Crybabies (Image: Rebecca Need-Menear); Chris McCausland (Image: Matt Crockett); Travis Jay (Image: Garry Carbon); Ria Lina (Image: Arabella Itani); Matt Forde (Image: Matt Stronge); Laura Smyth (Image: Jiksaw)
By Jon Donnis
BBC Radio 4 has just dropped some brilliant news for comedy lovers: a bumper crop of new and returning series packed with top-tier talent and plenty of laughs. From political zingers to heartwarming tales, 2024 is set to be a cracking year for fans of radio chuckles.
New Faces and Fresh Fun
Leading the pack is The Final Word with Matt Forde (working title), a satirical new offering that promises to blend political banter and comedy gold. Matt Forde, the go-to comedian for political laughs, is rolling up his sleeves to dig into the gritty world of politics, armed with his contact book full of big names and an irrepressible sense of humour. This is the show where policy meets punchlines, with a side of cheeky guest chats.
And in the "every mum's got a story" department, we've got Your Mum by Laura Smyth. Coming off the back of her ARIA gold-winning special, Laura's bringing her sharp wit to tales of motherhood with relatable quips and hilarious insight. Whether it's the sayings that mums throw around or the minor things that can make your eye twitch, expect a show filled with warmth, laughter, and a lot of "I can so relate" moments.
Then there's Ria Lina Gets Forensic, where comedy meets science (and a touch of vanity). Comedian and bona fide forensic scientist Ria Lina will dig into the science behind anti-aging. Ever wondered whether those creams and potions are more fairy dust than fact? Ria's ready to test them out herself, separating the solid science from the snake oil with her trademark sharp tongue.
History buffs with a funny bone will love What? Seriously??, a podcast with Dara O'Briain and Isy Suttie. Each week, they'll unravel one of those "you-can't-make-this-up" stories from the annals of history with the help of a celeb guest. If you're a fan of quirky facts wrapped in comedy, this one's a must-listen.
Bringing the Laughs Home
Lindsey Santoro is turning diary entries into delightful radio in The Lively Life of Lindsey Santoro, inviting listeners to peek into her world across four distinct days. It's personal, it's funny, and you'll feel like you're catching up with a mate over a cuppa.
On the scripted side, there's plenty to look forward to. Time of The Week, the spot-on parody of glossy women's magazine shows, is back for a second go, starring Sian Clifford. And following its successful debut, the charity-office sitcom Do Gooders is set for a second run, with the first series having featured big names like Fay Ripley and Frank Skinner. Expect more sharp office shenanigans and relatable workplace sighs.
Newcomer Travis Jay has scored a full series for Rum Punch, which promises a heartwarming yet comedic look at family dynamics as a young man tries to find his way while helping keep the family's Caribbean restaurant afloat. The show's roots in Travis's own experiences suggest authenticity with big laughs.
Dates, Adventures, and Audio Escapades
Love life not going as planned? Enter Dan Does Dating, a sitcom where main character Dan, created by Michael Beck, takes listeners through a parade of disastrous dates and self-realisation (or lack thereof). We've all got a friend like Dan… or maybe we are Dan.
Comedy trio Crybabies are gearing up to sprinkle some chaos in Crybabies Present..., an audio adventure series that tips its hat to Hollywood's classics, from action blockbusters to fairy tale animations, all reimagined with their unique touch.
Returning Favourites
And it's not all new! Frank Skinner's beloved One Person Found This Helpful, a quirky panel show about online reviews, is coming back. Michael Spicer is also returning with more of his brilliant multi-character sketches in Michael Spicer: No Room, poking fun at modern absurdities.
Chris McCausland will be back with You Heard It Here First, the comedy quiz show where contestants tackle questions using only audio clues. Meanwhile, Icklewick FM, the much-loved parody of community radio from Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill, is set for more mischief, and Glenn Moore's Almanac is getting its second outing.
Stuart Mitchell will follow up his acclaimed look at finances with Stuart Mitchell's Cost of Dying, a comedic exploration of the eyebrow-raising expenses tied to, well, our final send-off.
Wrapping It Up
BBC Radio 4's latest commissions are a feast for the funny bone, offering up a mix of satire, storytelling, and sharp observations that fans have come to love. Whether you're after political banter, personal tales, or wild historical oddities, there's a show waiting to tickle your ears.
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