British Comedy Guide
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Political Animal. Image shows from L to R: John Oliver, Andy Zaltzman. Copyright: Avalon Television / BBC
Political Animal

Political Animal

  • Radio stand-up
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2005 - 2008
  • 11 episodes (2 series)

Radio show featuring political stand-up and sketches, hosted by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman.

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Episode menu

Series 2, Episode 2

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 17th June 2008
Time
11pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
John Oliver Host / Presenter
Andy Zaltzman Host / Presenter
Guest cast
Frankie Boyle Guest
Ian Stone Guest
Stewart Lee Guest
Production team
Alison Carpenter Producer

Press

R4 tightens leash on Political Animal

BBC Radio 4 is tightening up its editorial control of indie Avalon's output after the BBC Trust upheld a complaint about satirical comedy Political Animal. In an episode of the show broadcast in June last year, a Palestinian woman was referred to as "being punched to pieces by a very angry Jew". The Trust's investigation into the item was prompted by a listener complaint that the word Jew was used in an offensive way.

Robin Parker, Broadcast, 6th January 2009

Another BBC clampdown

The BBC has promised to take tighter control of Radio 4 comedy Political Animal, following a complaint that a Frankie Boyle gag was anti-semitic. One listener complained that the programme used the word 'Jew' in an offensive way - and the BBC Trust agreed. Ironically, one of the show's hosts, stand-up John Oliver, is Jewish.

Chortle, 6th January 2009

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