The week's comedy on TV, radio and on demand

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

Monday December 8

RICHARD OSMAN’S HOUSE OF GAMES: Jessica Knappett is among the contestants in this festive week of trivia games. She's up against Richie Anderson, Simon Gregson, and Debbie McGee. BBC Two, 6pm

ROSIE JONES: TRIPLE THREAT: In Jones's first stand-up special, the comic ponders whether she is a 'national treasure, a little prick, or somewhere in between'. Filmed at Brighton Theatre Royal, the show is released as a download via indie comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla Media today, priced £10.

THE MISSIONARY: Michael Palin's 1982 comedy film about a Church Of England missionary on a mission to rescue the 'fallen women' of Edwardian England streams on Channel 4 from today.

Wednesday December 10

ELLIE TAYLOR: PALAVERING! The comic speaks about how to keep the spark alive in a marriage and her experiences on Strictly Come Dancing in this stand-up special. Sky Comedy, 10pm

Thursday December 11

MAN VS BABY: Three years after Man Vs Bee, Rowan Atkinson revives his character of the hapless Trevor Bingley – who has now left the stressful world of housesitting for the quieter life of a school caretaker. That is, until a lucrative offer to look after a luxury London penthouse over Christmas proves too tempting to resist. But on the last day of term, when no one comes to collect the Baby Jesus from the school nativity, Trevor takes the baby with him on his new assignment. Four episodes drop on Netflix today.

ROB AND ROMESH VS Messrs Beckett and Ranganathan return for the eighth series of their travelogue, starting with an episode in which they land roles in a Bollywood movie. Read an interview with the pair about the series here. Sky Max, 9pm

Friday December 12

HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU? Phil Wang is a guest with Martin Clunes hosting. BBC One, 9pm

THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW: Rowan Atkinson talks about his return as the chaotic Trevor Bingley in Man vs. Baby. Plus Timothée Chalamet, Emma Thompson and music from Jade. BBC One 10.40pm

DEAD RINGERS: Midway through a national tour celebrating 25 years of mischievous mimicry, the Dead Ringers team are back on Radio 4 for the first of two Christmas specials. With Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey, Jess Robinson and Kieran Hodgson. BBC Radio 4, 6.30pm

STAND UP TO CANCER: Adam Hills hosts an hour-long live telethon alongside Davina McCall, and Hannah Fry before switching studios to host The Last Leg, where this week’s guests are Jon Richardson and Matt Forde. Channel 4, 10pm.

RHOD GILBERT: A PAIN IN THE NECK: The Welsh comedian's powerful, moving and funny documentary follows him through the 18 months after he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, caused by the HPV virus, in June 2022. The film first aired in 2023 and is being screened again as part of Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer programming. Read our original review here. Channel 4, 12.10am.

RAY BRADSHAW: BALD GINGER: The stand-up talks about – yes – being bald and ginger in this special derived from his Doppelginger tour. BBC Scotland, 11pm

Published: 7 Dec 2025