When Mock The Week bowed out with its final episode last week there were the inevitable trolls on Twitter who grouched that the programme had been too scared to invite former regular Frankie Boyle back. The BBC too nervous to have him on their channel, it was suggested. Hardly, as Boyle has his own BBC show. In fact Frankie Boyle's New Order returns for its sixth series this week.
It's a pretty good mix of stand-up, topical chat and satire. Boyle bookends the show with his bleakly funny solo pieces to camera and then the guests, sometimes comedians, sometimes experts, sometimes famous people who just like a chat, join in. In the first show back Boyle is joined by Josie Long, Susie McCabe, Richard Osman and Sophie Duker. This is a long shot but I'm guessing the show is filmed in Scotland where Frankie Boyle comes from – McCabe is Scottish and Josie Long currently lives in Glasgow.
There has also been talk recently that without Mock The Week where will comedians who are not ready for Live at the Apollo get their TV breaks. Well, maybe New World Order is one of the answers. The first time I came across Sophie Duker was on this show a few years ago and now she has become a TV regular. She also has a big tour following a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, details here.
Josie Long has always been one of my favourite comedians. She is passionate, sincere and cares about the world. Whenever she comes up with a new show she puts 100% of her heart and soul into it, whether delving into political issues such as climate change or talking about the challenges of bringing up children on this messed up planet. She is smart, funny and if I had my way she would be fronting Josie Long's New World Order.
Susie McCabe is a sharp, snappy Scottish stand-up and as for Richard Osman what can I tell you that you don't already know? He's the host of Richard Osman's House of Games, which is handy as it has his name in the title, he still hosts the big editions of Pointless even though he has handed over the reins of the daytime shows. And in case you hadn't heard he is a best-selling author. And in case you hadn't noticed he is very tall.
Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Tuesdays from October 25, 10pm, BBC Two.
Picture: BBC
