In praise of Lenny Henry

The week's best comedy on TV, radio and streaming

Our pick of the comedy on TV, radio and on demand this week…:

Sunday October 22

JIMMY CARR: LIVE - EXTENDED & UNCUT: The comic's first-ever stand-up special is being released in full for free on YouTube, including exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, bonus audience interviews and an 'offensive encore'. It's out at 7pm, but while you wait, the relevant page is showing a cut of his distinctive laugh. You have been warned…:

THREE LITTLE BIRDS: Lenny Henry wrote this six-part drama based on his mother's experiences of being a 1950s immigrant. Rochelle Neil plays Leah Whittaker, who travels to Britain determined to make a new life for herself with her younger starstuck, glamourous sister Chantrelle (Saffron Coomber) and their pious Christian friend Hosanna (Yazmin Belo). ITV, 8pm

Monday October 23

AL MURRAY: WHY DOES EVERYONE HATE THE BRITISH EMPIRE?: For his third Sky History series the comedian and keen amateur historian explores the history of British colonial rule and its legacy with fellow comedians . In India, Al will be joined by Anuvab Pal; in Jamaica, by Chris Daley; in South Africa by Loyiso Gola; and in Australia, by Kevin Kropinyeri.Sky History, 9pm

RICHARD OSMAN'S HOUSE OF GAMES: Comic Larry Dean takes on the quiz this week, against presenter Kirsty Gallagher, hockey player turned broadcaster Sam Quek and author Lemn Sissay BBC Two, 6pm

Wednesday October 25

PRAISE PETEY: This new adult animated comedy was created by Anna Drezen, formerly head writer of Saturday Night Live, revolves around a wealthy New York socialite who had it all until her mother informs her that she inherited a small town from her recently deceased father. Upon arriving in New Utopia, she discovers that her father was a cult leader and that the residents have been brainwashed to mindlessly follow her. And if the premise of this series, for Disney+, sounds a bit like Schitt's Creek, Petey is voiced by Anne Murphy from that show…

Thursday October 26

LENNY HENRY: ONE OF A KIND: To tie in with Three Little Birds, ITV pays tribute to Sir Lenny's near 50 years in the spotlight. Famous faces including Whoopi Goldberg, David Tennant, Ben Elton, Alesha Dixon, Richard Curtis, Sir Trevor McDonald and Mo Gilligan are among those offering their own insights on his place in the world of entertainment. ITV1, 9pm

Friday October 27

HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU: Jack Dee is host, with comedian Emmanuel Sonubi joining team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop BBC One, 9pm

THE BOOSH: The original radio rendition of the surreal world of Howard Moon and Vince Noir comes back to Radio 4 Extra, 22 years after its debut. BBC Radio 4 Extra, 11.30pm

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Published: 22 Oct 2023