Jon Sergeant on Argumental

Jon Sergeant explains how he gets extra pleasure from seeing Marcus Brigstocke struggle with some of the topics he's given to argue either for or against.

Guesting this week on the cheap-but-effective comedy discussion show are the reliable Mark Watson and the refreshingly unreliable Ardal O'Hanlon. Topics include the semi-serious ("Barak Obama can only disappoint us") and the deadly serious ("Doctor Who is rubbish")

John Sergeant returns as the chortling host for series two of Dave's homegrown panel game. Tonight's topic for debate - political correctness, the British economy, Brad Pitt - prompt lots of clever quips, although Rufus Hound's attack on bodybuilding will have you wincing.

Dave's flagship programme. Okay, it's not perfect - but it can be funny. It's hosted by kindly John Sergeant, with Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstocke as captains - they're nowhere near awful. The standard of guest is pretty high - the first ep kicks off with ever-good-value Dara O'Briiiiaiiin and The Thick Of It's Chris Addison. He's going to be a Hollywood player after In The Loop comes out, according to yesterday's supplements. All in all, it'll be a welcome relief from today's News At Ten.

Marcus Brigstocke interview

Comedian Marcus Brigstocke talks about the return of Argumental, Jon Stewart and his upcoming stand up tour...

Dave is starting to make a name for itself in programme creation as well as just repeating blokey made-for-BBC shows. We'll soon have the Red Dwarf specials to bolster the point, but until then, this second series of the feisty debating comedy will have to do.

Behind the scenes on Argumental series two

A sneak preview of the making of the second series of Argumental.

Creating comedy from controversy demands more than regulars Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound merely spouting near-nonsense loudly and provocatively. Still, the guests in this show, including Dara O'Briain, Johnny Vegas and Frankie Boyle, show how it's done.

Dave to get Argumental again

Dave has ordered a second series of the John Sergeant-hosted panel show Argumental.

The 12 x 30-minute series by Tiger Aspect features team captains Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstocke, who battle it out to win "important" debates.

Patrick Kielty doesn't just join the regulars in the bargain basement comic debate show this week, he outshines both Marcus Brigstocke and Rufus Hound. You might think that's easy but, after this, Lucy Porter probably doesn't. It's undemanding entertainment for audience and performers alike.