BBC Radio 4 launches new comedy feed, Jokes on BBC Sounds

Both new and archive comedy from Radio 4 is to be available in Jokes, a new podcast feed on BBC Sounds.

The first new comedy in the feed is Nora Meadows’ Week of Wellness, a sitcom about a therapist trying to help her clients (and herself) find wellness. It’s a joint commission between BBC Comedy and Radio 4 following a non-broadcast pilot last year.

Jokes will include other TV co-commissions too, including Icklewick FM, written by and starring Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill of The Delightful Sausage.

Set in a fictional Yorkshire radio station, the show follows the residents of Icklewick as they discuss the big issues of the day, settle old scores and indulge in libellous gossip.

Both series which were commissioned by BBC TV and Radio to initially develop first as audio, with the potential for a TV version in future.

Julia McKenzie, Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner, BBC Radio 4 says: “I am so excited to be launching this podcast strand that will complement our current offering of two other popular podcast feeds – Friday Night Comedy and Comedy of the Week.

“Jokes is the place where I can curate a selection of premium comedy content so that it’s easier for people to locate past and current gems. Thrilled to kick it off with a brand-new collaboration with my TV comedy colleagues. Nora Meadows is brilliantly observed and very funny.”

Jon Petrie, Director Comedy Commissioning at the BBC adds: “Some of the UK’s most cherished characters conquered audio before successfully transferring to TV. We’re looking forward to working with Julia and the podcast team to unearth some comedy gems.”

Jokes is now live on BBC Sounds. The feed also launched with Jess Fostekew: Sturdy Girl Club from 2023 and Phil Wang’s award-winning special Wangsplaining from 2019.