Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Dead Ringers: Ep3. Heat, Hydration, and Harry Kane

Politicians face a heat wave, leadership crises, and absurd challenges in this satirical sketch collection.

Dead Ringers: Ep2. Makerfield Maketh Man

Andy Burnham attempts to juggle the MP for Makerfield, Manchester Mayor, and Prime Minister roles to make ends meet.

Dead Ringers: Ep1. Keir vs Kemi

Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch face off in a satirical clash of leadership styles, culture wars, and political mojo.

The News Quiz Ep8. - Peter Scandalman

A panel explores political scandals, questionable bank note designs, and the absurdity of modern geopolitical crises.

The News Quiz Ep7. Heat and NEETs

Tony Blair returns to criticize Labour, Nicola Sturgeon faces embezzlement drama, and the heat wave hits the UK.

The News Quiz Ep6. Brexpressionism

The team tackles Labour leadership squabbles, HS2 budget bloat, and the ongoing absurdity of post-Brexit politics.

The News Quiz Ep5. Starmer psychodrama

Labour faces a fresh psychodrama as Westminster speculates on the Prime Minister's future amid falling poll numbers.

The Naked Week: Ep3. Shipping, Shopping, and Shagg...you know what, never mind.

In this installment of The Naked Week, host Andrew Hunter Murray and creative force Jon Holmes gather a team of top-tier satirists to strip the week’s headlines down to the essentials. Recorded before a live audience, the show offers a humorous and irreverent take on current events. This episode features the launch of the Naked Week Investment Portfolio, specifically designed for the financially struggling younger generation. The panel also dives into a series of playful segments exploring the intersection of modern shopping trends, the complexities of the shipping industry, and other chaotic topics. Joined by special guests including Rosalie Minnitt, Jo Saunderson, and the iconic voice of the Shipping Forecast, Amanda Litherland, the team ensures no news story is left fully clothed. Listeners can expect a fast-paced, witty, and unapologetic dissection of the news that turns the week’s most serious moments into high-energy comedy.

The Naked Week: Ep2. The Naked Week team party like it's the 2003 Iraq War.

In this episode of The Naked Week, Jon Holmes and Andrew Hunter Murray lead their team of sharp-witted satirists in a bold dissection of the week’s most pressing headlines. Staying true to their signature style, the group strips away the formalities of current events to reveal the absurdity beneath. The show takes a provocatively surreal turn as the cast attempts to party like it is the 2003 Iraq War, even enlisting an eleventh-century Viking to help re-enact the historical chaos. Recorded before a live audience, the performance blends high-energy sketch comedy with biting political commentary. Listeners can expect a fast-paced, unpredictable romp through the news cycle, featuring guest appearances from comedian Rosie Holt. It is a unique, irreverent take on modern affairs that refuses to take anything too seriously, providing a fresh and humorous perspective on the world.

The Naked Week: Ep1. War, Law, and Operation Amol Rajan.

In this debut episode of The Naked Week, hosts Jon Holmes and Andrew Hunter Murray strip away the veneer of the week’s headlines to offer a satirical take on the current state of the world. Recorded before a live audience, the show tackles serious subjects like war and legal controversies with a sharp, irreverent edge. Joined by guests including comedian Rachel Parris, solicitor Mark Stephens, and professional Town Crier Alan Myatt, the team explores the absurdity of modern discourse. Listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of sketch comedy and sharp commentary, highlighted by a humorous, theatrical reading of Amol Rajan’s recent Instagram activity. It is a witty, unapologetic dissection of the news cycle that invites the audience to laugh at the chaotic realities of contemporary life through a unique and highly entertaining lens.

The News Quiz: Ep8. Flight risks and fly-tips

In the final episode of this series of The News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman is joined by a sharp panel featuring Simon Evans, Zoe Lyons, Cindy Yu, and Ahir Shah. Together, they dissect the most pressing headlines of the week with their signature wit. The discussion spans a wide range of international and domestic issues, including the recent arrest of Peter Mandelson and the shifting landscape of British politics as smaller parties like the Greens and Reform gain significant momentum. The panel also offers humorous commentary on the length of Donald Trump's State of the Union address and the diplomatic complexities surrounding the Chagos Islands. Listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of incisive political analysis and observational comedy as the team unpacks the news in this lively season finale.

The News Quiz: Ep7. The worst birthday ever

In this episode of The News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman gathers a panel of expert comedians to dissect the week’s most absurd headlines. The discussion kicks off with a look at recent royal news, specifically questioning which high-profile figure received an unexpected and unwanted birthday visit from the police. The team turns their sharp wit toward the latest government U-turn and explores the curious makeup of Nigel Farage’s proposed shadow cabinet. Rounding out the broadcast, the panel ventures into the realms of science and speculation with a lighthearted examination of the latest developments involving robots and potential alien encounters. Joined by guests Mark Steel, Daliso Chaponda, Coco Khan, and Bella Hull, the episode provides a hilarious and satirical review of the current political and cultural landscape. Listeners can expect an engaging, fast-paced hour of sharp observations and quick-witted commentary.

The News Quiz: Ep6. Is the UK getting sunnier?

Host Andy Zaltzman is joined by a sharp-witted panel featuring Alasdair Beckett-King, Rachel Fairburn, Stephen Bush, and Mhairi Black for another lively edition of The News Quiz. In this episode, the team turns their attention to the latest political developments, specifically examining the rumors surrounding a potential coup against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Shifting from Westminster, the conversation takes a humorous turn as the panel debates whether a two-timing Norwegian athlete is the ideal source for Valentine's Day relationship advice. Finally, the group tackles the topical question on many minds following a prolonged period of dreary weather: is the United Kingdom actually becoming a sunnier place to live? Listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of satire, expert commentary, and quick-witted improvisation as the panel dissects the week’s headlines with their signature comedic flair.

The News Quiz: Ep5. The Prince of Darkness

In this episode of The News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman and a panel of sharp-witted guests navigate the most bizarre and significant headlines of the week. The discussion tackles the political fallout surrounding the Peter Mandelson scandal and explores the complexities of Keir Starmer’s current challenges. Beyond the halls of Westminster, the team unpacks the peculiar story of a royal escape under the cover of darkness and clarifies the definition of a humble address. The conversation also ventures into the natural world, addressing the baffling phenomenon of iguanas falling from trees. Joining Andy for this lively session of comedic analysis are Desiree Burch, Pierre Novellie, Daniel Finkelstein, and Catherine Bohart. Listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of satire, expert commentary, and sharp observations that turn the week's most confusing events into an entertaining and insightful recap.

The News Quiz: Ep4. By-elections, hello defections

In this episode of The News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman gathers a panel of sharp-witted comedians to dissect the most chaotic headlines of the week. Joined by Daliso Chaponda, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hugo Rifkind, and Holly Walsh, the group turns their satirical focus toward the brewing tension between Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham within the Labour Party. The conversation also shifts to the political shockwaves caused by Suella Braverman’s defection to the Reform party. Beyond the world of Westminster intrigue, the team explores the cultural struggle to preserve the Great British pub. As always, listeners can expect a fast-paced blend of insightful commentary and irreverent humor, providing a unique and hilarious take on the current political landscape. It is an essential listen for those who prefer their news served with a side of sharp wit and clever observations.

The News Quiz: Ep3. Bored of peace

In this episode of The News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman is joined by a sharp panel of comedians and commentators, including Lucy Porter, Alasdair Beckett-King, Stephen Bush, and Shappi Khorsandi. The team dives into the latest headlines with their signature wit, starting with a provocative look at international tensions and questioning if Donald Trump has truly grown tired of maintaining peace. The conversation shifts to the domestic landscape as the panel investigates how China managed to secure a massive new embassy in the heart of London. Adding a touch of absurdity to the political analysis, the group ponders the diplomatic potential of a clever cow recently spotted using a tool to scratch its own back. Listeners can expect a fast-paced, satirical breakdown of current affairs that manages to find humor in the most unexpected places.

The News Quiz: Ep2. U-Turn, We Defect

Andy Zaltzman returns to the host chair for this installment of The News Quiz following his trip to The Ashes. Upon his arrival home, he finds the political and local landscape in complete disarray, characterized by high-profile defections and significant government U-turns. The conversation also shifts to local woes, specifically a water crisis affecting thousands of properties in his hometown of Tunbridge Wells, all of which unfolded during his brief week away. To navigate these chaotic headlines, Andy is joined by a talented panel featuring Susie McCabe, Paul Sinha, Cindy Yu, and Scott Bennett. Together, they dissect the week's most absurd and consequential stories with biting wit and insightful commentary. Listeners can expect a fast-paced, humorous exploration of the current news cycle, blending sharp political satire with the lighthearted spontaneity that defines this long-running comedy institution.

The News Quiz: Ep1. Red, White, Blue and Green-land

In this episode of The News Quiz, guest host Ian Smith takes the helm to navigate a chaotic week of global headlines. Joined by a panel featuring Ria Lina, Hugo Rifkind, Lucy Porter, and Geoff Norcott, the team dissects a variety of peculiar and pressing news stories. The discussion ranges from high-stakes international tensions, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro and unexpected geopolitical speculation surrounding Greenland, to the more relatable frustrations of new driving regulations for seniors. The panel also tackles the evolving landscape of technology, specifically examining the complications and controversies surrounding Grok AI. Listeners can expect a sharp, witty analysis of these current events as the guests weigh in with their unique perspectives, blending insightful commentary with the show's signature satirical tone to make sense of a truly unpredictable news cycle.

Best of The News Quiz 2025

This special episode of Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4 serves as a satirical highlight reel, bringing together the sharpest and funniest moments from The News Quiz throughout 2025. Presented by Andy Zaltzman, the program offers a witty retrospective on the year's most significant headlines and political developments. Listeners can expect a thorough comedic breakdown of major events, including the year’s local elections, the peculiar rise of flag fever, and the ongoing political trials of Keir Starmer. The episode also navigates the global stage, poking fun at the latest controversies surrounding Donald Trump. Beyond the standard political commentary, the show features a surreal and imaginative highlight involving a fictional, high-stakes meeting between King Charles and Pope Leo XIV. It is a quintessential blend of sharp-tongued observations and absurd humor, perfect for those looking to revisit the lighter side of a tumultuous year.

The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special

In this festive Boxing Day special, political comedian Matt Forde brings his signature sharp wit to a unique live performance. Reimagining the current political landscape through the lens of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Forde invites a lively mix of journalists, comedians, and politicians, including former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, to join the conversation. Throughout the episode, the group navigates the year’s major headlines by examining them as the Ghosts of Politics Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Listeners can expect an engaging blend of biting topical satire, unexpected personal confessions, and thoughtful analysis. It is a perfect seasonal pairing of humor and insight, offering a refreshing way to reflect on the year’s tumultuous political events while enjoying the holiday break. This production provides a witty, spirited look at the state of the nation that is both genuinely funny and surprisingly poignant.