The week's best comedy on TV, radio and streaming

Our pick of the comedy on TV, radio and streaming this week…:

Monday May 20

MYSTERIES OF THE PYRAMIDS WITH DARA Ó BRIAIN: The first in a two-part series looking at how and why the Egyptian landmarks were built. Read an interview with the comic here. Channel 5, 9pm

RHOD GILBERT'S GROWING PAINS:Joining the comic this week are Amy Gledhill, Michelle Visage and Emmanuel Sonubi. Comedy Central, 9pm

Tuesday May 21

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: MEXICAN ROAD TRIP: Maisie Adam joins regulars Jamie Redknapp, Jill Scott, Micah Richards and Mo Gilligan, as the teams take part in a series of sporting and cultural challenges. In episode one they learn how to wrestle Lucha Libre style, prepare to take part in the Day of The Dead, get heir first taste of some traditional Mexican food, drink and Mariachi. Sky Max, 9pm

Wednesday May 22

TRYING: The Apple TV+ sitcom returns and – like Not Going Out and Breeders before it – jumps the timeline for the new series. Six years on and Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Race Spall) are experienced adoptive parents with a strong support network. However, their teenage daughter starts to yearn for a connection with her birth mother.

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE: Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe go to work for the Bradford: Telegraph & Argus, visiting the Church of Wrestling, trying burning hot curries, and meeting viral TikTok taxi drivers. Sky Max, 9pm

Thursday May 23

JOE & KATHERINE'S BARGAIN HOLIDAYS: This week, Joe Wilkinson and Katherine Ryan head to Northern Ireland for a riotous lads' holiday, staying in football legend George Best's childhood home, getting lost in a massive maze and enjoying an immersive Game of Thrones archery experience. Channel 4, 10pm. The last episode of the series, set in Montenegro, is tomorrow night at 11.05pm.

BAY OF FIRES: This dark comedy, coming to ITVX today, revolves around a high-flyer, played by Marta Dusseldorp,  forced to flee her nice life in Melbourne under a  witness protection scheme and set up a new life in a Tasmanian backwater.

Friday May 24

ARE WE THERE YET?: Harry Hill launches his family-friendly podcast with celebrity guests sharing the childhood memories and experts sharing their knowledge on topics such as ants, blood and the Moon.

JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW: A darkly funny documentary series, which has just finished its season int he US, features the stand-up – as well as his friends, family and strangers – as he begins an experiment in radical honesty. In episode one, he confronts his crush, avoids his mother and scrambles to find a date to the Emmys. Then, As Jerrod falls in love with his new boyfriend, he learns he has a problem with fidelity.Sky Comedy, 9pm

THE CANCELLATION OF Jim Davidson: In this new 90-minute documentary, the divisive comedian talks about his life, career, and controversies. Featuring interviews with both friends and critics, as well as extensive archival footage, the documentary asks how Davidson has survived social media scrutiny and cancel culture to find an audience online and in live shows. Channel 5, 10pm

ROOTS OF COMEDY WITH JESUS TREJO: In this documentary series, streaming on the PBS YouTube channel, the titular comedian travels across America meeting six rising comedians from different communities. He says: 'No matter where you live or what your beliefs are, our love of laughter is something we all have in common. Laughter opens our ears and our hearts–and once people are listening, who knows what they might be inspired to do?' The comics evolved are Vanessa Gonzalez, Sierra Katow, Tatanka Means, Adam Pasi, Eeland Stribling and Ali Sultan.

Published: 19 May 2024