The best of the week's comedy on TV and radio

Our pick of the week's comedy on TV and radio.

Sunday August 11

THE FOOD PROGRAMME: The Radio 4 show serves up an Edinburgh Fringe special about the role of food in comedy. George Egg presents, with contributions from Nick Helm, Suzi Ruffell, Jessica Fostekew, Lou Sanders, Ed Gamble, Chortle editor Steve Bennett, the makers of Fawlty Towers Live and chef Gennaro Contaldo. Radio 4, 12:30pm

SALUTING DAD'S ARMY: Originally made for Gold, this four-part tribute presented by Alexander Armstrong, now comes to Freeview. Using archive footage and new interviews, the series offers an insight into how the sitcom became not just a hit, but an institution. Yesterday, 7pm.

THE MIND OF HERBERT CLUNKERDUNK:  The last two episodes of Spencer Jones's brilliantly oddball 10-minute shorts air on terrestrial telly. BBC Two, 10pm.

Monday August 12

THIS COUNTRY: Series two of Daisy May and Charlie Cooper's much-acclaimed comedy about lives of young people in rural Britain begins a welcome repeat run. BBC One, 10.35pm.

MUSLAMIC: ...and that is followed by the BBC debut of Ali Shahalom and Aatif Nawaz's sketch show, which originally launched on iPlayer last month. Read our review here. BBC One, 11.05pm.

STEP UP TO THE PLATE: Comedians including Shappi Khorsandi, Ken Cheng, Rosie Jones play 'difficult diners' in this CBBC reality show, seeking next generation of chefs and restaurateurs. CBBC, 9.30am and 4.30pm

Tuesday August 13

PHIL ELLIS IS TRYING: The comedian returns for a second series of his sitcom about a man desperate to succeed in a world he doesn't fully understand. In this opener, he decides to enter a pinball championship to try to solve his money troubles. It co-stars Johnny Vegas, Amy Gledhill, Terry Mynott and Katia Kvinge as Ellie, with guest star Sean Lock as The Dragon. Radio 4. 11pm

Wednesday August 14

JON RICHARDSON: ULTIMATE WORRIER: Tonight's guests are Morgana Robinson, Lolly Adefope and Matt Forde. Dave,10pm

Thursday August 15

BBC INTRODUCING RADIO 4 COMEDY AWARD: THE FINAL: Mark Watson hosts the live final of this year's competition, with the winner taking home £1,000 and a 15-minute script commission from BBC Studios. Past winners and finalists include Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Josie Long, and Nina Conti. And click here to find out more about this year's finalists. Radio 4, 6.30pm

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: Sky One's sports panel show returns for a 14th seasons, with James Corden in charge the opening show before handing over to guest hosts including Jack Whitehall, Romesh Ranganathan and David Walliams. Sky One, 9pm

Friday August 16

THE LATEISH SHOW WITH Mo Gilligan: Ashley Banjo and Tom Davis guest Channel 4, 10pm

COMEDY CLUB: 4 EXTRA STANDS UP AT THE FRINGE: An hour-long selection of the up-and-coming comedians recorded at Edinburgh. Radio 4 Extra, 10:30pm

Saturday August 17

COMEDY CLUB EXTRA: THE CIRCUIT - XS MALARKEY: Radio 4 Extra's Comedy Club hits the road to showcase the best clubs and festivals around the UK, starting with Manchester's much-loved XS Malarkey, where listeners can eavesdrop backstage to hear the comedians warming up for the show. Radio 4 Extra, 11.15pm

Published: 11 Aug 2019