Taskmaster also wins at the Broadcast Awards

Catastrophe has been named the best comedy of the year in the annual awards handed out by industry magazine Broadcast.

Judges said Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney’s Channel 4 comedy was ‘unlike anything else on TV right now – fresh, funny and real’. A fourth series of the show has already been commissioned. 

Catastrophe saw off fellow nominees Cunk On Christmas, Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule – just going into production on a second series – People Just Do Nothing, Peter Kay’s Car Share and political prank show Revolting.

Meanwhile, Taskmaster surpassed some big-name competition including Strictly Come Dancing, I’m A Celebrity… and Love Island to be named best entertainment programme.

Judges said series four, which took the title  was ‘highly original’, ‘innovative, fun and just plain silly’ and the ‘best series yet'.

The series under consideration featured Hugh Dennis, Joe Lycett, Lolly Adefope, Mel Giedroyc and Noel Fielding as well as Taskmaster Greg Davies and sidekick Alex Horne, who actually devised the format.

Sketch show Horrible Histories was named best children’s programme, with judges saying: ‘It’s got its swagger back. They’ve taken the format and revitalised it with a real energy.’ Another said: ‘It’s still one of the funniest shows on TV.’

And the San Junipero episode of Black Mirror was named best single drama.

Published: 7 Feb 2018