Alan Carr, Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle and a host of other comics invite us to join them Live at the Apollo. Who are we to refuse?
Why trudge out to a comedy club when you can sprawl on your sofa like a big happy layabout and watch some of the country's finest stand-up comics do their thing?
The show formerly known as Jack Dee Live at the Apollo (Jack Dee wanted to move on, so... you know) decided to mash things up a bit for the third series. Rather than Jack as regular host, various comics would take turns as MC, introducing the regular guests - effectively giving you two, or even three, for the price of one. Bargain. It's also a chance to find out whether all those quizcoms and sitcom stars you know and love can actually hack it behind a mike.
Episode 1. Host: Jack Dee Comedians: Jason Manford, Russell Howard
You'll know Jason as a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats - he's the one who, in his own words, looks like a "fat Michael Owen". He's also the one with the sort of wit that has people writing in to complain. He shares the stage with Russell Howard was just 19 when he got to the final round of a Channel 4 comedy competition - the smug little scamp.
Episode 2. Host: Jimmy Carr Comedian: Alan Carr
It's become a lazy, lazy journalistic cliché to describe Alan Carr as the new Frankie Howerd. And as we are, in fact, extraordinarily lazy, let us point out straight away that Alan Carr is the new Frankie Howerd. He titters, he whoops, and he makes merciless fat jokes in a highly un-PC way.
Episode 3. Host: Jo Brand Comedian: Michael McIntyre
Michael McIntyre is just teetering on the edge of proper fame. It's only a matter of time though, as the marvellous McIntyre, with his booming public schoolboy voice and cheerfully outraged take on British life, is frankly brilliant to behold.
Episode 4. Host: Lee Mack Comedian: Sean Lock
Sean Lock is the comedian's comedian. Which is a tactful way of saying that he made a critically acclaimed show that barely anyone watched (15 Storeys High). It cemented Sean's reputation as a brilliant innovator - he's way more than just a funny bloke who appears on all the panel shows.
Episode 5. Host: Joan Rivers Comedian: Patrick Kielty
Patrick Kielty is a highly entertaining comedian from Northern Ireland. Indeed, he set up Belfast's first ever comedy club in 1991. He also hosted the original US pilot for Deal or No Deal, but it wasn't picked up so we probably shouldn't have mentioned that.
Episode 6. Host: Dara Ó Briain Comedians: Stephen K. Amos, Frankie Boyle
Stephen K Amos is a rather rare thing: a gay black British comic. Catch his act and you'll be wondering why he's not all over the telly. Indeed, he has his own explanation for this: "The BBC has a diversity policy, and basically I have to wait for Lenny Henry to die." Stephen is joined by edgy Scottish comic Frankie Boyle who will be praising gay dads, speaking out against singing terrorists, and providing outrageous political insights. Prepare to be slightly appalled in the best possible way.
