British Comedy Guide

DMs Are Open to return, but with changes

Monday 16th January 2023, 4:22pm

  • DMs Are Open is to return to Radio 4 Extra for a second series in 2023
  • However, this time the format will be non-topical
  • Series 2 will also deviate from the first series plan by being recorded in front of an audience
DMs Are Open. Image shows from L to R: Athena Kugblenu, Ali Shahalom

The BBC has confirmed that open door sketch show DMs Are Open is to return to Radio 4 Extra for a second series.

However, this time the format will be non-topical.

It will also switch to being recorded in front of an audience.

DMs Are Open, a show which allows anyone to submit material for consideration, launched on Radio 4 Extra in May 2022. It was designed as the successor to the long-running Newsjack format.

The six episodes were hosted by Athena Kugblenu and Ali Official and "reflected online conversations and trends through a heady cocktail of comedy formats."

The BBC has confirmed that Athena Kugblenu and Ali Official will also host Series 2, however this time they and the ensemble of actors will deliver the selected material on stage in front of an audience.

At the time of writing, the BBC has not given a timeline on when Series 2 will be recorded or what the submission window will be. It is just known to be a 2023 commission.

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