Get Ready to Giggle: Sky and NOW Unveil a Cracker of a Stand-Up Slate

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

It looks like Sky and their streaming platform, NOW, are really getting serious about bringing us a fresh batch of belly laughs. We're talking about a fantastic new line-up of stand-up comedy specials, all Sky Originals, featuring some of the UK's absolute best comic talent. It's certainly a welcome dose of funny for the cold months ahead, and beyond.

Leading the charge this December is the one and only Jack Dee: Small World, which is set to premiere on 4 December. If you fancy his customary dry charm and that well-known gift he has for simply talking absolute rubbish on any given subject, you'll want to tune in. That one was recorded live at the iconic London Palladium, too.

Not long after, we'll be seeing Katherine Ryan: First Born Daughter later in the month. Katherine is back with her signature quick-witted social commentary. She'll be tackling all sorts, from the dynamics of marriage and motherhood to media scandals, and she's even answering real-life audience dilemmas with some completely no holds barred advice. It sounds like exactly what we expect from her, doesn't it?

The laughs aren't stopping there, mind you. The brilliance continues into 2026 with brand-new specials from two other huge names: Harry Hill and Josh Widdicombe.

Harry Hill's special, New Bits & Greatest Hits, is actually a recording of his critically acclaimed tour that celebrated "60 years of fun, laughter and low-level disruption." He'll be filming that one in February at the newly renovated Soho Theatre Walthamstow.

Then there's Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup Of Tea. Josh is returning with his new show, apparently dealing with all the truly big issues in life, like party bags and his time on Strictly. Plus, he's reflecting on finding out he's a direct descendant of Henry VIII, which must have been a bit of a surprise! He's filming his special at London's Hackney Empire.

It's all part of a larger deal Sky has secured with Off the Kerb Productions, which is brilliant news for viewers, as it means they're bringing some of the sharpest and funniest voices in British comedy straight to us. Alex Wright, Sky's Acquisitions Manager, and Flo Howard from Off the Kerb negotiated these deals.

You'll be able to catch all of these specials on Sky Comedy, naturally, and also through the streaming service NOW. Plenty of comedy to look forward to, then.