British Comedy Guide

British Comedy Guide
source
Name	British Comedy Guide
Type	Online magazine
Founded	2003
Founder	Mark Boosey
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Language	English
Website	(website)

British Comedy Guide

The British Comedy Guide is a UK-based online publication covering British television, radio broadcasting, comedy festivals, and the professional output of comedians, writers and production companies. It provides listings, reviews, news, podcasts and awards information about sketch shows, sitcoms, stand-up tours and panel programmes, linking developments in BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, ITV and independent production houses. The site is frequently cited by journalists, academic researchers and industry professionals working across Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Glastonbury Festival, Royal Television Society events and award ceremonies.

History

The guide was founded in 2003 by Mark Boosey to fill a gap between fanzines and trade outlets covering British television and radio broadcasting. Early coverage tracked the revival of sitcoms during the 2000s and the resurgence of panel shows on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 2, coinciding with landmark series on Channel 4 and BBC Two. Over the 2010s the site expanded alongside digital distribution shifts led by Amazon Prime Video and Netflix (service), and adapted to changes driven by independent producers such as Mammoth Screen and Baby Cow Productions. Its archives document transitions involving broadcasters including Sky Atlantic, Dave (TV channel), and developments at festivals like Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Latitude Festival.

Website and Services

The platform offers listings tied to schedules from broadcasters including BBC One, BBC Two, Channel 4, ITV, Sky Comedy and Dave (TV channel), plus radio listings referencing BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland. It operates podcasts featuring interviews with performers associated with Mock the Week, QI, Have I Got News For You and the stand-up circuit represented by promoters such as Glee Club and Komedia. The site runs searchable databases of programmes produced by companies including Hat Trick Productions, Objective Media Group, Big Talk Productions and Fremantle (company). Subscribers and supporters can access newsletters, event guides and festival directories used by delegates at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Brighton Fringe and industry showcases organised by BAFTA affiliates.

Content and Features

Editorial coverage includes episode guides, cast lists and production credits for sitcoms, sketch shows and specials featuring performers like Ricky Gervais, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Steve Coogan and Rowan Atkinson. Reviews and features examine series broadcast on BBC One, Channel 4, ITV and streaming services such as Netflix (service), Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. The site aggregates press releases from production companies including Baby Cow Productions, Big Talk Productions, Tiger Aspect Productions and Hat Trick Productions, and publishes long-form interviews with writers connected to shows like The Thick of It, Peep Show, Fleabag and The Office (UK TV series). Its podcast roster has hosted guests from tours promoted by Live Nation and venues such as The Comedy Store (London), Hammersmith Apollo and regional theatres.

Awards and Festivals

The platform organises the annual awards recognising achievements in British television and radio broadcasting, judged by industry figures from institutions such as BAFTA, Royal Television Society and festival programmers from Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It partners with festivals and promoters including Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Brighton Fringe and Latitude Festival to publicise line-ups and panel sessions. Shortlists and winners often include productions from broadcasters and companies such as BBC Two, Channel 4, ITV, Sky Atlantic, Hat Trick Productions and Baby Cow Productions, and performers represented by agencies like Incognito Artists and United Agents.

Influence and Reception

The guide is cited in coverage by national newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Independent, The Times and industry outlets like Broadcast (magazine) and Chortle. Academics researching contemporary British television and comedic form reference its episode databases and festival archives in studies produced through universities such as University of Oxford, University of Manchester, King's College London and University of Edinburgh. Its role in promoting emerging performers has been noted by promoters at venues including The Comedy Store (London), Glee Club and Amused Moose, and by producers commissioning for BBC Radio 4 and BBC One.

Organization and Personnel

Founded by Mark Boosey, the editorial team has included contributors who previously worked with broadcasters and publications such as BBC Radio 4, Channel 4, BBC News and The Guardian. The site collaborates with freelance journalists, podcasters and industry consultants who have credits on programmes produced by Hat Trick Productions, Baby Cow Productions, Big Talk Productions and Fremantle (company). Governance and partnerships involve engagement with trade bodies and festivals such as BAFTA, Royal Television Society and Edinburgh Festival Fringe organisers.

Category:British entertainment websites Category:Comedy websites