Such is the turbulence of 2018 that it's impossible to second guess the contents of a topical talkshow. What on earth will Trump or May do next? What seems safe to assume, however, is that Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker's comic chemistry will guide us through whatever fresh horrors are afoot.

The 13th series of the Friday night institution continues. Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe -first thrown together to provide agile quips and quality bants for the 2012 summer Paralympics - show no sign of slowing down. They'll be taking on the events of the week, as ever, in front of a live studio audience.

This cheerful, topical comedy is never off air for long - and with world affairs teetering on the brink of madness so much of the time at the moment, that is probably not surprising. The genial but incisive Adam Hills hosts, while Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe comprise the show's regular comedy backbone. As ever, it is likely that the special celebrity guests - keen to stretch their satirical chops as a form of protest - will provide the incentive to watch. Increasingly, something of a Friday evening institution.

Last Leg trio reveal what goes on behind the scenes

Political guests like Jeremy Corbyn, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg are treated like "rock stars" and stay to hang out until 3am.

In 2017, this comedy news roundup has remained - in the face of ever more bewildering world events - the sanest response on television. It is sharp and righteous, but also humble and inclusive, always punching up, never falling into the trap of seeming to be part of the establishment. For its festive farewell, Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe welcome guests including the very funny Stephen Merchant.

Donald Trump wins The Last Leg's 'Dick of the Year'

Donald Trump has won The Last Leg's Dick of the Year award.

Adam Hills, Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe return for their 12th live series of Friday night irreverence, poking sharpened satirical sticks into the underside of events from the past seven days. Tonight's guests helping the triumvirate of tomfoolery tackle talking points from the worlds of comedy, entertainment and politics are New Avenger/Ab Fabber Joanna Lumley and - no stranger to topically tinged standup himself - Russell Howard.

The relentlessly hopeful comedy of The Last Leg

There is one show that consistently acknowledges the shock and anger but also challenges me to replace the despair with something else: hope. That show is Channel 4's The Last Leg, starring Adam Hills, Alex Brooker, and Josh Widdicombe.