Fans of sharp-witted satire can finally mark their calendars, as the long-awaited return of the iconic comedy panel show Mock The Week has been officially confirmed. After a four-year absence from our screens, the programme will make its comeback on Sunday, 1 February 2026, but with a significant twist: it will now air on the rival channel TLC, not the BBC where it originated.
A New Home and a New Format
The revival sees the return of beloved host Dara Ó Briain, who will be joined by a formidable roster of comedic talent. In a notable shift, the resurrected show will feature extended, hour-long episodes, a departure from its original BBC format. The initial series will run for nine episodes, promising a substantial dose of topical humour.
The line-up boasts a mix of familiar faces from the show's heyday and exciting new voices. Confirmed panellists include original regular Hugh Dennis, alongside other fan favourites such as Rhys James, Sara Pascoe, Ed Byrne, Katherine Ryan, and Russell Howard. Further talent set to appear includes Angela Barnes, Milton Jones, Lou Sanders, Ellie Taylor, Ahir Shah, and Glenn Moore, with more names expected to be announced.
Classic Segments and Fresh Laughs
While the channel has changed, the show's spirit remains intact. Producers have confirmed that the revival will preserve many of the segments that made it a household name. Audiences can look forward to the return of classics like 'If this is the answer, what is the question?', 'Wheel of News', 'Picture of the Week', and 'Scenes We'd Like to See'. The production also promises to introduce brand-new segments, offering fresh material for its loyal following to enjoy.
The move to TLC was first hinted at in October 2025, marking a new chapter for the series which was controversially axed by the BBC in August 2022 after a 17-year, 21-series run. At the time, the BBC stated the decision was to "create room for new shows." Host Dara Ó Briain joked that the UK had "finally run out of news," citing crazy storylines like global pandemics and "novelty short-term prime ministers."
Executive Excitement for the Relaunch
Graham Lafferty, SVP Content Strategy and Networks for WBD UK and Ireland, expressed great enthusiasm for bringing the show to TLC. "With a move to broad entertainment, we are excited to programme both scripted and unscripted content on TLC," he said. "The return of Mock the Week is something we are hugely excited by, and we hope fans of the show will enjoy more of what they loved with a new one."
The show's original producer, Angst Productions, had voiced disappointment at the BBC's cancellation but expressed hope that the show might "resurface somewhere some day in the future." That day has now arrived, signalling a triumphant second act for one of British television's most defining comedy formats.
