After a hiatus of several years, the beloved topical comedy panel show Mock the Week is poised for a major comeback, with host Dara Ó Briain leading its return to television screens. The show, which originally ran for over 17 years and 21 series on the BBC before concluding in 2022, will launch a new series on TLC on February 1, 2026.
The 'Perfect' and 'Insane' BBC Finale
Reflecting on the show's conclusion on the BBC, Ó Briain described its final run as having "gone so insane". He highlighted the surreal timing of the last episodes, which coincided with the brief and tumultuous premiership of Liz Truss. "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," the 53-year-old comedian remarked, noting the show had covered six prime ministers during its tenure.
While the BBC's decision to axe the show has been labelled a "disgrace" by some, Ó Briain appears philosophical, expressing clear enthusiasm for the programme's revival. He admitted to having "almost no hesitation" in agreeing to return, though he gave it a moment's thought.
What to Expect from the TLC Revival
The reboot will see some format changes, most notably an extension of the runtime from 30 minutes to a full hour. Fans can expect a mix of new segments alongside classic favourites. Despite the shift from the BBC's editorial environment, Ó Briain assures viewers the core of the show remains unchanged.
The dynamic of the comedy, however, may feel different. Ó Briain points out that the panellists have matured since the show's more controversial early days, which featured boundary-pushing material from comedians like Frankie Boyle. "We're also not all 25 anymore... It's a whole different thing. Comedy is much more collaborative... so the whole thing feels a lot less elbows out," he explained. He was quick to add that the jokes will not be "toothless", and he fully expects to remain the traditional "brunt of gags", particularly about his appearance and interests.
Satire in a Changed World
The world of news has shifted dramatically since 2022, with the return of Donald Trump to the US Presidency and a Labour government now in Downing Street. Ó Briain, however, believes the show's fundamental approach will hold. While the news cycle is faster and often more serious, he knows the team will simply be "making jokes about Labour, just like they used to make fun of the Conservatives".
On the challenge of satirising figures like Trump, Ó Briain suggests the former president has "brought himself back into the world of parody". He contrasted Trump's first term with his current actions, stating the earlier era felt ridiculous, whereas now his behaviour is "really serious and grim". The comedian remains undaunted by a bizarre news agenda, quipping about a potential first episode reflecting on "Greenland's 80 years on the world stage before it became a state of America".
Ultimately, Ó Briain's excitement for the return is rooted in camaraderie. After a year on a solo tour, he is most looking forward to being "in the room with other comics" like Ed Byrne or Rhys James, sharing the creative burden and socialising afterwards. Mock the Week makes its long-awaited return on TLC on Saturday, February 1st.
