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

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

Monday May 27

JOHN FINNEMORE'S SOUVENIR PROGRAMME: The comedian and writer returns with another one-off instalment of his hit sketch show, joined as ever by Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. BBC Radio 4, 2.15pm

RHOD GILBERT'S GROWING PAINS: The last episode this series features Remel London, Kerry Godliman and up-and-coming comedian Privanya Pillay Comedy Central, 9pm

Tuesday May 28

MY SEXUAL ABUSE: THE SITCOM: This 'bold and moving' documentary follows writer and comedian Mark O'Sullivan as he creates a sitcom about the sexual abuse he survived as a child, and the court case that led to the conviction of the man who abused him. Charting the writing, rehearsals and eventual filming of an episode of the 1980s-style family sitcom in front of a studio audience, the documentary explores why Mark has chosen to deal with his abuse in this way, and asks whether comedy really can be used to confront some of the worst parts of the human experience. As the sitcom begins to take shape with an all-star cast including Cariad Lloyd, Rufus Jones, Ellie Taylor and Sam Underwood, Mark reveals his daring decision to play a 12-year-old version of himself, and the unusual portrayal of the paedophile. In order to make the sitcom, Mark delves into his past, meeting a range of people who help him understand what he went through as a child - from a friend of his late parents to a psychotherapist and his wife Jenny. Through these encounters, Mark also examines what happened when, as an adult, he revealed the abuse to his family, the court case that took place when Mark was in his thirties, and the ways that being a survivor of abuse continues to shape his life and mental health. With his comedy partner and best friend, Miles Chapman, Mark weighs up the role of humour in dealing with trauma, and is challenged about what he's doing and why as the show explores the effects of childhood sexual abuse, and whether creativity has a redemptive power. Channel 4, 10pm. And the sitcom itself will be streamed on Channel4.com

Wednesday May 29

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE: Working for the South Wales Argus, Nish Kumar and Josh Widdicombe team up with Charlotte Church for a guerrilla gig, rap in Welsh and make a bread-based portrait of Ryan Reynolds. Sky Max, 9pm

Thursday May 30

THE OUTLAWS: Series three of Stephen Merchant's compelling comedy-drama begins with crime boss The Dean (Claes Bang), behind bars awaiting trial and the rest of the gang from the Community Payback scheme getting on with their lives – until Rani (Rhianne Barreto) shpws up with a dead body that needs buying. As a murder Manhunt closes in on the gang, can they prove their innocence before The Dean’s case collapses, and he comes looking for revenge? Meanwhile, their supervisor Diane – as played by Baby Reindeer sensation Jessica Gunning is now a fully qualified PCSO, and is training up an eager protégé, Stan (Harry Trevaldwyn). The series also stars Gamba Cole as Ben, Darren Boyd as John, Clare Perkins as Myrna, Eleanor Tomlinson as Lady Gabby, Charles Babalola as Malaki, Tom Hanson as Spencer and Christopher Walken as Frank. BBC One, 9pm

TASKMASTER - THE FINAL: Who will be crowned the 17th champion? In this last episode of the series, Sophie Willan will impress on keyboards, Steve Pemberton will be surprised in a field, John Robins will refuse a biscuit, Joanne McNally will struggle with an anagram, and Nick Mohammed will make a magical prediction. Channel 4, 9pm

WE ARE LADY PARTS: Nida Manzoor's irreverent music comedy about fictional Muslim female punk band Lady Parts is back for a second series. Lady Parts return home from a magical summer of gigs, ready to record their debut album. But the band are stunned to find that a rival Muslim band, Second Wife - led by the superfan Taifa - are threatening their status quo. Channel 4, 10pm

Friday May 31

HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: To be hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, with comedian Chris McCausland as one of the panellists. BBC One, 9pm

Saturday June 1

RIK MAYALL, PANGLOBAL PHENOMENON: Marking 10 years since the Death Of Comedy icon Rik Mayall, the writer Max Kinnings looks back at his friend's life and career through the never-before-heard recordings they made together during the writing of his 'violently untrue' memoir, Bigger Than Hitler, Better Than Christ. Rik’s method of writing involved improvising around funny ideas and concepts, hoping inspiration would strike and be captured on the constantly rolling dictaphone. Frequent Rik collaborators including Ben Elton, Helen Lederer and Peter Richardson, as well as put-upon publisher Trevor Dolby and Rik’s children, Rosie, Sid and Bonnie - are on hand to provide context. The show also features archive recordings from Fundamental Frollicks, The Oxford Road Show, Wogan, The Young Ones, Bottom, A B’Stard Exposed, Pebble Mill, Steve Wright In The Afternoon and Newsnight. BBC Radio 4.8.30pm

Published: 26 May 2024