For seventeen years, a whirlwind of wit and satire captivated television audiences. Dara Ó Briain, alongside a rotating cast of Britain’s sharpest comedians, fearlessly dissected the week’s headlines onMock the Week. Then, unexpectedly, the BBC silenced the laughter in 2022, bringing the show to an abrupt end.
But the silence didn’t last. After a period off-screen,Mock the Weekis poised for a remarkable return. The revival promises to reignite the show’s signature blend of topical humor and quick-fire improvisation. The anticipation is palpable as the premiere date approaches.
Dara Ó Briain recalls the show’s final run on the BBC with a wry smile. “By the end, it had gone so insane,” he laughed, remembering a period that encompassed both the rise and fall of Liz Truss’s premiership. “To see six prime ministers, and then have another one thrown in for free? It was a bonus.”
Despite the abrupt conclusion, there was little hesitation when the opportunity to revive the show arose. Ó Briain had been busy with touring, but the prospect of returning to the chaotic energy of the panel show was immediately appealing. He wasn’t pleading for a comeback; the timing simply felt right.
What truly excites Ó Briain isn’t the political landscape, but the camaraderie of the comedy room. “I’m excited to be in the room with other comics,” he confessed. Touring, while rewarding, can be isolating. The chance to collaborate, to share the burden of a failed joke, is a powerful draw.
The world has undeniably shifted sinceMock the Weeklast aired. Trump’s return, a change in government, and a general sense of global upheaval have created a uniquely volatile news cycle. Yet, Ó Briain believes the show’s core dynamic will remain unchanged.
“The speed of news has sped up,” he acknowledges, “but ultimately, we’ll be making jokes about Labour, just like we used to make fun of the Conservatives.” Even Trump, despite attempts to stifle satire, has inadvertently provided fresh material with his increasingly outlandish behavior.
Ó Briain points out the show’s remarkable resilience. “We’ve done it in wartime. We’ve done it in peacetime. We’ve done it through all of the events of the world.” He playfully imagines a future segment on Greenland’s potential statehood in America, questioning just how much stranger things could possibly get.
The resurrectedMock the Weekwill feature longer episodes – expanding from thirty to sixty minutes – and a few new segments alongside beloved classics. However, Ó Briain assures audiences that the show will retain its essential character, a familiar comfort even with a fresh perspective.
The tone, however, might be subtly different. The early years ofMock the Weekwere known for pushing boundaries, sometimes to controversial effect. Ó Briain suggests a shift towards a more collaborative and less aggressively competitive atmosphere, reflecting the evolving landscape of comedy and the natural maturation of the performers.
Despite the evolving dynamic, one tradition will undoubtedly endure: the gentle ribbing directed at Ó Briain himself. He readily accepts his role as the show’s frequent target. “I would presume that inherent in the job of handing out the points is the responsibility to be the brunt of gags.” He’s even aware of the YouTube compilations dedicated to mocking his appearance and interests.
The return ofMock the Weekpromises a renewed dose of sharp wit and insightful commentary. It’s a testament to the enduring power of satire and the unique chemistry of its performers, ready to tackle the absurdities of the modern world with characteristic irreverence.
