Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive is a topical radio comedy panel show recorded in front of a live audience. Each week the host and his three guests make satirical comment on current events. The show also features sketches and messed-about archive material, all of which tend to have a strong surreal element.

The series returns each summer to fill Radio 4's Friday 6.30pm slot whilst The News Quiz and The Now Show, the two comedies that normally rotate in that slot, have a break whilst the media's 'silly season' takes place. (Note: due to Iannucci's workload, there was not a series in 2009. The gap was filled by I Guess That's Why They Call It The News)