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All British Comedy Explained

Abigoliah Schamaun and Tom Salinsky
British Comedy
The Young Ones
British Television Comedy
Monty Python's Flying Circus
BBC
Victoria Wood
Stand-Up Comedy
The Goon Show
The Office
Acorn Antiques
I Love Lucy
Rik Mayall
Margaret Thatcher
Hancock's Half Hour
Television
University Challenge
Spitting Image
The Day Today
Monty Python
Channel 4

Tom Salinsky explains all of British television comedy to Abigoliah Schamaun, one show at a time.

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PublishesWeeklyEpisodes45Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedyArts

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Artwork for All British Comedy Explained

Latest Episodes

All British Comedy Explained… to Abigoliah Schamaun, by Tom Salinsky

3.5 The New Statesman. Released 5 November 2026.

Nearly ten years after he started appearing on television, Rik Mayall finally gets a starring role in his own sitcom, and he finds... more

YouTube

All British Comedy Explained… to Abigoliah Schamaun, by Tom Salinsky

Timothy Bentinck Explains The Thick of It. Released 29 October 2026.

National treasure Tim Bentinck is known by voice to millions as David Archer on Radio 4, but his enormously lo... more

YouTube

Every month, our Patreon supporters at the £5 tier or above get a bonus episode and this month Abigoliah explains The Jeffersons to Tom. Enjoy the first 15 or so minutes and if you like what you hear, why not consider becoming a member?

Join via Pat... more

All British Comedy Explained… to Abigoliah Schamaun, by Tom Salinsky

3.4: The Thick of It. Released 22 October 2026.

Armando Iannucci and an amazing team of writers and actors, plot, swear, improvise and panic their way through government in this s... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Recent Guests

Steve Nallon
Voice actor and performer known for Spitting Image; author and puppeteer
Episode: Steve Nallon Explains Spitting Image
Laura Lexx
Comedian, guest on this episode
The Comedy Bureau (guest appearance)
Episode: The Comedy Bureau Explained
Oliver Double
Professor/comedian, guest on this episode
The Comedy Bureau (guest appearance)
Episode: The Comedy Bureau Explained
Tom Watts
Special guest explainer, former skater and cinematographer
Tom Watts Productions
Episode: Jackass Explained
Reverend Sara Chesterfield-Terry
Church of England vicar and lifelong British comedy fan
Church of England
Episode: Rev Sara Chesterfield-Terry Explains The Vicar of Dibley
David Tennant
Actor known for stage, screen, and television work; fan of Old British Comedy
Episode: David Tennant Explains The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
James Lance
British actor known for Absolutely Fabulous, Ted Lasso, and other TV/film work
Actor
Episode: James Lance Explains Absolutely Fabulous
Pippa Evans
amazing comedian, improviser, singer
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Episode: Pippa Evans Explains I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Andrew Gillman
Director of The Day Today
The Day Today (BBC)
Episode: Andrew Gillman Explains The Day Today

Hosts

Tom Salinsky
Comedy educator and playwright with detailed knowledge of British television comedy
Abigoliah Schamaun
Comedian who brings a contemporary perspective to classic British comedy

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 66 ratings
  • Great show for comedy nerds

    I found this show via the equally enjoyable Comedy Bureau and I’ve since listened to every episode I think. Some fascinating insights into TV shows I was already aware of and an introduction to some that I didn’t. It’s also very interesting to learn bits of the British comedy landscape found their way into the awareness of America (or the awareness of one particular American anyway).

    For the record, I could not agree more about Fawlty Towers. Other things are way more deserving of a place on t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    _Rob_M_
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Amazing to see favourites through someone else's eyes.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    dglenny
    a month ago
  • Great, but a quibble

    I’m really enjoying this podcast so far, really appreciate the curated episodes and history/context as well as the honest reckons.

    But I have one request: can you please put the episodes that are being watched for an episode at the top of the show notes for the episode itself, not just at the bottom of the show notes from the previous episode? It’s quite cumbersome to have to go find the last episode (ie, switch the podcast app to display all episodes, not just unplayed) and scroll down… often ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    elcalebo
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Very painful to hear

    An expert enthusiast tries to explain vintage, amazing British brilliance to someone without any clue or interest in learning. Very frustrating to listen to. He should get a partner who has at least watched SOME movies or television, domestic or foreign. She is just the worst person for this great idea of a podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Gamerathome
    United States2 months ago
  • A better way to explore UK comedy

    This is so much better than the usual “American reacts” YouTube videos. History, context, links. It’s a great podcast. Glad I found it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    theGaffer01
    United Kingdom7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The contrast between Tom's knowledge and Abigoliah's fresh reactions is often praised as warm, funny and engaging.
One listener requested that viewing recommendations be easier to find in episode notes.
Listeners value the researched history, production details and cultural context behind classic comedy.
The format works as an accessible introduction for international listeners as well as longtime British comedy fans.
Some listeners find the host dynamic frustrating, particularly when they feel one presenter lacks familiarity with the subject.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

David Tennant Explains The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
Q: If you could play any character in The Rise and Fall of Reginald Perrin, who would you choose?
Tennant suggests it would be impossible to top Perrin, but he would enjoy inhabiting Lennard Rossiter's performance while bringing his own interpretation to a different character if possible.
Pippa Evans Explains I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Q: What's it like working with different hosts over the years, and how does this affect the dynamic on the show?
Evans discusses the shift from original cast members to a rotating slate of guests, highlighting warmth, mentorship, and a shared commitment to keeping the show welcoming and collaborative.
Pippa Evans Explains I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Q: How much preparation goes into a typical episode, and how does that balance with the improvisational nature of Mornington Crescent?
She describes a hybrid process with some pre-written material for structure and safety nets, while rounds such as Mornington Crescent rely on genuine improvisation and team chemistry.
Pippa Evans Explains I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
Q: When did you first become aware of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, and was it part of your family's or your own early exposure to Radio 4 humor?
Evans explains that Radio 4 was part of her childhood and that she grew up with the show's theme music and the ensemble's presence, which made the program feel like a familial tradition.
James Lance Explains Absolutely Fabulous
Q: How did you get the part of Trent Crimm?
James explains that his manager sent him the script, he wasn't initially sure about Higgins, auditioned on tape for a smaller role, and after a six-month wait he landed the Trent Crimm part thanks to delivering the line with a preposterously arrogant tone.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About All British Comedy Explained

What is All British Comedy Explained about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A guided history of British television comedy, moving through landmark sitcoms, sketch shows and political satire one title at a time. Tom Salinsky brings detailed knowledge of how the programmes were written, produced and received, while Abigoliah Schamaun responds as a comedian and curious viewer, adding contemporary perspective and an accessible point of entry. Episodes typically combine researched context, behind-the-scenes stories, cultural history and discussion of the comedy itself; occasional interviews bring in performers and other specialists with first-hand experience. The format balances affectionate nostalgia with critical questions about how humour, representation and production choices have changed. American comedy and cross-... more

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Which podcasts are similar to All British Comedy Explained?

These podcasts share a similar audience with All British Comedy Explained:

1. THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
2. Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
3. The Moment with Miles Jupp
4. The Louis Theroux Podcast
5. Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (RHLSTP)

How many episodes of All British Comedy Explained are there?

All British Comedy Explained launched a year ago and published 45 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on All British Comedy Explained?

Recent guests on All British Comedy Explained include:

1. Steve Nallon
2. Laura Lexx
3. Oliver Double
4. Tom Watts
5. Reverend Sara Chesterfield-Terry
6. David Tennant
7. James Lance
8. Pippa Evans

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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