Have I Got News For You. Image shows left to right: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton. Credit: Matt Crockett
Have I Got News For You

Have I Got News For You

  • TV panel show
  • BBC One / BBC Two
  • 1990 - 2024
  • 600 episodes (67 series)

Long-running topical panel game with a strong political slant, featuring team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton. Also features Angus Deayton.

Press clippings Page 7

The BBC's bid to axe left-wing comedy will fail

From Punch in the 19th century to P. J. O'Rourke to Auberon Waugh to Craig Brown to Titania McGrath, if it's grown-up, nuanced political humour and satire you want, refer to books, newspapers, magazines or the internet. Let the lefties have the airwaves.

Patrick West, The Spectator, 3rd September 2020

Shappi Khorsandi on the BBC and right-wing comedy

High on Tim Davie's list of shows deemed 'too left-wing' is Mock The Week. When I was on the show, I was told I must do my 'Iranian material' - that didn't feel left-wing to me.

Shappi Khorsandi, The Independent, 1st September 2020

BBC propaganda / satire stopped being funny ages ago

Changing the Corporation's pandering, predictable approach to comedy needs more than new material - it requires a revolution.

Robin Aitken, The Telegraph, 1st September 2020

BBC's new boss threatens to axe Left-wing comedy shows

New Director-General Tim Davie believes the BBC's comedy output is seen as too one-sided, and unfairly biased against the Tories, Donald Trump and Brexit.

Bill Gardner, The Telegraph, 31st August 2020

The best of British satire: 7 vintage shows

Spitting Image is returning. Some are expecting the new series to represent the welcome, and long overdue, rehabilitation of British satire. Others fear a toothless, joyless effort. Either way, it will face some tough comparisons - most notably with itself. The satire boom of the 60s precipitated a long line of insightful, scabrous, satirical shows. So here, in no particular order, are seven of the best.

Tim Dawson, The Spectator, 27th August 2020

Is it time for canned laughter to return to TV?

An artificial laugh track hasn't been used for decades, but with Covid making studio audiences impossible it could be a useful tool.

Phil Harrison, The Guardian, 15th August 2020

Have I Got News For You producers suggests studio audience plan

The producers of Have I Got News For You have suggested to the BBC an idea that would see them record the next series of the topical comedy show with a studio audience located in an adjacent room.

British Comedy Guide, 14th August 2020

HIGNFY: BBC dismiss complaints over Hislop and Cummings

'No one is exempt from satire,' said the corporation in a statement.

Ellie Harrison, The Independent, 4th June 2020

HIGNFY: viewers praise Hislop for ripping into Cummings

Presenter said advisor's press conference was 'utter twoddle'.

Ellie Harrison, The Independent, 30th May 2020

How shows are coping without a studio audience

If somebody tells a joke, and nobody is around to hear it, was it actually funny?

Steven McIntosh, BBC, 28th April 2020

Share this page