Amazon Freevee have announced the commissioning of an American version of long-running UK topical comedy series Mock the Week which will begin filming in early 2024. The series will be executive produced by the format’s co-creator, BAFTA-winning producer Dan Patterson together with Emmy-winning former Daily Show host Trevor Noah in a move that is already being described as “probably the most momentous thing that will happen in the USA in 2024... probably.” 

Although a host has yet to be announced, the US version will maintain the same winning mix of stand-up, game play and topical discussion that made the UK series such a success over its seventeen-year run on BBC Two. Having held back the news until yesterday so as not to overshadow Joe Biden’s declaration of a second term campaign, when reports did emerge, Britain immediately declared a snap Bank Holiday in celebration. 

Trevor Noah says: “The two things I’m most passionate about in life are paying my landlord and making people laugh. We could all use a little more laughter as we continue to navigate today’s crazy world. By bringing Mock the Week to America with the talented Dan Patterson, I’m looking forward to doing just that.” “After 21 successful seasons on the BBC, we can’t wait to bring the format to the US and work with America’s deep pool of brilliant comedians,” said Dan Patterson. 

A spokesperson for Angst Productions, the company behind the format said: “America is famous for its incredible comedians, hilarious news stories and brilliant television shows and we can’t wait to be able to... oh and hot dogs, they’re famous for hot dogs as well.” 

This latest commission continues Angst’s run of success in America where legendary improv format Whose Line is it Anyway? has just begun its tenth year on the CW, the same network who are also currently broadcasting the first series of the company’s hilarious new comedy panel show The Great American Joke Off. 

Mock the Week was created by Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, it ran for twenty-one series comprising a total of 234 episodes on BBC Two and the programme and its performers were nominated for numerous awards including BAFTA, British Comedy and National TV Awards without winning any. The one that still really hurts is the TV Quicks in 2009. Robbed.