As someone who reads every press release and plans their Fringe time with military precision I'm probably not a typical Edinburgh visitor. I went to see Emmy winner Brendan Scannell (Gilded Balloon, four stars) on a Saturday night and I was intrigued to know why others were there (but too shy to ask). I expect a lot were expecting some chirpy American stand-up, what they got was The Abyss, a powerful part-comedic monologue about trauma and therapy.
The BBC Comedy Collective 2026 cohort has been announced today, revealing the latest recipients of the bursary scheme for writers, producers, directors and editors looking to take the next step in their careers in scripted comedy.
They are: directors: Charlotte Serena Cooper (London) and Chloe English (Liverpool), writers: Harry May-Bedell (Leeds) and Maura Campbell (Northern Ireland), and writing duo Mohammed-Zain Dada and Milli Bhatia (Lond
New Zealand Spy is coming to Sky One in September.
This comedy, set in the world of undercover agents, has already aired down under and features a stellar cast of comedians from both halves of the hemisphere. The cast includes Rose Matafeo, Joe Thomas, Tim Key, Sam Campbell and Bret McKenzie.
When the national secret service agency looks for new recruits an unlikely trio land the job – because they are the only applicants. But can they complete a mission without making a hash of i?
As the Edinburgh Fringe reaches its final few days the 39th So You Think You’re Funny? final was a fitting way of spotting potential stars of the future. The likes of Aisling Bea, Maisie Adam, Peter Kay, Lee Mack and Romesh Ranganathan have previously come through the ranks.
Joshua Khoury has been crowned winner of the 39th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? - the UK’s top comedy newcomer competition.
Bobby Jethro came in second place, with Lucas Jones Ho and Sarah Lewis taking joint third, out of around 500 applicants. They entertained a sold-out crowd at this year’s final in the Debating Hall at the iconic Gilded Balloon Teviot, hosted by multi-award-winning comedian, writer and actor Laura Lexx.
Following a successful pilot, Channel 4 have commissioned a series of the new play-at-home gameshow, Your Time Starts Now (w/t). The new 8x60’ series is devised and developed by Alex Horne, creator and host of BAFTA and Rose D’Or winning Taskmaster and Andy Devonshire, founding Series Director on shows including The Apprentice, The Great British Bake Off and Taskmaster.
Prime Video has revealed the line-up for the third series of UK Original series Last One Laughing. The brand new series, hosted by Jimmy Carr, will see a fresh group of British comics fight for the Last One Laughing trophy.
Hit comedy Ann Droid has been commissioned for a second run after attracting 7.6 million viewers (28 days) for episode one, making it the BBC’s second biggest new scripted launch of the year to date, after Small Prophets.
The show, produced by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries, was created by BAFTA and Emmy nominated actor and writer Diane Morgan (Mandy, Cunk) and co-written by Morgan and Sarah Kendall (Frayed, The Other One).
Kate Dolan: Trout has won Best Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in The Comedians’ Choice Awards 2026 - as voted by comedians performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Kate said ‘I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, I wasn’t even this happy on my wedding day. I’m so honoured, who knows more about comedy than comedians, and all men of course.’
The ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards have announced the shortlists for Best Show, Best Newcomer, the Panel Prize, Best Tech and Best Joke.
The nominees represent an extraordinary range of artists, styles and venues from across this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
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