In a move set to delight comedy fans across the nation, the hit satirical panel show Mock the Week is officially making its comeback this February, with original host Dara Ó Briain confirmed to return.
A Four-Year Hiatus Comes to an End
The BBC's decision to cancel the show in 2022 after 21 series and 245 episodes left a noticeable gap in the television landscape. The format, which saw a rotating lineup of top comedians lampooning the week's news, was a staple for over 17 years. At the time of its cancellation, Ó Briain quipped that 'the UK has finally run out of news'.
However, the show's revival was set in motion in 2025 when it was announced that broadcaster TLC had picked up the rights. Now, concrete details have emerged: the show will launch with nine new episodes, beginning on Sunday, 1st February 2026 at 9pm on the free-to-air channel.
What to Expect from the New Series
Fans can look forward to a significantly expanded format. Instead of the original 30-minute runtime, the revived Mock the Week will run for a full 60 minutes. This allows for the return of beloved segments like 'If This Is the Answer, What Is the Question?', 'Wheel of News', 'Picture of the Week', and the legendary 'Scenes We'd Like to See'.
Excitingly, the production team is also creating brand-new rounds specifically for the revival. Dara Ó Briain expressed his delight at returning, stating: 'I'm genuinely delighted to be back doing Mock the Week and on TLC... From what I remember, it's a show that thrives on silly jokes from smart people, and any actual insight is purely accidental.'
He humorously added that his role largely involved 'pressing a buzzer and handing out imaginary points', a skill he insists he has retained.
A Stellar Lineup of Comedy Talent
The new series promises an impressive roster of comedic voices. Confirmed panellists include:
- Rhys James
- Sara Pascoe
- Angela Barnes
- Ed Byrne
- Ahir Shah
- Milton Jones
- Katherine Ryan
- Sarah Keyworth
- Lou Sanders
- Glenn Moore
- Ellie Taylor
- Russell Howard
Furthermore, Hugh Dennis, Ó Briain's long-time co-star from the original run, is also set to appear, though his specific role in the new format remains under wraps.
Controversy and Criticism: The Show's Legacy
While its return is widely anticipated, the show's history is not without its critics. Some comedians, including Rory Bremner and Jo Brand, have previously voiced concerns. Bremner described the atmosphere as 'highly competitive and quite aggressive', while Brand stated she would no longer appear, feeling it was dominated by established figures.
The show also faced controversy over several edgy jokes during its original run, including remarks about former Home Secretary David Blunkett's blindness, a notorious joke about Queen Elizabeth II, and a quip about Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond's serious crash.
Despite this, the show's unique blend of sharp satire and rapid-fire humour cemented its place in British comedy history. Its revival on TLC marks a significant moment for fans who have waited four years for its return, just in time to dissect the news of 2026.
