The BBC’s decision to cancel The Now Show on Radio 4 marks the end of a 25-year journey for the popular topical comedy programme.
The Ending
Hosted by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis, the show has been a staple for launching the careers of numerous stand-up comedians. Despite its long-standing success, Radio 4’s declining listenership, dropping by over a million last year, prompted the reshuffling of its schedule. The final series of The Now Show, spanning 64 seasons, is scheduled to commence on March 15.
A New Direction
Punt and Dennis will transition to hosting a new comedy podcast titled RouteMasters. The podcast aims to explore entertaining routes between random topics, people, places, or things. In a statement, Dennis and Punt said:
For the last 25 years, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to follow world-changing events and laugh at them. Now, though, we are very much looking forward to our new place in the Radio 4 line-up, with a new show, where we turn our sights on pretty much anything other than the topical.
The Not Now Show’s Legacy
Julia McKenzie, Radio 4’s commissioning editor for comedy, expressed pride in The Now Show’s achievements over the past 25 years. The show’s blend of comedy from sketches and songs have entertained listeners – all based on current events, which led to the success the show had . In a statement, she said:
We are so proud of everything that The Now Show has achieved – it’s been entertaining listeners with its distinctive blend of stand-up, sketches and songs for 25 years.
Next Steps
After 25 years, 400+ episodes, and 64 series, we say goodbye to the Not Now Show but we’re not saying goodbye to the hilarious pair yet! Julia Mackenzie continues with,
As we reach this milestone, now feels like the right time for Hugh and Steve to turn their legendary comic talents to a new Radio 4 show
They will stay with the network and instead host a new comedy podcast which has already been commissioned for 10 episodes and is set to release on BBC sounds and then air on Radio 4 in October.
Another project they have is the second season of The Train at Platform 4, a sitcom that has them travelling cross-country via rail. Punt is also set to host another series of the quiz show, The 3rd Degree in July
The comedy duo would are also set to perform their first tour after a decade! “We Are Not A Robot” is set to be performed with 36 dates.
The time slot for the ‘Not Now Show’ would be replaced by TL;DR with Catherine Bohart. While waiting for other projects and what’s in store for Punt and Dennis, head on down to Big Belly Comedy Club! Satisfy you’re comedy appetite with our hilarious comedy shows, 7 nights a week!
Steve Punt
