Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday.

Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read.

Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.

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Episode's summary

For the final episode of the series the panel answer the big questions: Why is Jackdaw not just relevant to birdwatchers? Who is having to prove they're still alive? And which medieval sport is making a comeback? Your panel is Pierre Novellie, Ahir Shah, Amy Annette and Ayesha Hazarika. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by Angela Channell, Eve Delaney, Adrian Gray, Ruth Husko and Jennifer Walker. Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Apprentice: Nancy Bird Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Episodes

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The News Quiz: Ep8. 'Everyday fixes'

For the final episode of the series the panel answer the big questions: Why is Jackdaw not just relevant to birdwatchers? Who is having to prove they're still alive? And which medieval sport is making a comeback? Your panel is Pierre Novellie, Ahir Shah, Amy Annette and Ayesha Hazarika. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by Angela Channell, Eve Delaney, Adrian Gray, Ruth Husko and Jennifer Walker. Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Apprentice: Nancy Bird Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

30 Oct 2026
597-

The News Quiz: Ep7. Team Calm vs Team Panic

How did Zelensky’s visit to Downing Street go? What exactly is Starlink? And which tiny creatures are making a comeback? The panel is Lucy Porter, Stephen Bush, John Tothill and Sara Barron. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by JoJo Maberley, Mike Shephard and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

23 Oct 2026
596-

The News Quiz: Ep6. The Iron Dome

What's better - an Iron Dome or a Britannia Shield? Why should British parents refrain from sending their children on a French exchange this week? And how big can a pumpkin really be? The panel is Daliso Chaponda, Kyrah Gray, Coco Khan and Finlay Christie. With additional material by: Carywn Blaney, Adrian Gray and Cameron Loxdale Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

16 Oct 2026
595-

The News Quiz: Ep5. 'Manchester Sausage'

The episode begins with a news quiz hosted by Andy Zaltzman, featuring a comedic discussion about recent political developments involving Andy Burnham and the potential for a National Care Service, alongside an analysis of financial allegations surrounding Manchester City's ownership. The discussion continues through various news topics, including the legal verdict involving Manchester City, reports of suspicious activity near a UK RAF base, and scientific advancements regarding gene-edited bananas. The episode concludes with lighthearted segments on diesel prices, a viral shark in South Korea, and new idling fines in Wales.

09 Oct 2026
594-

The News Quiz: Ep4. 'Demonstrable lies'

This episode of the News Quiz features a satirical look at global politics, including a fictionalized version of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister and Donald Trump's various international interactions and architectural ambitions. The panel also discusses Trump's attempt to rebrand Artificial Intelligence as 'super intelligence'. The discussion extends to news regarding an Australian Medicare hack, controversies in the publishing world, and UK political party conferences. Finally, the episode addresses the systemic economic and environmental challenges facing the younger generation, concluding with the quiz results.

02 Oct 2026