Last One Laughing UK Season 2 Review: The Funniest Show of 2025
Season two of Last One Laughing UK has arrived, and it's not just enjoyably easy-going television that leaves viewers helpless with laughter. This competition offers a fascinating insight into comedy as an artform, proving that its success is no fluke. The simple, even lame-sounding format has produced three hours of the most transcendentally funny television of 2025, with the UK version of this Japanese reality-gameshow nearly as sidesplitting as its predecessor.
The Unchanged Format and Stellar Cast
The format remains identical: ten successful comedians spend six hours in a huge room trying not to laugh or smile. One lapse earns a yellow card; another results in ejection. Participants then commentate on the action in separate viewing quarters with host Jimmy Carr and his sidekick Roisin Conaty, who manages to make her ill-defined role feel natural rather than awkward. The comics primarily engage in casual banter to provoke laughter, supplemented by a steady stream of interventions.
Most contestants will play their "joker"—a specially devised comedy set piece performed largely to silence. These moments serve as impressive showcases of talent while being excruciating to watch. Jimmy Carr periodically emerges to dish out conversational prompts and orchestrate head-to-head challenges, with special guests making scattered appearances designed to turn frowns upside down.
The cast for season two is a triumph of diaristic synchronicity, featuring returning champion Bob Mortimer alongside household names like David Mitchell, Mel Giedroyc, Romesh Ranganathan, Diane Morgan, and Alan Carr. Younger comics include standups Amy Gledhill and Maisie Adam, plus actor Gbemisola Ikumelo from Black Ops. Although this is the British iteration—one of thirty worldwide—the rules have been bent to include Australian comedian Sam Campbell, who proves to be a spanner in the works.
Comic Tension and Unpredictable Highlights
As the clock counts down, comic tension builds inevitably. By episode two, this series confidently crowns itself the funniest TV show of the year so far. Bob Mortimer masterfully channels a down-to-earth surrealism that his peers are powerless to resist, with fans of his absurd songs from series one in for another treat. Alan Carr, known from The Celebrity Traitors, delivers exceptional value as a reality TV contestant, bouncing off David Mitchell in unexpected ways.
Mitchell's joker wrongfoots audiences expecting something cerebral by delivering a mesmerising musical theatre performance, potentially creating 2026's most unlikely earworm. Sam Campbell's verdict? "It was really traditional." These moments highlight the show's ability to surprise and delight, with every kind of comedy covered—from set pieces and pranks to cameos and post-show commentary.
Insights into Comedy as an Artform
A large part of Last One Laughing's appeal lies in its light, frothy, and ultimately inconsequential entertainment. However, seeing it for the second time reveals rare insights into comedy as both an artform and a social practice. When the comedians meet, they engage in the same stiff banter any group of acquaintances might resort to, making their ability to wholeheartedly commit to the bit on stage even more striking.
Equally fascinating is how these professionals handle unfunny material. The show contains its fair share of flat-out misses, yet the comedians never seem embarrassed or deterred. This resilience underscores the complexity of comedic performance, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the psyche of comedians and the devices they employ.
A Pursuit of Actual Mirth
Ultimately, the hope is that what happens in the room is so hilarious that viewers don't have time to mull over comedians' psyches or comedic devices. This series frequently achieves that, leaving audiences helpless with laughter at least once per episode. In an era when television barely tries to tickle viewers, Last One Laughing UK's unabashed pursuit of actual mirth is not to be sniffed at. It's an impressive feat that sets a high bar for comedy programming.
Last One Laughing UK is available for streaming on Prime Video now, offering a must-watch experience for fans of British comedy and reality television alike.
