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

The comedy week ahead on TV and radio

Tuesday April 2

KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS: This acclaimed black comedy classic testament to the versatility of Alec Guinness, who takes most of the roles as Louis Mazzini plots to regain his position of Duke D’Ascoynes by murdering every potential successor who stands in his way. Talking Pictures TV, 3.10pm

Wednesday April 3

VEEP: The seventh and final series starts with Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer having one last run at the presidency, despite the cock-ups and scandals that have followed her and her staff for years. In episode one, the gang are on the campaign trail in early primary states, wooing uber-wealthy donors while navigating threats from challengers and old nemeses. Sky Atlantic, 10.10pm

BARRY:  Bill Hader reprises his Emmy-winning role for a second series of this acclaimed dark comedy series about a depressed hitman who finds passion and romance in an acting class while on a job in LA. Sky Atlantic, 10.45pm

ABILITY: Lost Voice Guy Lee Ridley’s Radio 4 series about a man  - like him - who has cerebral palsy and can only speak via an app on his iPad. And who likes to create mischief, not least because  he's aware that he's less likely than other people to get the blame. Radio 4, 11.30am

HANCOCK’S ASHES: The story of how Willie Rushton brought Tony Hancock's ashes back to Britain from Australia after his suicide in 1968. Based on a real event, this play imagines what might have happened behind the scenes. Radio 4 Extra, 11.15pm.

Thursday April 4

MEET DAVID SEDARIS: The wry American comic storyteller is back for another series. Radio 4, 6.30pm

Friday April 5

JOE LYCETT'S GOT YOUR BACK: Consumer affairs programming gets a humorous twist courtesy of Joe Lycett, whose battles with petty officials and dodgy scammers already form part of his comedy. In this new series the comedian campaigns on behalf of viewers who've been wronged by big corporations, caught out by small print, and hoodwinked by fraudsters. Mark Silcox is his sidekick and roving reporter. Channel 4, 8.30pm

Published: 31 Mar 2019