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

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.

Episodes

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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
593-

The News Quiz: Ep3. The Robots Are/Aren't Coming

This episode features a news quiz exploring the existential threats posed by AI, debating perspectives of optimism versus pessimism. The discussion covers AI alignment, the effectiveness of safety guardrails, and the political implications involving US-China competition and Donald Trump. The conversation also touches on space weaponry, the future of the United Kingdom, and recent controversies surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour. The program concludes with trailers for 'The Hitler Diaries Scandal' and 'The Question of Science'.

25 Sep 2026
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The News Quiz: Ep 2. Team Vibes vs Team Bribes

In this episode of the News Quiz, host Andy Zaltzman and his team discuss various political controversies involving Nigel Farage and the Reform party, including allegations of improper donations and controversial statements regarding face coverings. The segment also covers recent protests in Portsmouth against migrant boats and a ban on certain MPs traveling to Israel. The panel further explores news stories ranging from political sanctions regarding Israel and the physical rotation of the Earth due to weight loss drugs and heat, to a bizarre art heist in France. The hosts use humor and conspiracy theories to dissect headlines ranging from celebrity retire and royal family updates.

18 Sep 2026