Jack Dee

When a comedian chats with someone in the front row of the audience, it's often the funniest part of the show. The performer spontaneously proving their smarts is a thrill.

Now imagine a panel game where comics grill punters who sit in designated seats and have been chosen because their lives or personalities are funny. Sounds great in theory, but you can't regiment banter. Even with Frank Skinner on the panel and Jack Dee hosting, every joke here is forced - until it emerges that one of the stooges used to be a porn actor, after which it's groansome easy wins all the way.

Jack Dee hosts a new panel show in which three comics mine four pre-selected members of the audience for joke-worthy material. After round one, they ditch the punter with the least comic potential and keep going until one audience member is the "winner". Although it's not clear why. Heavy reliance on members of the public recounting anecdotes slows things, and even with editing, there's too much dead air between laughs. You want someone to release a caffeinated monkey into the studio just to liven things up a bit.

Jack Dee is finally smiling

Jack Dee's known for his grumpy stage persona. But a new show has finally got him smiling.

A new comedy series in which three comedians (this week Frank Skinner, Josh Widdicombe and Roisin Conaty), presided over by Jack Dee, mock the lives and habits of four selected (and willing) audience members. Each round sees the spectator with least comic value being voted off. Desperately unfunny.

Preview: Jack Dee, Edinburgh Playhouse

After a six-year absence from stand-up, Jack Dee is back with a new show that brings him to the Edinburgh Playhouse on Monday.

Jack Dee: 'I'm actually really an optimist!'

British comedy's favourite misanthrope will be positively encouraging members of the public to get involved as he hosts a new Sky Atlantic comedy panel show, Don't Sit in the Front Row.

Jack Dee interview

A quick Q&A with Jack Dee, who hosts Don't Sit In The Front Row.

There are no words to describe Dynamo, the street magician from Bradford. Just watch footage of him apparently walking across the Thames. It can't be possible. Yet there he is, making his way towards the Houses of Parliament, in front of hordes of onlookers. His show Magician Impossible is a hit for digital channel Watch so here's hoping the self-effacing Dynamo (aka Steven Frayne) makes the most of a terrestrial audience by having fun with Ross.

Also on the guest bill are comedian Jack Dee, back on the road after a six-year hiatus, and Harry Potter's Emily Watson. Gwen Stefani gets together with old mates No Doubt to provide the music.

Comedy review: Jack Dee; Glasgow King's Theatre

Twenty-six years after he became a stand-up, and six since his last national tour, it's cheering to see that Jack Dee is still evolving as a comedian.

Interview: Jack Dee, stand-up comedian

We tend only to see his perennial hangdog persona, but Jack Dee is doing very nicely, and is looking forward to being back on tour again, he tells Jay Richardson.