry) returns for more comic chaos, with guests Stephen Merchant and Lolly Adefope.

11pm
(repeat)
Stephen Mangan

The Confessional

Series 3, Episode 1 - Jessie Cave

Stephen Mangan is back with another series of his comedy chat show about shame, guilt and occasional repentance. The series begins with Harry Potter actor, writer, podcaster, cartoonist and illustrator Jessie Cave in the hot seat.

Current Radio 4 comedy formats

Formats in development for Radio 4

Recent news linked to Radio 4

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