Mock The Week USA coming to Amazon Freevee
An American version of Mock The Week has been commissioned by streaming service Amazon Freevee.
Beginning 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.
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."
Mock The Week launched on BBC Two in 2005 and went on to run for 235 episodes across 21 series. It was cancelled last year "in order to create room for new shows".
Talking about the new US version, the press release jokingly says: "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 comments: "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."
Dan Patterson adds: "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."
Angst Productions, the company behind the format, also brought Whose Line Is It Anyway? to the US. The improv show has just begun its tenth year on The CW, the same network who are also currently broadcasting the first series of the company's new comedy panel show The Great American Joke Off, which features former Mock The Week regulars Hugh Dennis, Tom Allen, Milton Jones, Ed Gamble, Glenn Moore and Rhys James alongside US stand-ups.
A spokesperson for Angst Productions 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."