It’s a purr-litical movement now.

After years of being politely ignored in pitch meetings — and probably silently judged by dogs — comedian David Baddiel is finally bringing his feline crusade to television. Channel 4 has greenlit a three-part documentary series titled David Baddiel: Cat Man, in which Baddiel sets out to prove that cats aren’t just couch ornaments with emotional issues, but actually deserve serious screen time.

The show follows him as he roams across the UK, meeting cats with big personalities and humans who proudly live under their rule. Expect famous faces with even more famous cats, some feline social media influencers raking in more money than their owners, and a few segments where the cats completely ignore the cameras — as is tradition.

Baddiel isn’t just here to show us cute kittens, though. He’s on a mission to challenge the classic “crazy cat person” stereotype — including, as he puts it, the less acknowledged “mad old cat man.” He himself owns four cats, and would like everyone to know that this does not make him a recluse. At least, not entirely.

He also wants to explore the big question: why has TV always been so biased toward dogs? Dogs get whole reality shows. Cats get memes. And while memes are great, Baddiel believes it’s time cats got the respect they deserve — and he’s apparently willing to travel the country to make it happen. He’ll also delve into the mysterious workings of the feline brain: what they think, what they feel, and why they sprint across the house at 3am like ghosts are chasing them.

The show is being produced by Expectation for Channel 4, and yes, it’s backed by a pet insurance company called Everypaw — because nothing says serious cat journalism like a good pun.

According to Baddiel, this idea has been sitting in his back pocket for years. He says he’s pitched a cat show to TV execs countless times, and they always assumed he was joking. Turns out, he wasn’t. Not even a little bit. Now, with 12.5 million pet cats in the UK and nearly 30% of homes having at least one, it seems TV is finally catching up with reality — and the internet, which has been running on cat content since approximately 2006.

The producers even claim there’s a scientific reason to watch: apparently watching cats can reduce stress by up to 50%. Which means this show is technically therapy, and probably tax-deductible if you squint hard enough.

This isn’t a new phase for Baddiel, either. He’s written about his lifelong love of cats, including a heartfelt essay about how they helped him through grief, and once adopted his late father’s cat — a decision that caused a bit of drama among his other, less impressed pets.

So what’s the vibe going to be? Somewhere between affectionate tribute and light existential crisis. There’ll be awkward interviews, cats walking off mid-scene, and probably a few moments of deep philosophical pondering about the human-feline bond. It might be moving. It might be ridiculous. Hopefully both.

David Baddiel: Cat Man is coming soon to Channel 4. And honestly, if there’s one man who can get cats to sit still on camera… it’s probably still not David Baddiel. But we appreciate the effort.

Hold onto your pearls, folks. The legendary Harry Shearer — voice wizard behind The Simpsons, Spinal Tap bassist extraordinaire, and general pop culture mastermind — is writing a musical about J. Edgar Hoover. Yes, that J. Edgar Hoover: the FBI’s original secret hoarder of dirt, master of blackmail, and alleged cross-dressing mystery man.

From Simpsons to Spies: Shearer’s New Role

This isn’t some dry history lecture set to a flute solo. Nope. Shearer’s teaming up with comedy writer Tom Leopold (think Cheers and Seinfeld writing room vibes) and the composer Peter Matz to create a full-on musical comedy.

The show is called Here Comes J. Edgar! and is scheduled to debut at London’s King’s Head Theatre next summer. Because nothing says “West End” like deep FBI paranoia mixed with jazz hands.

Why J. Edgar? Because Who Doesn’t Want a Musical About a Guy Who Collected Dirt on Everyone?

The tagline says it all: “An irrepressible musical comedy about the love of power and the power of love, and what a simple black dress and a single strand of pearls can do for a guy.”

If that doesn’t scream “Broadway’s next big hit,” I don’t know what does. The musical promises to dive into Hoover’s murky legacy, including the juicy rumors about his love life and wardrobe choices. (Spoiler alert: black dresses and pearls.)

A Throwback with a Twist: The Radio Musical Roots

Here’s a fun nugget: Shearer and Leopold aren’t new to this concept. Back in 1994, they created a satirical radio musical J. Edgar! starring Kelsey Grammer as Hoover and John Goodman as his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson. NPR aired it, and it became a cult hit for those who love their history with a side of ridiculous.

But this new London version isn’t just a radio play reboot. It’s a fresh adaptation, with director Josh Seymour at the helm, ready to bring Hoover’s shadowy secrets to life — with jazz hands, probably.

The Elephant (or FBI File) in the Room: Rumors, Scandals, and Pearls

Sure, Hoover was no saint. The guy was a ruthless power player who spied on civil rights leaders and kept skeletons in closets bigger than your average Netflix true crime doc. Whether or not he actually cross-dressed or had a secret romance with Tolson is still debated by historians.

But Shearer’s betting those rumors make for great comedy — and let’s face it, comedy’s favorite place is the awkward intersection of truth, gossip, and outright speculation.

So, What’s Next?

Mark your calendars, comedy lovers. Next summer, London’s King’s Head Theatre will stage what might be the first-ever musical where blackmail, national security, and a string of pearls collide in glorious harmony.

If you’ve ever wanted to see J. Edgar Hoover tap dance through his shady past, this is your moment. And if there’s leaked sheet music or videos, you bet I’ll be first in line, FBI-style.

If you thought your last Tinder date was traumatic, buckle up — Dating Horror Stories is back for a second (but slightly leaner) series, and the cringe is coming in fresh form.

Comedy Central UK has officially announced that the digital sketch show will return from 6 October 2025, launching six episodes of roughly five minutes each. That’s right — what was a first run of nine episodes now gets a more concentrated stab at the black mirror of modern romance.

What we already know (and what raises an eyebrow)

The show is still produced by Mother’s Best Child for Comedy Central.

The creative team behind the new series includes Guy Davidson and Daniel Clarke as directors and executive producers on the Mother’s Best Child side, while Amie Parker‑Williams continues as series commissioner and executive producer for Comedy Central.

Also of note: the second series brings in guest directors you didn’t exactly expect — Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing, Black Mirror), Kirk Flash (This is Spain) and Sara Harrak all take a seat in the director’s chair.

The returning cast includes Kiell Smith‑Bynoe, Ed Kear, Kyrah Gray, Mandeep Dhillon, Jurell Carter, and Finlay Christie. It's a strong ensemble — familiar faces for fans of British comedy and awkward dating energy alike.

From nine episodes to six: what gives?

The first run in 2024 had nine episodes, released weekly, and the initial audience metrics were modest but solid: the opening episode drew about 105,000 viewers on YouTube, while later episodes averaged around 50,000.

This time, with just six episodes, the team seems to be going for precision over volume — trimming the fat, aiming for tighter scripts, and leaning into the higher-stakes moments of dating absurdity. Whether that’s a smart move or just a cost-cutting maneuver, we’ll see.

What to expect (and what I’m personally hoping for)

Each episode will continue to explore dating anxiety, modern dating norms, stereotypes, and the unspoken horrors that lurk beneath seemingly innocuous relationships.

Given the influence of the guest directors, there’s a good chance we’ll see some episodes stray from the original tone — maybe a mockumentary twist from Chaudhry or some surreal storytelling from Harrak. That could elevate things beyond “awkward date turned nightmare” and into something more daring.

I’d also hope — pray even — for a cameo or two that catches us off guard. The 2024 run already leaned into surprise guest appearances, and it would be a missed opportunity not to throw in a few new curveballs.

If the new series leans heavier into bold directorial flourishes without losing the sharp bite of the writing, this could be the moment the show steps up from “cute internet sketch” to “mini event digital comedy.”

Final thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying in seeing a show about dating horror come back for more. After all, love (or whatever we’re calling it these days) already feels like a horror genre on its worst days.

Six episodes might feel like a tease, especially after a longer first run. But with stronger direction, a tight cast, and higher expectations, this second series might just sharpen the satire and land harder.

I’ll be watching (and cringing) starting 6 October — who’s with me?

Comedy queen Rebel Wilson is back on set, and this time, she’s mixing music, misfits, and mayhem in her latest film, Girl Group.

Production has officially begun on Girl Group, a new comedy starring and produced by Rebel Wilson. Best known for her breakout roles in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, Wilson returns to her musical comedy roots with a fresh, female-led story that promises laughter, empowerment, and plenty of catchy tunes.

A Plot Full of Personality (and High Notes)

Girl Group follows the story of a washed-up former pop star (played by Wilson) who finds herself reluctantly mentoring a group of young, aspiring singers in a last-ditch effort to reclaim her fame. With big personalities, clashing egos, and plenty of hilarious hiccups along the way, the group must learn to work together to make their mark on the music world.

While exact plot details are being kept under wraps, early hints suggest a blend of heartfelt comedy and chaotic charm—think Pitch Perfect meets School of Rock, with Wilson’s trademark humor at the center.

Behind the Scenes and On the Rise

The film is currently in production, with scenes being shot in [insert location if known or leave blank]. Wilson, who is also producing the film, has shared her excitement about the project on social media, calling it a “love letter to girl power” and “one of the funniest things I’ve worked on in years.”

The project comes during a busy creative period for Wilson, following her directorial debut in The Deb and the release of her memoir. With Girl Group, she’s back in front of the camera and steering the creative vision from behind the scenes too.

A New Ensemble Cast

Although the full cast has yet to be announced, Girl Group is expected to feature a mix of rising young talent and familiar faces from the comedy and music worlds. There are also whispers of surprise cameos from real-life music icons—which, if true, would add an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated film.

Expect strong vocals, memorable performances, and enough behind-the-scenes drama to rival any reality TV talent show.

What to Expect (and When)

No official release date has been confirmed, but if filming stays on schedule, Girl Group could hit theaters or streaming platforms in late 2025. Until then, fans can look forward to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, soundtrack teasers, and (hopefully) a trailer drop in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

Rebel Wilson has long been a champion of quirky, female-led comedy, and Girl Group looks to be another step forward in her evolution as both a performer and producer. With laughs, heart, and a message of empowerment, the film is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about comedies of 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as production continues—and get ready to meet your next favorite girl group.

The Sheriff of Nottingham isn't the only one with flair anymore…

British comedy and theatre lovers, rejoice: the irreverent world of Maid Marian and Her Merry Men is making its triumphant return—this time as a full-blown stage musical. And leading the charge in the kingdom of comedic chaos? None other than Rufus Hound, stepping into the golden crown and questionable morals of King John.

The upcoming musical adaptation, penned by the legendary Tony Robinson, breathes new life into his cult 1980s/90s BBC series. The show flipped the traditional Robin Hood tale on its head, reimagining Marian as the true hero and Robin as, well… a bit of a posh twit. Now, decades later, Robinson returns to his iconic creation, bringing with him an all-new cast, music, and satirical edge for a modern audience.

And who better to play the hilariously villainous King John than Rufus Hound? Known for his anarchic energy, sharp comic timing, and a beard that wouldn’t look out of place in Sherwood Forest, Hound brings a deliciously absurd charm to the role. Having already proven his mettle in West End hits like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Wind in the Willows, his casting signals that this isn't just a nostalgic cash-in—it's a proper theatrical event.

“King John is one of those characters who’s equal parts ridiculous and dangerous,” Hound said in a recent interview. “He’s got the power of a monarch but the brain of a toddler. It’s a dream role.”

The musical promises to keep the original show’s anarchic tone and Monty Python-style humour, all while updating the politics and punchlines for a 21st-century crowd. Expect high-energy numbers, tongue-in-cheek historical revisionism, and a few sly jabs at contemporary power structures (because if Maid Marian taught us anything, it’s that the line between medieval monarchy and modern government is thinner than you’d think).

Tony Robinson, who originally starred as the spineless Sheriff of Nottingham, has taken on writing duties for the stage version, with a creative team that includes award-winning director Rachel Kavanaugh and composer Grant Olding, whose previous work includes One Man, Two Guvnors and The Goodies musical.

“This isn’t just about reviving something old,” Robinson said. “It’s about reminding people that stories can be turned upside-down—and that sometimes, the people history overlooks are the ones who really deserve the spotlight.”

No word yet on casting for Maid Marian herself, but producers promise a fierce, funny female lead worthy of the series' legacy. With Hound already raising eyebrows (and laughs) as King John, the bar is high.

The musical is set to debut in early 2026, with a UK tour and potential West End run to follow. Tickets are expected to sell fast—after all, it’s not every day you get to see medieval mayhem meet musical theatre, especially with such a riotous cast at the helm.

So polish your tights, brush up on your rebel songs, and prepare for a journey to Sherwood like you’ve never seen before. Rufus Hound is King John, Tony Robinson is back in charge, and the legend of Maid Marian is about to get the encore it deserves.

Long live the Queen of the forest—and boo to the King.