BBC Two not renewing the topical format after six series

Frankie Boyle’s New World Order will not be returning to BBC Two, the comedian has revealed.

He tweeted today: ‘Ah well, there’s to be no more New World Order on the BBC. Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose. Just very grateful to have had six series of working with the funniest people in the business.’

The BBC confirmed the news, saying: ‘We would like to thank Frankie Boyle and all those involved for six great series of New World Order, and we look forward to seeing what he does next on the BBC.’

The topical show began on 2017 and helped raise the profile of emerging stand-ups such as Sophie Duker,  Susie McCabe and Kiri Pritchard-McLean. It's last episode was a special on December 27, a few weeks after the end of the sixth series.

Ah well, there’s to be no more New World Order on the BBC. Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose. Just very grateful to have had six series of working with the funniest people in the business. pic.twitter.com/baio1HVcBw

— Frankie Boyle Updates (@frankieboyle) March 23, 2023

It is the latest satire be dropped by the BBC following  Mock The Week last year and and The Mash Report in 2020. Dave’s revival of th format, Late-Night Mash, was also canned last month.

Insiders say the BBC is switching its focus away from panel shows and on to scripted comedies that can help bring audience to the iPlayer. It is also thought that New World Order’s audience has been declining in recent years to the point it was no longer seen as a valuable commission.

However its cancellation will also fuel fears that the Corporation is avoiding shows that are critical of the Government, following the appointment of former Conservative local election candidate Tim Davie as director-general and Tory donor Richard Sharp as chairman. Last month Sharp admitted he made ‘significant errors of judgement’ by facilitating an £800,000 loan guarantee for Boris Johnson

Other regular panellists on New World Order over the years  have included Miles Jupp – who appeared in 24 shows –  Sara Pascoe, who was on 22, and Jamali Maddix (11).  

Boyle was nominated for the best entertainment performance Bafta in 2020 for hosting the show,

The comic is back on TV next week as one of the contestants on the new series of Taskmaster – and it was today announced that he will be returning to the Edinburgh Fringe this August with his Lap Of Shame show.

Published: 23 Mar 2023