Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 01 | The Vicar Of Dibley, With Dawn French And Richard Curtis | 20200513 | 20230802 (BBC7) 20241117 (BBC7) 20210714 (R4) 20230802 (R4) | 
In this episode, Dawn French and Richard Curtis discuss their much-loved sitcom 'The Vicar of Dibley'. They explain how to make a fundamentally nice character funny, ponder Richard's curious appetite for writing quite so many weddings, and Dawn's strangest ever Vicar of Dibley gig. With Peter and Jon as our guides, discover how the Dawn and Richard went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? Plus, backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, with the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in May 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions in 2020. This version was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2021. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to Dawn French and Richard Curtis about the making of one of the biggest Britcoms. From 2021. With Peter and Jon as our guides, discover how Dawn and Richard went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions. Reversioned for BBC Radio 4 in July 2021. |
| 01 | 02 | The Thick Of It, With Armando Iannucci And Rebecca Front | 20200520 | 20230811 (BBC7) 20210819 (R4) 20230811 (R4) | TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. In this episode, Peter and Jon talk to Armando Iannucci and Rebecca Front about their biting pollical satire The Thick Of It. Was Nicola Murray just a nice (if hapless) person, thrust into a nest of political vipers, or was she just as bad as the rest of them? Who came up with the line `about as much use as a marzipan dildo`? And who was Malcolm Tucker really based on? (It's probably not who you think.) With Peter and Jon as our guides, we'll take the opportunity to ask quite how they went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? We'll talk about the commissioning, the casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Contains very strong language. Original The Thick Of It clips written by: Jesse Armstrong Sam Bain Simon Blackwell Rob Colley Roger Drew Dan Gaster Sean Gray Georgia Pritchett David Quantick Tony Roche Will Smith Additional material: The Cast Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in May 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. In this episode, Peter and Jon talk to Armando Iannucci and Rebecca Front about their biting pollical satire The Thick Of It. Was Nicola Murray just a nice (if hapless) person, thrust into a nest of political vipers, or was she just as bad as the rest of them? Who came up with the line “about as much use as a marzipan dildo ?? And who was Malcolm Tucker really based on? (It's probably not who you think.) |
| 01 | 03 | Absolutely Fabulous, With Jennifer Saunders | 20200527 | 20230803 (BBC7) 20210721 (R4) 20230803 (R4) | TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. In this episode, Jennifer Saunders discusses her BAFTA and Emmy award winning hit Absolutely Fabulous. She reveals the inspiration for Edina Monsoon, why recordings of the show were always finished by 9.30 pm (clue: the BBC bar closed at 10), and what might charitably be described as Jennifer's `last minute` approach to script delivery! With Peter and Jon as our guides, discover how Jennifer went about making a great bit of TV comedy. From the ideas stage through writing and commissioning to casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Original Absolutely Fabulous clips written by Jennifer Saunders Based on an original idea by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in May 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. She reveals the inspiration for Edina Monsoon, why recordings of the show were always finished by 9.30 pm (clue: the BBC bar closed at 10), and what might charitably be described as Jennifer's “last minute ? approach to script delivery! |
| 01 | 04 | Blackadder, With John Lloyd And Tony Robinson | 20200603 | 20230804 (BBC7) 20210728 (R4) 20230804 (R4) | TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. In this episode, John Lloyd and Sir Tony Robinson discuss the modern comedy masterpiece that is Blackadder. The duo reveal the endless problems they had when making the first series ('the show that looked a million dollars and cost a million pounds`), and the importance of failure. They also open up about the tensions amongst the team, the `ladder of stupidity` in Blackadder's world, and the real story behind that famous final scene. With Peter and Jon as our guides, discover how the John and Tony went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? We'll talk about the commissioning, the casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Original Blackadder clips written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in June 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to John Lloyd and Sir Tony Robinson about Blackadder. The duo reveal the endless problems they had when making the first series ('the show that looked a million dollars and cost a million pounds ?), and the importance of failure. They also open up about the tensions amongst the team, the “ladder of stupidity ? in Blackadder's world, and the real story behind that famous final scene. |
| 01 | 05 | Goodness Gracious Me, With Meera Syal And Anil Gupta | 20200610 | 20230810 (BBC7) 20210811 (R4) 20230810 (R4) | TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. In this episode, Peter and Jon talk to Meera Syal and Anil Gupta about their ground breaking sketch show Goodness Gracious Me. They discuss show's impact on popular culture and how they feel they were treated by the BBC. Discover how a broken video camera at their first-ever showcase that meant that Goodness Gracious Me very nearly never happened, and what sort of show Meera thinks the GGM team should get back together and make. With Peter and Jon as our guides, we'll take the opportunity to ask quite how they went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? We'll talk about the commissioning, the casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Original Goodness Gracious Me clips written by: Sanjeev Bhaskar Kulvinder Ghir Nina Wadia Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in June 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. |
| 01 | 06 LAST | W1a, With Hugh Bonneville And John Morton | 20200617 | 20230809 (BBC7) 20210804 (R4) 20230809 (R4) | TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. In this episode, Peter and Jon talk to Hugh Bonneville and John Morton about W1A, their much-loved satire of the BBC. They discuss where the idea for W1A came from (there is, you'll be pleased to hear, a fold-up bike involved). John reveals which BBC grandee offered his services when it came to researching the show. Hugh talks about the challenges of playing Ian Fletcher and Downton's Earl of Grantham, often at the same time (and how it all actually helped W1A to prise a bit more cash out of the BBC!). And we hear what Ian Fletcher might be doing next. With Peter and Jon as our guides, we'll take the opportunity to ask quite how they went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? We'll talk about the commissioning, the casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Original W1A clips written by John Morton Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in June 2020. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. |
| 02 | 01 | Ricky Gervais On The Office | 20210922 | 20210923 (BBC7) 20230816 (BBC7) 20230816 (R4) | Ricky Gervais is the man who created, wrote, directed, and starred in what is, by any metric you'd care to measure it, one of the most influential sitcoms of the 21st century - The Office. Ricky shares the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. Discover what Ricky's challenges were of getting The Office commissioned and made, and the very real fear that the audience would think it was just another docu-soap, and simply wouldn't realise it was a sitcom. Ricky also talks about how he crafted many of the show's most famous moments and reveals how a combination of Homer Simpson, James Cagney, and a bloke with a pony tail who worked at a temp agency in Reading, all helped inspire the character of David Brent. What's Funny About is the series where Peter and Jon talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in September 2021. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. |
| 02 | 02 | Ian Hislop And Jimmy Mulville On Have I Got News For You | 20210929 | 20210930 (BBC7) 20230817 (BBC7) 20230817 (R4) | Ian Hislop and Jimmy Mulville created BBC TV's genre-defining topical comedy show, Have I Got News For You. The duo share the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. As they look back on HIGNFY's 535 episodes in its 61 series to date, Ian and Jimmy discuss many of the show's most controversial moments, including Bruce Forsyth's Play Your Iraqi Cards Right'. Discover how the series began, as Ian and Jimmy reveal how a young Armando Iannucci turned down the opportunity to make the show. They also both talk more candidly than ever about Angus Deayton's departure from the show in 2002. Naturally, they pay tribute to the unique brilliance of Ian's fellow team captain, Paul Merton. What's Funny About is the series where Peter and Jon talk to the writers, producers, and performers behind Britain's biggest TV comedy hits, and hear the inside story of how they brought their programmes to the screen. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in September 2021. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of Britain's biggest TV comedies. As they look back on HIGNFY's 535 episodes in its 61 series to date, Ian and Jimmy discuss many of the show's most controversial moments, including Bruce Forsyth's ‘Play Your Iraqi Cards Right'. |
| 02 | 03 | Sally Phillips And Victoria Pile On Smack The Pony | 20211006 | 20211007 (BBC7) 20230818 (BBC7) 20230818 (R4) | Sally Phillips and Victoria Pile variously created, wrote, and starred in Channel 4's award-winning sketch show Smack The Pony. The duo share the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. When Smack The Pony debuted in 1999, the critics talked about it being a `female` sketch show. Which was right in as much as it starred and was run by women, and it pushed back against the male gaze which had so dominated the world of British comedy for so long. But of course, it also rather missed the point - it wasn't a female sketch show. It was a brilliant, edgy, silly, and gloriously funny sketch show. Victoria and Sally discuss the challenges the show faced on its journey from a small idea pitched (by a man!) at a fancy Park Lane supper, to its BAFTA and Emmy success. They chat through some of their favourite sketches and reveal how they created their vast array of characters. And they talk about the possibility of more episodes of Smack The Pony ever finding their way on to our TV screens. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in September 2021. Sally Phillips and Victoria Pile reveal how the award-winning sketch show arrived on TV. When Smack The Pony debuted in 1999, the critics talked about it being a “female ? sketch show. Which was right in as much as it starred and was run by women, and it pushed back against the male gaze which had so dominated the world of British comedy for so long. But of course, it also rather missed the point – it wasn't a female sketch show. It was a brilliant, edgy, silly, and gloriously funny sketch show. |
| 02 | 04 | Pamela Stephenson And John Lloyd On Not The Nine O'clock News | 20211013 | 20211014 (BBC7) 20211016 (BBC7) 20211017 (BBC7) 20230823 (R4) | John Lloyd and Dr Pamela Stephenson talk about their pioneering BBC TV sketch show Not The Nine O'Clock News The duo share the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. Over 17 million viewers tuned in over 4 series to watch Pamela alongside Rowan Atkinson, Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith, and Chris Langham perform scripts written by some of the cream of British comedy talent - Richard Curtis, Andy Hamilton, and even a (then undergraduate!) Stephen Fry. John Lloyd recalls how the NTNON team was put together, and how a chance meeting with Pamela at a party led to her becoming the one of the most recognisable faces on British television. They talk us through some of their favourite sketches and reveal how they created their vast array of characters, from Gerald the Gorilla to Janet Street-Porter (and in particular, the interview that Pamela's Janet did with Billy Connolly that would change both of their lives). And John and Pamela discuss the perks and perils of commercial success in the world of comedy, when the business of books, albums, and movies come calling, and how it eventually led to the end of Not The Nine O'Clock News. With Peter and Jon as our guides, we'll take the opportunity to ask quite how they went about making a great bit of TV comedy. Who came up with it? How did it get written? We'll talk about the commissioning, the casting, and the reception the show received when it first aired. We'll do our very best to winkle out some backstage secrets straight from the horse's mouth, as we hear the unvarnished truth from the people who were there, and who put these iconic shows on the telly. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast October 2021. John Lloyd and Dr Pamela Stephenson tell the inside story of their pioneering sketch show. Over 17 million viewers tuned in over 4 series to watch Pamela alongside Rowan Atkinson, Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith, and Chris Langham perform scripts written by some of the cream of British comedy talent – Richard Curtis, Andy Hamilton, and even a (then undergraduate!) Stephen Fry. |
| 02 | 05 | John Cleese On Fawlty Towers | 20211020 | 20211021 (BBC7) 20230824 (BBC7) | Comedy legend John Cleese discusses his BBC TV sitcom masterpiece, Fawlty Towers. He's sharing the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. John traces the beginnings of Basil Fawlty all the way back to his work on Monty Python (`nice though the abattoir i John traces the beginnings of Basil Fawlty all the way back to his work on Monty Python (“nice though the abattoir is - ?), and talks about the real hotelier who inspired the character. He tells us about the writing and casting of the show, and discusses some of the challenges of bringing a character like Fawlty to the screen. And John talks about the doomed American effort to remake Fawlty , but with one tiny change – the leading character Basil was written out! Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in October 2021. John Cleese shares the inside story of BBC TV sitcom masterpiece, Fawlty Towers. |
| 02 | 06 LAST | Felicity Kendal On The Good Life | 20211027 | 20211028 (BBC7) 20230825 (BBC7) 20230825 (R4) | Felicity Kendal reveals the inside story of her iconic performance as Barbara Good in much-loved BBC sitcom, The Good Life. The actress shares the inside story with TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman. Felicity reveals how the part came to her - not via an audition or a call from her agent, but from Richard Briers himself, when he popped round to her dressing room, script in hand, after seeing her in a West End matinee. She talks with huge affection about her co-stars, Richard Briers, Paul Eddington, and Penny Keith. And she addresses the question that everyone wants to ask - did the Goods and the Leadbetters ever *really* consider wife swapping?! Discover how great TV comedy gets made. Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra by Expectation Productions, and first broadcast in October 2021. Felicity Kendal shares the inside story of pioneering BBC TV sitcom, The Good Life. Felicity reveals how the part came to her – not via an audition or a call from her agent, but from Richard Briers himself, when he popped round to her dressing room, script in hand, after seeing her in a West End matinee. She talks with huge affection about her co-stars, Richard Briers, Paul Eddington, and Penny Keith. And she addresses the question that everyone wants to ask – did the Goods and the Leadbetters ever *really* consider wife swapping?! |
| 03 | 01 | Catastrophe | 20230901 | 20240813 (R4) | In this episode of What's Funny About - Peter and Jon hear the inside story of how Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney created their BAFTA-winning sitcom, Catastrophe. They tell the very modern story of how they met and began working together – all thanks to Twitter – and how the BBC asked them to develop the series - before eventually turning it down! They open up about how they developed the characters of Sharon and Rob, and how important it is that they make each other laugh, and that the world of Catastrophe never feels like “sitcom land ?. They talk with huge affection about working with the late Carrie Fisher, and tell the surprising story of casting her in the role of Rob's (ever so slightly bonkers!) mother. And tell us about the joy of working together, how likely it is that we'll see any more episodes of Catastrophe, and the possibility of another co-written project in the future. Original Catastrophe clips written by Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney Catastrophe is an Avalon / Merman production for Channel 4 An Expectation production for BBC Radio 4 TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman hear the inside story of how Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney created their BAFTA-winning sitcom, Catastrophe. |
| 03 | 02 | Paul Whitehouse And Charlie Higson On The Fast Show | 20230908 | 20240814 (R4) | In the next episode of What's Funny About - Peter and Jon hear the inside story of how Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson created one of the most influential sketch shows of its era : The Fast Show They tell the story of the Fast Show's unlikely beginnings, and how the idea grew out of a short tape that had been made for the press launch of a new Harry Enfield series – turns out just making a compilation of all the funniest bits isn't such a bad starting point for a whole sketch show! They discuss the fantastic Fast Show team, and the diverse range of writing and performing styles they brought to the series. And they pay tribute to the late great Caroline Aherne , and reveal that, while it was sometimes a challenge to get her to hand her sketches in before the very very last minute, they were always worth the wait! And they open up about where some of the most famous Fast Show characters came from, and how important it was to have sad, serious, and poignant moments in the show – perhaps most famously with Ted and Ralph – alongside the laughs. The Fast Show is a BBC production. Producer: Owen Braben. An Expectation production for Radio 4 TV veterans Peter Fincham & Jon Plowman hear the inside story of how Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson created one of the most influential sketch shows of its era, The Fast Show. |
| 03 | 03 | Richard Wilson And David Renwick On One Foot In The Grave | 20230915 | 20240815 (R4) | Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to David Renwick and Richard Wilson and hear the story of how they created One Foot In The Grave – their sitcom that dominated the airwaves throughout the 1990s. Richard reveals why he was so nervous about taking on the part of Victor Meldrew, turning it down when it was first offered to him, and how the huge success of Victor impacted the parts he's been offered ever since (clue - lots of grumpy ones!). They talk with great affection about the dramatic moments among the comedy, and how important they were to making the sitcom more than just a funny show, as well as the great joy (and occasional frustrations) of finding yourself the owner of a famous catchphrase. Also, David opens up about the controversial finale to the series, as he and Richard reveal how, all these years on, they feel about the decision to end Victor's story the way they did. Original One Foot In The Grave clips written by David Renwick One Foot In The Grave is a BBC production. Producer Owen Braben An Expectation production for BBC Radio 4 David Renwick and Richard Wilson on this beloved sitcom. TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman chat to David Renwick and Richard Wilson and hear the inside story of the making of One Foot in the Grave. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman talk to David Renwick and Richard Wilson and hear the story of how they created One Foot In The Grave - their sitcom that dominated the airwaves throughout the 1990s. |
| 03 | 04 | Tamsin Greig And Victoria Pile On Green Wing | 20230922 | 20240820 (R4) | Jon Plowman and Peter Fincham and joined in the shed by Tamsin Greig and Victoria Pile to discuss how they made their medical comedy, Green Wing - a series that was a sitcom, a sketch show, and a soap all in one. They talk about the challenges of making a show that walked the tightrope between the most surreal of comedy, and deeply tender and serious moments. And they tell us the surprising role that Peter himself played in coming up with the title (not that Peter seems to be able to remember any of the salient details!). An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Tamsin Greig and Victoria Pile chat about the classic medical comedy Green Wing. Jon Plowman and Peter Fincham and joined by Tamsin Greig and Victoria Pile to discuss their medical comedy Green Wing - a sitcom, sketch show, and soap all in one. |
| 03 | 05 | Derry Girls | 20230929 | 20240821 (R4) | In this episode, how did Lisa know she had managed to find the right group of actors – such a crucial element of an ensemble like Derry Girls? Do Erin and James end up together? And what of Derry Girls : The Movie (or, indeed, Derry Girls : The Musical!) Derry Girls is a Hat Trick production for Channel 4. All Derry Girls clips written by Lisa McGee We get under the skin of sitcom Derry Girls TV veterans Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Lisa McGee and Saoirse-Monica Jackson to hear the inside story of how they made their Bafta-winning sitcom, Derry Girls In this episode, how did Lisa know she had managed to find the right group of actors - such a crucial element of an ensemble like Derry Girls? Do Erin and James end up together? And what of Derry Girls: The Movie (or, indeed, Derry Girls: The Musical!)? We get under the skin of sitcom Derry Girls. |
| 03 | 06 LAST | Griff Rhys Jones On Smith And Jones | 20231006 | 20240822 (R4) | In this episode Griff reveals how the Smith and Jones double act was born at the end of Not The Nine O'Clock News. He tells the story of how the famous Head to Head sketches evolved. And he pays tribute to the brilliance of his much-missed friend, Mel Smith. Alas Smith and Jones is BBC production. Smith and Jones is a TalkBack production for the BBC Griff Rhys Jones spills the beans. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Griff Rhys Jones to hear the inside story of how he and his partner, the late Mel Smith, made their sketch show, Smith and Jones. |
| 04 | 01 | A Bit Of Fry And Laurie | 20250118 |  In the first episode of a new series of What's Funny About - Peter and Jon are joined by comedy legends Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to hear the story of how they made their breakout sketch series, A Bit of Fry and Laurie. Stephen and Hugh talk about the beginnings of their partnership, and finding their place against the backdrop of alternative comedy. They explain their decision to, on the whole, avoid returning characters - a slightly unusual choice in the tradition of sketch programmes. And they unravel for us one of the great mysteries of modern comedy - the origins of “Soupy Twist ?! Producer Owen Braben, Expectation Entertainment Ltd for BBC Radio 4 The inside story of A Bit of Fry and Laurie. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to hear the story of how they made their breakout sketch series A Bit of Fry and Laurie. In the first episode of a new series of What's Funny About - Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by comedy legends Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to hear the story of how they made their breakout sketch series, A Bit of Fry and Laurie. A Bit of Fry and Laurie is a BBC production, all clips written by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie tell the story of their breakout sketch show. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie to hear the story of how they made their breakout sketch series, A Bit of Fry and Laurie. | |
| 04 | 02 | After Life | 20250125 |
Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman interview Ricky Gervais Producer Owen Braben, Expectation Entertainment Ltd for BBC Radio 4 The inside story of Ricky Gervais's smash hit After Life. Peter and Jon are joined by Ricky Gervais to hear the inside story of how he made his hit Netflix sitcom, After Life. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Ricky Gervais to hear the inside story of how he made his hit sitcom, After Life. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Ricky Gervais tells the inside story of his smash hit After Life. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Ricky Gervais to hear the inside story of how he made his hit sitcom After Life. | |
| 04 | 03 | Yes, Minister And Yes, Prime Minister | 20250201 | Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Jonathan Lynn to hear the story of how he and his co-writer Sir Anthony Jay created their sitcom masterpiece Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. Jonathan explains the challenges of writing a comedy about the on-the-face-of-it-not-entirely-hilarious subject of politicians and civil servants, and how he and Tony found such a rich vein of humour in the world of Jim Hacker and Sit Humphrey. He reveals the politicians who inspired the character of Jim, and the unlikely role that John Cleese's corporate training video company played in the creation of the series. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Jonathan Lynn tells she inside story of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Jonathan Lynn to hear the story of how he and his co-writer Sir Anthony Jay created Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.
Jonathan explains the challenges of writing a comedy about the on-the-face-of-it-not-entirely-hilarious subject of politicians and civil servants, and how he and Tony found such a rich vein of humour in the world of Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey. He reveals the politicians who inspired the character of Jim, and the unlikely role that John Cleese's corporate training video company played in the creation of the series. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Jonathan Lynn tells the inside story of Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Jonathan Lynn to hear the story of how he and his co-writer Sir Anthony Jay created Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. | |
| 04 | 04 | Alma's Not Normal | 20250208 | Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Sophie Willan to hear the story of how she created her BAFTA winning series Alma's Not Normal. Sophie talks about Alma's combination of fearlessness and fragility, and how important the cocktail of those traits are to her character. And she tells us about her sense of mission around the series - the importance of telling authentic stories that show how people's lives have been impacted by cuts to social care services. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Sophie Willan tells the inside story of the BAFTA winning series Alma's Not Normal. | |
| 04 | 05 | Comic Relief | 20250215 | On the eve of Comic Relief's 40th birthday, Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry to hear the inside story of the charity they founded 1985, which has gone on to raise more than a £1 billion for good causes. They explain the origins of the idea, reveal some of their favourite moments, and talk about what they hope Comic Relief might achieve in its next 40 years. An Expectation Entertainment production for BBC Radio 4 Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry tell the inside story of Comic Relief. Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry to hear the inside story of the charity they founded 1985, Comic Relief. On the eve of Comic Relief's 40th birthday, Peter Fincham and Jon Plowman are joined by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry to hear the inside story of the charity they founded in 1985, which has gone on to raise more than a £1.6 billion for good causes. |
Ricky talks about the decision to set a comedy against the backdrop of grief and loss, and how lucky he feels that audiences trust him to tell these difficult and complex stories. He tells us about the huge importance of music in After Life (and the equally huge line that was required in the budget to licence it all!). And he explains his decision to break with a habit of a lifetime and write a third series of one of his shows.