Watch Stand Up for the Week

Stand Up for the Week was a critically acclaimed British comedy television show that aired on Channel 4 for three seasons, from 2010 to 2013. Hosted by a different comedian every week, the show featured a line-up of some of the UK's most talented stand-up performers, including Kevin Bridges, Jack Whitehall, Andi Osho, Jon Richardson, and more.

The format of the show was simple: each week, the host introduced three of their favorite comedians to perform a set of topical jokes and observations about the week's news and current events. The performers were allowed free reign to discuss any topic, as long as it was funny, relevant, and reflected their unique perspective.

One of the most popular hosts of the show was Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, who appeared in every season and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for his deadpan humor and razor-sharp wit, Bridges brought a unique flavor to the show with his irreverent takes on everything from politics to pop culture.

Bridges often used his own life experiences as fodder for his jokes, discussing growing up in Glasgow, his family, and his views on relationships and sex. But he was equally adept at commenting on the bigger issues of the day, including Brexit, Scottish independence, and the rise of social media.

What set Stand Up for the Week apart from other political comedy shows was its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The line-up of performers each week was always varied and featured comedians from a wide range of backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities.

The show was also notable for its commitment to giving a platform to up-and-coming comedians, particularly those from marginalized communities. Many future stars of British comedy got their start on Stand Up for the Week, including Romesh Ranganathan, Nish Kumar, and Ed Gamble.

Despite the political nature of many of the jokes on the show, Stand Up for the Week was never overly partisan or preachy. The emphasis was always on making people laugh, rather than pushing a particular agenda. And the show was never afraid to take risks or be provocative, often tackling controversial topics head-on.

Another unique aspect of Stand Up for the Week was its focus on live comedy. Unlike many other comedy shows on TV, Stand Up for the Week was filmed in front of a live audience, giving the performers a chance to interact with their fans and test out new material.

The audience was always an integral part of the show, and their reactions were often just as hilarious as the jokes themselves. And the intimate, cabaret-style setting of the show gave it a distinctively intimate and personable feel.

Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, Stand Up for the Week only lasted three seasons. But its legacy lives on, as many of the comedians who appeared on the show have gone on to have successful careers in TV, film, and stand-up.

And for those who miss the distinctive brand of political comedy that Stand Up for the Week offered, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the show's alumni on their own shows, as well as on panel shows like Mock the Week and QI.

Overall, Stand Up for the Week was a standout show that brought together some of the UK's most talented comedians and gave them a platform to showcase their skills. Its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and live comedy made it a unique and exciting addition to the British comedy landscape, and it will be fondly remembered by fans of the genre for years to come.