Friday Night Live to return to Channel 4

Monday 22nd August 2022, 10:25am

90 minute comedy special The Return Of Friday Night Live is coming to Channel 4
Ben Elton will host the one-off revival of the 1980s format to link in with C4's 40th anniversary celebrations
The show will feature "the hottest new wave stand-ups and character comedians alongside some original show legends"

Ben Elton is to host a revival of Friday Night Live, the alternative comedy show that aired on Channel 4 in the 1980s.

The Return Of Friday Night Live, a one-off 90 minute special, will be broadcast later this year to coincide with the network's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Producers say the episode will "unite the hottest new wave stand-ups and character comedians alongside some original show legends in a dangerously live night of comedy".

Originally broadcast as Saturday Live before it moved to a Friday night, the show ran from 1985 to 1988 and is credited with launching the career of Ben Elton and raising the profile of the likes of Harry Enfield, Julian Clary, Jo Brand, Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson.

The Return Of Friday Night Live is one of a number of commissions announced by Channel 4 today for a 40th anniversary programming strand called Truth Or Dare. Other commissions include Frankie Boyle focusing on the monarchy, Prince Andrew: The Musical and a programme about free expression hosted by Jimmy Carr.

Channel 4's Ian Katz says: "This season shows that Channel 4 is still as mischievous, disruptive and distinctive as when it was born 40 years ago. Instead of a nostalgia-thon of highlights from the last four decades, we are celebrating with a collection of irreverent, thought-provoking and hugely entertaining shows that no other broadcaster would air. If we must age, we plan to do it disgracefully."

Saturday Live - The Best Of Series Two

Created by leading comedy producer Paul Jackson (The Young Ones) and based on the format of American show Saturday Night Live, Saturday Live was broadcast on Channel 4 between 1985 and 1987 and brought the live alternative comedy circuit to a UK TV audience.

Some of comedy's most iconic characters made their name on and owe their success to the show, including Harry Enfield's Stavros. Saturday Live also made a huge star of Ben Elton as a performer - previously known for his writing, he started out as a guest host and then went on to become the permanent presenter.

So join Ben Elton, Harry Enfield, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Julian Clary, Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Lenny Henry, Rowan Atkinson and the puppets of Spitting Image for a riotous trip down alternative comedy memory lane in this special DVD release which contains all the best moments from the second series.

First released: Monday 4th February 2008

DVD

This particular release has been discontinued, however you may still be able to find second-hand copies.

Distributor: Network
Region: 2
Discs: 2
Catalogue: 7952805

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Saturday Live - The Best Of Series One

Early 1980s standup show from ITV, featuring the era's "hot" comic talent.

The acts on the shows are:
Show 1: Ben Elton introduces Harry Enfield, Emo Phillips, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Craig Charles and The Dangerous Brothers.

Show 2: Chris Barrie introduces acts including Tracey Ullman, Judy Tenuta, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Hale & Pace, The Dangerous Brothers and Ben Elton.

Show 3: Steven Wright introduces acts including Ben Elton], Craig Charles, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, The Wow Show, Emma Thompson and The Dangerous Brothers.

Show 4: Pamela Stephenson introduces Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Harry Enfield, Denis Healey MP, Craig Charles, The Wow Show, Sam Knison, The Dangerous Brothers and Ben Elton

Show 5: Peter Cook introduces The Dangerous Brothers, Ben Elton, Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Louie Anderson and Raw Sex.

Show 6: Lenny Henry introduces The Dangerous Brothers, Ben Elton, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, Helen Lederer, The Oblivion Boys and Rita Rudner.

First released: Sunday 15th April 2007

DVD

This particular release has been discontinued, however you may still be able to find second-hand copies.

Distributor: Network
Region: 2
Discs: 2
Catalogue: 7952665

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Search for this product on eBay

BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.

The Very Best Of Friday Night Live

Contains the best of 1980s comedy show Friday Night Live. Featuring the likes of Ben Elton, Harry Enfield, Jo Brand and Fry and Laurie.

Starring some of the most well - known and well - loved comedians to date, The Best of Friday Night Live continues the high standard and humorous benchmark set by the popular Saturday Live.

Hosted with the usual flair and impeccable timing by Ben Elton, Friday Night Live featured the first ever appearance of the now iconic, loud-mouthed 'Loadsamoney' character that firmly sent Harry Enfield on his way to comedy super stardom. Alongside Enfield, prepare to be entertained by Stephen Fry, Lee Evans, Moray Hunter, Jack Docherty, Josie Lawrence, Hugh Laurie, Jo Brand (in her television debut), Josie Lawrence, Dame Edna Everage, Robbie Coltrane and many more.