The week's best comedy on TV and radio

The week’s comedy on TV and radio.

Sunday February 14

RACHEL PARRIS: AUSTENSIBLY FEMINIST:  The comedian and Jane Austen fan – she’s in the Austentatious improv troupe based around the literary icon –  assesses the Regency writer’s feminist credentials in this new stand-up special.   Radio 4, 7.15pm  

THE RANGANATION: Romesh is joined by Mo Gilligan and Katherine Ryan. BBC Two, 9pm

Monday February 15

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH John Oliver: The comic returns for some more in-depth satire, fresh from the US, and he’s promised he won’t go easy on Joe Biden. Sky Comedy, 9.30pm

WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?: In 2013, American network The CW revived the improv gameshow with Aisha Tyler in the chair. Now series three lands on Dave, with Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles and Wayne Brady as regular panellists and different guests every week. Dave, 7pm, and the same time each weeknight

RICHARD OSMAN’S HOUSE OF GAMES: This week’s contestants are comedians Marcus Brigstocke, Sindhu Vee and Tom Rosenthal, plus presenter Anna Richardson. BBC Two, 6pm

WOULD I LIE TO YOU?:  Sindhu Vee makes her second appearance of the night alongside Joel Dommett, Alex Horne and AJ Odudu - and of course Lee Mack, David Mitchell and Rob Brydon – all trying to pull the wool over your eyes. BBC One, 9pm

THE STAND-UP SKETCH SHOW: Routines by comedians including Huge Davies, Judi Love, Alfie Brown, Bobby Mair, Suzi Ruffell, Iain Stirling and Russell Kane are reconstructed as sketches in the second episode of the new series.  ITV2, 9pm  

Tuesday February 16

MEL GIEDROYC - UNFORGIVEN:  Johnny Vegas, Clare Balding and Josh Widdicombe share their shameful stories with the host and her sidekick Lou Sanders. Dave, 10pm

TIME GENTLEMEN PLEASE: Nothing to do with Al Murray, this little-seen but charming 1952 comedy directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Eddie Byrne, Sid James, Dora Bryan and Thora Hird revolves around a Prime Ministerial visit to Britain’s ‘most perfect village’. Talking Pictures TV, 10.30am  

Wednesday February 17

HYPOTHETICAL:: Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Kemsley, Jessica Knappett and Miles Jupp are interrogated by hosts Josh Widdicombe and James Acaster. Dave, 10pm  

Thursday February 18

ROB & ROMESH VS DRAG: Comics Beckett and Ranganathan get full makeovers from the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race – The Vivienne and Baga Chips. They meet icon Michelle Visage to find their drag personas, and perform in front of a live audience. Sky One, 10pm

8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN:  The new run continues, with Jon Richardson and Joe Wilkinson taking on Lee Mack and Katherine Ryan. Brett Domino is in Dictionary Corner. Channel 4, 9pm  

Friday February 19

STAN & OLLIE: A well-deserved primetime slot for the first terrestrial airing of the wonderful 2018 biopic in which Steve Coogan and John C Reilly depict Laurel and Hardy, touring provincial UK theatres as their fame, and their partnership, wanes. BBC One, 8.25pm.

Published: 14 Feb 2021