Sky has commissioned Avalon to produce a new fast turnaround topical entertainment show from Russell Howard, Russell Howard’s Home Time, which will air twice a week on Sky One and NOW TV on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting this Thursday 9 April at 10.30pm.
Guests include James Bay (who left his bathroom door open while he serenaded Howard), Aisling Bea, Jack Whitehall, Greg Davies and cyclist Geraint Thomas.
A far cry from the usual polished studio sets, the new series will see Russell giving his unique perspective on current world events, as he chats to some famous faces and interesting people in lockdown, all from his former childhood bedroom. Expect some stories that have made Russell laugh, upbeat conversations, intimate live performances and heart-warming updates from the heroes helping the country on the frontline during these unprecedented times.
Russell Howard said, “Like you I’m stuck at home going slowly mad. So, I’m doing a new show where I’ll be trying to spread some joy in these strange times, chatting to some famous faces and unsung heroes. But crucially not touching ANY of them.”
Philip Edgar-Jones, Head of Entertainment at Sky, said, “We’re living in the strangest and anxious of moments, in a world where we communicate with our friends and families solely via online platforms; where crossing the road to avoid people is considered polite and where we’d gladly grass up our neighbours for sitting on a park bench. So, who better to unpick the oddness with his unique take on the world than Russell Howard.”
Jon Thoday, Executive Producer for Avalon, added: "We are delighted that Sky have moved so quickly to choose Russell for this fast turnaround lockdown show"
The show will air every Tuesday at 10pm and Thursday at 10.30pm on Sky One and NOW TV, for a total of nine episodes. The first episode airs this Thursday 9 April. The show will also be available worldwide at midday following broadcast via Russell Howard’s YouTube Channel
Russell will be donating his fee for the series to NHS Charities Together and The Trussell Trust.
Russell Howard’s Home Time is a Sky original series produced by Avalon (Breeders, The Russell Howard Hour Taskmaster, Not Going Out,). It was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Managing Director, Content, Sky and Philip Edgar Jones. The commissioning editor at Sky is Shirley Jones, whilst Executive Producers are Richard Allen-Turner, James Taylor and Jon Thoday for Avalon. The Series Producer is Robyn O’Brien. The Russell Howard Hour is set to return to Sky One later this year.
