For over 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, in 2022, the BBC silenced the laughter, bringing the show to an abrupt end.
But the silence didn’t last. After a hiatus,Mock the Weekis poised for a remarkable return. The show, now finding a new home, promises to reignite the spark that made it a cultural touchstone. Ahead of the premiere, a conversation revealed what fans can anticipate from this resurrected television institution.
The core question lingered: would the show be fundamentally altered by its four-year absence? The answer, according to Dara, is a reassuring “not really.” Episodes will be longer, expanding from thirty minutes to a full hour, and a few fresh segments will join the beloved classics. However, the essence ofMock the Week– its irreverent spirit and quick-fire humor – will remain intact, even outside the constraints of the BBC’s editorial guidelines.
In its early days,Mock the Weekcourted controversy, pushing boundaries with audacious jokes. Dara acknowledges a likely shift in tone. “We’re also not all 25 anymore,” he reflects, noting the evolution of the comedy landscape. The dynamic has changed; it’s less about competitive one-upmanship and more about collaborative, playful improvisation.
The final series, ironically, unfolded against a backdrop of unprecedented political turmoil. Dara recalls with a laugh, “The fact that the last eight episodes that we did on the BBC included both the beginning and the end of Liz Truss’s premiership… It was a perfect way to go out, really, seeing six prime ministers, and then have another one just thrown in for free?”
Despite the show’s cancellation, Dara doesn’t dwell on any perceived injustice. He speaks with genuine enthusiasm about the revival, admitting he had little hesitation in returning. He’d been busy touring, but the allure of the show’s unique energy proved irresistible.
What truly excites Dara is the opportunity to collaborate with fellow comedians again. Touring, he explains, is a solitary pursuit. “I’m a year on the current tour, and I haven’t seen a soul in that time.” He anticipates the camaraderie, the shared burden of a joke falling flat, and the simple joy of being in a room with creative minds.
The world has undeniably changed sinceMock the Weeklast aired. Trump has re-emerged, a new government now occupies Number 10, and the news cycle feels perpetually frantic. Yet, Dara believes the show’s fundamental dynamic will remain unchanged. They’ll still be dissecting political events, regardless of which party is in power.
Even Trump’s return doesn’t faze him. While some argue his actions have stifled satire, Dara sees a renewed opportunity for parody. He contrasts the absurdity of Trump’s earlier antics – like serving hamburgers to a basketball team – with the gravity of his current behavior, noting that the latter has ironically brought him back into the realm of satire.
Through wars, peace, and countless global events,Mock the Weekhas always found a way to make people laugh. Dara wryly wonders if things could get any stranger, playfully imagining a segment on Greenland’s potential statehood in America. But he’s confident that no matter how bizarre the news becomes, they’ll always find something to joke about.
And, inevitably, Dara expects to be the target of some of those jokes. He accepts it as an inherent part of the job, cheerfully anticipating gags about his appearance, his interests, and his struggles with contemporary culture. He’s even aware of the YouTube compilations dedicated to teasing him and his “big head.”
The return ofMock the Weekpromises a familiar blend of sharp wit, fearless commentary, and the unique chemistry of its comedic ensemble. It’s a show that has always held a mirror to society, and now, it’s ready to reflect the world as it is today – a world that, despite everything, still desperately needs a good laugh.
