Including Frankie Boyle and O2 fundraiser

More than a hundred viewers have complained about the ‘sick’ humour in Channel 4’s Comedy Gala.

The show, featuring the cream of British stand-up, was staged at the O2 Arena in aid of Great Ormond Street children’s hospital. But it was the most complained-about show in the channel in April, with 111 viewers contacting the channel, some questioning whether the ‘adult and sick humour’ was appropriate for the cause.

Channel 4 also came in for criticisms for its comedy roasts. The Sharon Osbourne edition received 52 complaints, including gripes that it was just not funny, rather than about the language.

Meanwhile, the broadcast of Frankie Boyle’s stand-up show received 27 complaints, with one viewer blasting his ‘complete lack of compassion … He has done nothing but be offensive to everyone on the planet.’

However, viewers did register support for some of the Comedy Lab pilots, including Penelope: Princess of Pets, starring Flight Of The Conchords’ Kristen Schaal, and sketch show Happy Finish.

Published: 7 May 2010