Radio 4 announces a raft of new comedy series
- Radio 4's 2024 line-up will include Frank Skinner, Catherine Bohart, Randy Feltface, Christian Brighty, Lorna Rose Treen, Jim Smith, Geoff Norcott, Stuart Mitchell, Sunil Patel
- The station's Sunday night pilot strand will showcase sketch shows, an improv format, a new panel show, and a sitcom
- "BBC Radio 4 will be playing host to so many fresh comic voices and new formats - as well as bringing back much-loved fan favourites"
Radio 4 has announced a number of new comedy series. Some have previously been revealed by British Comedy Guide but are now confirmed for 2024 broadcasts, whilst others are fresh announcements. The list includes...
One Person Found This Helpful
A new panel show hosted by Frank Skinner in which "an all-star panel celebrate the good, the bad and the baffling from the world of online reviews. If you're the person who went on Trip Advisor to review Ben Nevis as 'very steep and too high', this show salutes you!"
Catherine Bohart - TL;DR
After a successful pilot last summer, Catherine Bohart's topical comedy TL;DR has been commissioned for a full series to run in the popular Friday Night Comedy slot. "Catherine goes beyond the headlines to give you the lowdown on one of the biggest stories of the week, joined by guest experts and performers."
Randy Feltface's Destruction Manual
"Globetrotting comic phenomenon" and misanthropic puppet, Randy Feltface, will star in this satirical stand-up series about what we can do to speed up climate change and bring a swift end to life on Earth as we know it.
The Many Wrongs Of Lord Christian Brighty
This commission stars TikTok's answer to Mr Darcy, Christian Brighty, in his first radio sitcom, in which the Regency rake tries to make amends for his past misdeeds. It has been created with co-writer Amy Greaves.
Time Of The Week
Award-winning new comedian and former Woman's Hour producer Lorna Rose Treen, with co-writer Jonathan Oldfield, parodies women's current affairs and talk shows, alongside a cast of comedians and actors.
Jim Smith: Me And The Farmer
Perthshire farmer and comedian Jim Smith gives an "honest and hilarious behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a modern farmer".
Geoff Norcott's Working Men's Club
Geoff Norcott will be hosting a stand-up series "all about men" in this series (which is currently being developed under this working title).
Stuart Mitchell's Cost Of Living
Launching this February, this stand-up series sees former banker and Treasury insider Stuart Mitchell exploring his relationship with money, from his working-class origins in Lanarkshire to his decision to quit banking - and expensive man bags.
Sunil Patel: An Idiot's Guide To Bagging An Heiress
Sunil Patel will give listeners a different take on the pursuit of wealth in this series.
Room 101
Paul Merton returns for Series 2 of the latest iteration of the long-running format in which guests talk about their dislikes.
Meet David Sedaris
The humourist David Sedaris returns for a tenth series of his storytelling show.
Conversations From A Long Marriage
Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return in Jan Etherington's comedy about a married couple.
Radio 4 is also now running a pilot season on Sunday nights at 7:15pm. The shows are...
POV
Broadcast last night, this sketch show features Rachel Fairburn, Daniel Foxx, Matt Green, Rosie Holt, Emma Jones, Kelechi Okafor and Vinny Thomas.
Can You Hear Me Now? (21st January)
A showcase of character comedy, hosted by Jim Smith and featuring posh boy rapper MC Hammersmith, Edinburgh award-winner Lorna Rose Treen, and viral character comedians Michael Fry and Eleanor Morton.
Wing It (28th January)
Mike Wozniak plays host to a panel of improv stars in this new spontaneous game show, "full of ridiculous challenges & completely made-up games". Featuring Josie Lawrence, Steen Raskopoulos, Cariad Lloyd and Thomas Mayo.
You're Part Of The Problem (4th February)
A brand new sketch show starring Abi Clarke, Aurie Styla, Ed Jones, Lola-Rose Maxwell and Stephen Buchanan, showing us "grotesque, everyday characters who are part of the problem". A lonely exam invigilator, an incontinent king, strange allergies and a kid's toy that isn't as cute as it once was, all create situations which get out-of-hand fast, with "hilarious and excruciating consequences".
United Thingdom (11th February)
"A knockout sketch show that truly covers all corners of the UK. Featuring a cracking team of comedy performers and writers drawn from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: Diona Doherty, Paul G Raymond, Tudur Owen, Lana Pheutan and Karen Bartke star.
Unspeakable (18th February)
Phil Wang and Susie Dent challenge guests to help create the new ultimate dictionary.
Rum Punch (5th March, 11pm)
An audience sitcom written by and starring stand-up, actor and podcaster Travis Jay as Marley, a conflict-averse aspiring boxer who works in his parents' Caribbean restaurant. Also starring Eddie Nestor and Kevin Garry.
BBC Radio 4's Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner, Julia McKenzie, says: "I'm delighted that this year, BBC Radio 4 will be playing host to so many fresh comic voices and new formats - as well as bringing back much-loved fan favourites. Radio 4 is the biggest commissioner of comedy and entertainment audio in the world, and it's a pleasure to be able to invest in up-and-coming talent and bring listeners something they may not have heard before, alongside the programmes they already know and love."
The station notes: "As well as listening live on Radio 4, comedy fans will be able to catch all these new programmes on BBC Sounds, where last year Friday Night Comedy, Mark Steel's In Town, It's A Fair Cop and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue were among the top five most-listened-to comedies. Also hugely popular with on-demand listeners was Call Jonathan Pie, a brand-new series starring Tom Walker."