Jon and Lucy go goth in a two-part special

Here’s our pick of the best comedy programmes on TV, radio and on demand this week:

Monday July 18

BLACK-ISH:The eighth and final series of the US sitcom starts on E4, with an episode that can definitely claim a casting coup as Michelle Obama shows up as a guest… E4. 7.30pm and at the same time all week.

Tuesday July 19

ANDREW MAXWELL VALUES: The comic fronts a new Radio 4 comedy series investigating why we have traditionally valued some jobs above others, and what a new understanding of ‘work’ might mean in a changing world. BBC Radio 4, 6.30pm

Wednesday July 20

RIK MAYALL ON RADIO: In this retrospective, John Lloyd looks at the eclectic collection of programmes that were enlivened by the phenomenal presence of Rik Mayall. It’s the first of a two-part tribute first heard in 2018 - the year Mayall would have celebrated his 60th birthday. Radio 4 Extra, 11am

Thursday July 21

MEET THE RICHARDSONS: Lucy Beaumont and Jon Richardson return for the first of two holiday specials, visiting Whitby as they film a travel show with Sally Lindsay. Our picture, above, shows how they went goth for the filming. And Seann Walsh shows up too… Dave, 10pm

Friday July 22

TRYING: The comedy returns to Apple TV+ for a third series with thirtysomethings Nikki and Jason (Esther Smith and Rafe Spall) learning the ropes of parenting.

JOSH WIDDICOMBE: BIT MUCH... An airing of the comic’s live show recorded at the London Palladium, tackling the hot comedy topics of advent calendars, weddings and the closing time of his local park. Channel 4, 11.05pm

Saturday July 23

JOE LYCETT: SUMMER EXHIBITIONIST: The comedian takes a look behind the scenes at the world’s largest open-entry art contest. It’s an exhibition he has first-hand knowledge of, since he made a small sculpture called Chris out of clay and a tub of Pringles that ended up in the 2018 exhibition – with a £12.5million price tag. BBC Two, 8pm

BRUM BRITAIN: As Birmingham prepares to host the Commonwealth Games, comedian Darren Harriott is joined by a legion of Brummy legends to argue that it might be time for the UK's Second City to become its capital. Radio 4, 8pm

Published: 17 Jul 2022