Mock the Week (2005)
The sharp, irreverent British panel show where topical satire meets stand-up improvisation, hosted by Dara Ó Briain across 17 unforgettable years.
Mock the Week - Series Information
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Dan Patterson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 21
- Number of Episodes: 232
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 5, 2005 (United States - NR), June 5, 2005 (Australia - M)
- Networks: BBC Two
- Production Companies: Angst Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Mock the Week - Plot
Mock the Week is a British topical celebrity panel game hosted by Dara Ó Briain. The game is influenced by improvised topical stand-up comedy, with several rounds requiring players to deliver answers on unexpected subjects on the spur of the moment.
Mock the Week - Trailer
See the wit and chaos of Mock the Week in action with the official trailer below.
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Mock the Week - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dan Patterson
Main Cast
- Hugh Dennis
- Dara Ó Briain
- Andy Parsons
- Russell Howard
- Frankie Boyle
- Angela Barnes
- Chris Addison
- Ed Byrne
- Rhys James
- Ed Gamble
Mock the Week - FAQs
What makes Mock the Week different from other panel shows?
Unlike most British panel shows, Mock the Week leans heavily into improvised stand-up comedy. Rounds like 'Scenes We'd Like to See' push comedians to deliver rapid-fire jokes on unexpected topics with no preparation, making each episode feel spontaneous, unpredictable, and genuinely funny rather than scripted.
Why did Mock the Week end after 17 years?
The BBC cancelled Mock the Week in 2022, citing a desire to invest in new comedy formats and diversify its panel show lineup. The decision was controversial among fans, as the show had remained popular throughout its run. The final series aired that same year, bringing the curtain down on a beloved institution.
Where can you stream Mock the Week?
Mock the Week is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Apple TV Channel, and BritBox via Amazon Channel, all on a subscription basis. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the most up-to-date options.
Who hosted Mock the Week throughout its run?
Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain hosted Mock the Week for its entire run from 2005 to 2022. His quick wit and ability to manage a room full of sharp comedians made him the perfect anchor for the show's chaotic, improvisation-driven format across all 21 series.
Which comedians became famous through Mock the Week?
Mock the Week served as a launchpad for several major comedy careers. Frankie Boyle, Russell Howard, and Chris Addison all became household names partly through their regular appearances. The show was widely regarded as one of the best platforms for emerging British stand-up talent throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
How was Mock the Week received by critics and audiences?
Mock the Week earned strong praise for its sharp political satire and the quality of its rotating comedian roster. Critics appreciated its willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on. Audiences kept it on air for 17 years, and it remains fondly remembered as one of the defining British panel shows of its era.
Is Mock the Week based on a real format or original concept?
Mock the Week is an original format created by Dan Patterson, who also co-created Whose Line Is It Anyway? The show blends the topical news commentary of programmes like Have I Got News for You with the improvisational energy of stand-up comedy, creating a distinctive hybrid format that was largely unique to British television.
What are some shows similar to Mock the Week?
If you enjoy Mock the Week, you'll likely love Have I Got News for You for its political wit, Never Mind the Buzzcocks for its anarchic panel energy, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? for improvised comedy. That Mitchell and Webb Look and The Day Today are also excellent choices for fans of sharp British comedy.
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