A number of British shows have become famous all over the world. This includes sitcoms like the Coupling, sketch shows like A Bit of Fry and Laurie and of course, classic comedies like Black Adder series. But there are other brilliant shows that are underrated by viewers. Perhaps most folks have not heard about some of them. Either way, I figured it was time to mention three of my favorite British news satire shows.
1. The News Quiz
As the name so aptly tells us, this is a quiz about the latest news. But it is far from being a serious, introspective event; rather, think of it as a satirical take on the most recent happenings. Best part is that the good folks on the show almost always makes great social comment on UK and its government through their jokes. By the way, I must point out that this is not a televised show. It is an annual radio show on BBC Radio 4. They usually broadcast the latest season of the show at end of April or the beginning of May.
The host of the show has been Sandi Toksvig who is well-known for her rather funny remarks about British political scene. The panel usually consists of Andy Hamilton, Jeremy Hardy and Francis Wheen as well as an additional guest.
How does the show work? Sandi Toksvig will ask questions about recent developments and folks will try and guess the answer. The best part of this Q&A session are the additional comments and viewpoints brought forward by the whole group. For instance, in a recent reference to Libyan Leader Gaddafi, Sandi Toksvig asks if anyone saw what he was wearing. And Andy Hamilton points out that it was something similar to a cinema commissioner's uniform.
2. Have I Got News For You
This is quite similar to The News Quiz except it is broadcast on the television. Here's a bit of trivia to get you started; the BBC homepage states that this show might have been inspired by the radio show itself. Hardly any surprise there. While many may be big fans of this latter one, I've become a big fan of this comedy show. Have I Got News For You was broadcast annually on BBC 2 and looks like 2009 was the last year. Sure, the producers are aiming to continue it online but I get the impression that there will be geographic restrictions on accessing the show. Which in turn would be a great loss for overseas fans who have been watching the show regularly.
While there was a fixed host in the past, in recent years the show was presented by guest hosts. This includes popular comedians like Sandi Toksvig, Jack Dee and Lee Mack. There are two permanent panelists on each side (Ian Hislop and Paul Merton) and also guest panelists, a list which have included folks like Eddie Izzard and Ed Byrne.
How does the show work? Quite similar to The News Quiz, actually. The panelists are asked a bunch of questions and the ensuing answers brings forth a load of jokes, criticisms and excellent social commentary. Speaking of critiques, how is this for a bad turn of events? Apparently the ex-permanent host, Angus Deayton, was caught in this horrid scandal which was highlighted and commented on by the panelists. I suppose you should not dish it out if you can't take it.
3. Mock the Week
While this is actually a game show that is quite similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, I would still classify it along with other shows that dabble in news satire. This one is quite a new show and thus is still picking up followers as it goes along. Well, according to Wikipedia the show has over 3 million viewers so this young one is doing rather well for itself. As for the format, The guests on the show take part in more diverse activities than the other two show and thus, also comes across as more interactive. For those who are interested, check it out on BBC 2. Do note, there doesn't seem to be a set time period for its broadcast; so far middle of the year comes across as the best bet.
The game show is hosted by comedian Dara O Briain. It also has two groups of panelists whose players have been regulars for a while. The list includes Andy Parsons, Hugh Dennis, Frankis Boyle and Russell Howard.
How does the show work? Like I said earlier, it is along the lines of that other rather popular game show. There is of course the question and answer bit where everyone adds their two cents worth. Then there is also a stand-up comedy routine where the folks have to enact scenarios suggested by Briain. The 'Scenes We Would Like To See' bit is what reminds me most of the Whose Line ... show. Here folks have to talk about the strangest situations like 'What is in Prince Charles' Diary' and 'Things you would not hear in a travel documentary'.