Jump to content

The Unbelievable Truth (radio show)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Unbelievable Truth
GenrePanel game[1]
Running time28 minutes[2]
Country of originUnited Kingdom[1]
Language(s)English[1]
Home stationBBC Radio 4[1]
StarringDavid Mitchell[3]
Created byGraeme Garden
Jon Naismith[4]
Original release23 April 2007[3]
No. of series30 (plus 2 specials)[5]
Opening theme"My Patch" by Jim Noir
WebsiteBBC Homepage

The Unbelievable Truth is a BBC Radio 4 comedy panel game devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith.[4] The game is chaired by David Mitchell and is described in the programme's introduction as "the panel game built on truth and lies." The object of the game is for each panellist to deliver a short lecture about a given subject, which should be completely false save for five true statements which they must attempt to smuggle past the other players. The first series began broadcasting in 2007,[3] and the 30th series began airing in August 2024.

Reception

[edit]

The Guardian's Elisabeth Mahoney reviewed the programme positively: "From the first moments of its plinky plonky theme tune, The Unbelievable Truth is a delight".[n 1] The Guardian's Zoe Williams, however, was critical of the programme, writing: "The Unbelievable Truth, for instance, should never have been recommissioned. It's only funny when Clive Anderson is speaking."[7]

The BBC received "almost 50" complaints about insensitivity after David Mitchell opened a fourth series episode with the joke: "There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the last line in Anne Frank's diary reads: 'Today is my birthday; dad bought me a drum kit'."[8]

It won the "Best Radio Panel Show" award at the British Comedy Guide's 2011 and 2016 awards.[9][10]

Episodes

[edit]

Winners are highlighted in bold.[11]

Series 1

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
Pilot 19 October 2006 Jeremy Hardy, Andy Hamilton, Neil Mullarkey, Graeme Garden Hair, Football, Cats, Bees
01x01 23 April 2007[3] Tony Hawks, Frankie Boyle, Neil Mullarkey, Marcus Brigstocke Cats, Michael Jackson, Beards, Coffee
01x02 30 April 2007[12] Jeremy Hardy, Alan Davies, Jo Brand, Clive Anderson The Human Body, Coca-Cola, Morris Dancing, Carrots
01x03 7 May 2007[13] Jeremy Hardy, Alan Davies, Jo Brand, Clive Anderson Chickens, London Underground, Queen Elizabeth I, Ancient Egyptians
01x04 14 May 2007[14] Sandi Toksvig, Dara Ó Briain, Jo Caulfield, Graeme Garden George W Bush, Women, Ants, Olympic Games
01x05 21 May 2007[15] Tony Hawks, Frankie Boyle, Neil Mullarkey, Marcus Brigstocke Bras, Hemp, Barcodes, Queen Elizabeth II
01x06 28 May 2007[16] Sandi Toksvig, Dara Ó Briain, Jo Caulfield, Graeme Garden Denmark, Rats, Duke of Edinburgh, Trousers

Series 2

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
02x01 5 May 2008[17] Phill Jupitus, Alan Davies, Simon Evans, Tony Hawks Bears, Beards, Queen Victoria, Tennis
02x02 12 May 2008[18] Michael McIntyre, Fred MacAulay, Graeme Garden, Lucy Porter The Toilet, Cows, Sandwiches, Giraffes
02x03 19 May 2008[19] Tim Vine, Adam Buxton, Ed Byrne, Lee Mack Hedgehogs, Hair, Kissing, Potatoes
02x04 26 May 2008[20] Tony Hawks, Simon Evans, Alan Davies, Phill Jupitus Skateboards, William Shakespeare, Frogs, Bananas
02x05 2 June 2008[21] Fred MacAulay, Graeme Garden, Lucy Porter, Michael McIntyre The Bed, Sweden, Leonardo da Vinci, Pigs
02x06 9 June 2008[22] Lee Mack, Tim Vine, Ed Byrne, Adam Buxton Fleas, Napoleon Bonaparte, Left-Handedness, Marriage

2008 Christmas Special

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
Special 15 December 2008 Graeme Garden, Jack Dee, Sean Lock, Armando Iannucci Christmas trees, Charles Dickens, Turkeys, Father Christmas

Series 3

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
03x01 23 March 2009 Graeme Garden, Chris Addison, Clive Anderson, Lucy Porter Bicycles, Albert Einstein, Money, Penguins
03x02 30 March 2009 Tony Hawks, Simon Evans, Johnny Vaughan, Milton Jones Dogs, Iceland, Football, Prince Charles
03x03 6 April 2009 Graeme Garden, Chris Addison, Lucy Porter, Clive Anderson China, The Postal Service, Moustaches, The Moon
03x04 13 April 2009 Jack Dee, Fred MacAulay, Will Self, Jeremy Hardy Smiling, Charles Darwin, Cucumbers, Dolphins
03x05 20 April 2009 Sue Perkins, Arthur Smith, Sean Lock, Miranda Hart Henry VIII, Cockroaches, Dancing, Cricket
03x06 27 April 2009 Fred MacAulay, Jack Dee, Will Self, Jeremy Hardy The Brain, Umbrellas, Alcohol, Cheese

Series 4

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
04x01 5 October 2009 Rhod Gilbert, Reginald D. Hunter, Shappi Khorsandi, Adam Hills Golf, Cats, Tea, Adolf Hitler
04x02 12 October 2009 Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn, Fi Glover, Dom Joly Baldness, Winston Churchill, Urine, Dwarves
04x03 19 October 2009 Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Phill Jupitus, Graeme Garden Teeth, Underpants, The Vikings, Birmingham
04x04 26 October 2009 Rhod Gilbert, Reginald D. Hunter, Shappi Khorsandi, Adam Hills Milk, Julius Caesar, Kissing, Kangaroos
04x05 2 November 2009 Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn, Fi Glover, Dom Joly Tobacco, Sausages, Frogs, Elvis Presley
04x06 9 November 2009 Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Phill Jupitus, Graeme Garden Ludwig van Beethoven, Wigs, Honey, The Telephone

2009 New Year's / QI Special

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
Sp. 28 December 2009 Rob Brydon, John Lloyd, Stephen Fry, Alan Davies Snow, Tax, Champagne, Tigers

Series 5

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
05x01 29 March 2010 Marcus Brigstocke, Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Childbirth, Beer, Sleep, Sir Isaac Newton
05x02 5 April 2010 Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Catherine Tate, Phill Jupitus Hats, Pigeons, Hairdressers, Admiral Horatio Nelson
05x03 12 April 2010 Fred MacAulay, Susan Calman, Liza Tarbuck, Charlie Brooker Skiing, Cleopatra, Elephants, Chocolate
05x04 19 April 2010 Marcus Brigstocke, Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Soap, Pudding, Rabbits, Taxis
05x05 26 April 2010 Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Catherine Tate, Phill Jupitus Ostriches, Toast, Red, Spectacles
05x06 3 May 2010 Fred MacAulay, Liza Tarbuck, Susan Calman, Charlie Brooker Ducks, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Make-up, Thomas Edison

Series 6

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
06x01 27 September 2010 Chris Addison, Susan Calman, Rufus Hound, Armando Iannucci Henry Ford, Biscuits, Rain, Squirrels
06x02 4 October 2010 Tony Hawks, Henning Wehn, Graeme Garden, Arthur Smith Nudity, Shoes, Walt Disney, Cakes
06x03 11 October 2010 Rhod Gilbert, Tom Wrigglesworth, Lucy Porter, Kevin Bridges Spiders, Mushrooms, Eggs, Edinburgh
06x04 18 October 2010 Chris Addison, Susan Calman, Rufus Hound, Armando Iannucci Clocks & Watches, Funerals, Goldfish, Joseph Stalin
06x05 25 October 2010 Tony Hawks, Henning Wehn, Arthur Smith, Graeme Garden Noses, Apples, Lord Byron, Fishing
06x06 1 November 2010 Rhod Gilbert, Tom Wrigglesworth, Kevin Bridges, Lucy Porter Bells, Mrs. Beeton, Donkeys, The Police

Series 7

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
07x01 4 April 2011 Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Alan Davies, Jack Dee Flies, Breasts, Enid Blyton, Curry
07x02 11 April 2011 Henning Wehn, Sue Perkins, Clive Anderson, Graeme Garden Dogs, The Sun, Lewis Carroll, Lobsters
07x03 18 April 2011 Tony Hawks, Charlie Brooker, Arthur Smith, Rhod Gilbert Mice, television, Sir Walter Raleigh, Soup
07x04 25 April 2011 Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Alan Davies, Jack Dee Dieting, Snakes, Eyes, Cutlery
07x05 2 May 2011 Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn, Sue Perkins, Graeme Garden Sheep, Furniture, Ancient Greeks, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
07x06 9 May 2011 Rhod Gilbert, Arthur Smith, Tony Hawks, Charlie Brooker Badgers, Ears, Divorce, Ice Cream

Series 8

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
08x01 26 December 2011 Lee Mack, Graeme Garden, Jack Dee, Rufus Hound Reindeer, Pantomime, Christmas decorations, Boxes
08x02 2 January 2012 Mark Watson, Henning Wehn, Ed Byrne, Phill Jupitus The Olympics, Blood, Bees, Butter
08x03 9 January 2012 Tony Hawks, Tom Wrigglesworth, John Finnemore, Alan Davies Hamburgers, Snoring, Crocodiles, Pens
08x04 16 January 2012 Jack Dee, Lee Mack, Graeme Garden, Rufus Hound Boy Scouts, Nuts, Florence Nightingale, Circuses
08x05 23 January 2012 Alex Horne, Henning Wehn, Roisin Conaty, Mark Watson The Romans, Chickens, Sweets & Confectionery, Competitions
08x06 30 January 2012 Tom Wrigglesworth, John Finnemore, Alan Davies, Tony Hawks The Radio, Pasta, Flowers, Wool

Series 9

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
09x01 2 April 2012 Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden, Arthur Smith Parrots, Breakfast, Insurance, Oliver Cromwell
09x02 9 April 2012 Tom Wrigglesworth, Henning Wehn, Danielle Ward, John Finnemore Smoking, Football, China, Pandas
09x03 16 April 2012 Marcus Brigstocke, Miles Jupp, Susan Calman, Alan Davies Swimming, Bread, Hotels, Foxes
09x04 23 April 2012 Arthur Smith, Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Barbie, Restaurants, Feet, Garlic
09x05 30 April 2012 Danielle Ward, Henning Wehn, John Finnemore, Tom Wrigglesworth Bats, Cars, Dr. Johnson, Oranges
09x06 7 May 2012 Miles Jupp, Susan Calman, Marcus Brigstocke, Alan Davies Goats, Singing, Glue, Painting

Series 10

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
10x01 31 December 2012 Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne, Charlie Higson Pies, Dancing, Worms, James Bond
10x02 7 January 2013 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Celia Pacquola, Rhod Gilbert Wine, Queen Elizabeth II, Bathtubs, Wind
10x03 14 January 2013 John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Arthur Smith Boris Johnson, Computers, Oscar Wilde, Wasps
10x04 21 January 2013 Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne, Charlie Higson Gambling, Teeth, Tortoises & Turtles, Lemons
10x05 28 January 2013 Lloyd Langford, Celia Pacquola, Phill Jupitus, Marcus Brigstocke Tomatoes, Koalas, Boats, Cheese
10x06 4 February 2013 Arthur Smith, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore Simon Cowell, Beards, Camels, Germany

Series 11

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
11x01 8 April 2013 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Katherine Ryan, Graeme Garden Sharks, Photography, Sugar, Jeremy Clarkson
11x02 15 April 2013 Rhod Gilbert, Richard Osman, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore Moles, Cabbages, Trains, BBC
11x03 22 April 2013 Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson, Ed Byrne Monkeys, Fingers, Windows, Horns
11x04 29 April 2013 Henning Wehn, Katherine Ryan, Graeme Garden, Lloyd Langford Geese, Horses, Advertising, Madonna
11x05 6 May 2013 Richard Osman, John Finnemore, Lucy Beaumont, Rhod Gilbert Octopuses, Aeroplanes, Armadillos, Socks
11x06 13 May 2013 Ed Byrne, Mark Watson, Lucy Porter, Tony Hawks The French, Lions, Grass, Pianos

Series 12

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
12x01 30 December 2013 Arthur Smith, Henning Wehn, Bridget Christie, Ed Byrne Poison, Etiquette, Jelly, David Mitchell
12x02 6 January 2014 Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore, Rufus Hound Eton, Babies, Russia, Hats
12x03 13 January 2014 Henning Wehn, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Graeme Garden, Jeremy Hardy Trees, Spain, Doctors, Newspapers
12x04 20 January 2014 Lloyd Langford, Lucy Porter, Tom Wrigglesworth, Fred MacAulay Women, Japan, Owls, Potatoes
12x05 27 January 2014 Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore, Rufus Hound Board games, Salt, Guinea pigs, Actors
12x06 3 February 2014 Jeremy Hardy, Graeme Garden, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Henning Wehn The Clergy, Beetles, Novels, The British

Series 13

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
13x01 7 April 2014 Alex Horne, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore, Jack Dee Birds, Witches, Pubs, Shoes
13x02 14 April 2014 Lloyd Langford, Katherine Ryan, Jon Richardson, Graeme Garden Whales, Canada, Pigs, Buses
13x03 21 April 2014 Alex Horne, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore, Jack Dee Legs, The Internet, Dogs, The Middle Ages
13x04 28 April 2014 Lloyd Langford, Katherine Ryan, Jon Richardson, Graeme Garden Wales, The Mouth, Fish, Perfume
13x05 5 May 2014 Tony Hawks, Susan Calman, Phill Jupitus, Miles Jupp The Brain, The Victorians, Toads, Cooking
13x06 12 May 2014 Tony Hawks, Susan Calman, Phill Jupitus, Miles Jupp School, Bears, Underwear, Bottles

Series 14

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
14x01 29 December 2014 Lloyd Langford, David O'Doherty, Susan Calman, Josh Widdicombe Penguins, Spoons, Dolls, Letters
14x02 5 January 2015 Ed Byrne, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Richard Osman Ireland, Rules, London, Beavers
14x03 12 January 2015 Arthur Smith, Sarah Millican, Sandi Toksvig, Graeme Garden Death, Balloons, Farming, Jane Austen
14x04 19 January 2015 Ed Byrne, Holly Walsh, Richard Osman, Henning Wehn Ancient Egypt, Ice, Rubbish, British food
14x05 26 January 2015 Lloyd Langford, Josh Widdicombe, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Fakes, Holes, Cats, Marie Antoinette
14x06 2 February 2015 Arthur Smith, Sarah Millican, Sandi Toksvig, Graeme Garden Fat, Smells, Shopping, Gardens

Series 15

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
15x01 24 August 2015 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp Magic, Austria, Swans, Onions
15x02 31 August 2015 Arthur Smith, Jon Richardson, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Pets, Bacteria, Zombies, Water
15x03 7 September 2015 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp Zoos, Theft, Phones, Hands
15x04 14 September 2015 Victoria Coren Mitchell, Holly Walsh, Katherine Ryan, Sarah Millican Princesses, Diets, Sauces, Paper
15x05 21 September 2015 Arthur Smith, Jon Richardson, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Yorkshire, Soft drinks, Skin, Pirates
15x06 28 September 2015 Holly Walsh, Katherine Ryan, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Sarah Millican IKEA, Marriage, Switzerland, Chewing gum

Series 16

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
16x01 4 April 2016 Jon Richardson, Henning Wehn, Susan Calman, Jack Dee Milk, Tattoos, Supermarkets, Vladimir Putin
16x02 11 April 2016 Joe Lycett, Sam Simmons, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman Kitchens, Pigeons, Breakfast cereal, The Vatican
16x03 18 April 2016 Elis James, Maeve Higgins, Reginald D. Hunter, David O'Doherty The 1970s, The Moon, Toys, Electricity
16x04 25 April 2016 Joe Lycett, Sam Simmons, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman Jokes, Ghosts, Reality TV, Lego
16x05 2 May 2016 Jon Richardson, Henning Wehn, Susan Calman, Jack Dee Funerals, British aristocracy, Nudity, Rubber
16x06 9 May 2016 Elis James, Maeve Higgins, Reginald D. Hunter, David O'Doherty Gifts, Fashion, Women, Songs

Series 17

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
17x01 3 October 2016 Holly Walsh, Lloyd Langford, Rich Hall, Henning Wehn Mosquitoes, Flags, Roads, North Korea
17x02 10 October 2016 Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Rich Hall, Lloyd Langford Tom Cruise, Basketball, Wood, McDonald's
17x03 17 October 2016 Tony Hawks, Vicki Pepperdine, Clive Anderson, Richard Osman Chairs, Medicine, Prisons, Video games
17x04 24 October 2016 Tony Hawks, Vicki Pepperdine, Clive Anderson, Richard Osman Australia, Leather, Oil, Crisps
17x05 31 October 2016 John Finnemore, Jeremy Hardy, Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle Donald Trump, Musicals, Weddings, Oxbridge
17x06 7 November 2016 John Finnemore, Jeremy Hardy, Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle Spies, Fire, Norfolk, The Beatles

Series 18

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
18x01 3 April 2017 John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Miles Jupp Sheep, Islands, Steve Jobs, Beans
18x02 10 April 2017 John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Miles Jupp Names, Germany, Secrets, Nudity
18x03 17 April 2017 David O'Doherty, Marcus Brigstocke, Zoe Lyons, Richard Osman Bicycles, Wine, Trees, Chocolate
18x04 24 April 2017 David O'Doherty, Marcus Brigstocke, Zoe Lyons, Richard Osman Colour, Vegetables, Pizzas, Carpets
18x05 1 May 2017 Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Elis James, Frankie Boyle Ducks, Oliver Cromwell, Words, Astronauts
18x06 8 May 2017 Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Elis James, Frankie Boyle Delia Smith, Robots, Rain, Facebook

Series 19

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
19x01 2 October 2017 Arthur Smith, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Richard Osman Cows, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Students, Dolphins
19x02 9 October 2017 Arthur Smith, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Richard Osman Sugar, Chickens, Aeroplanes, Kanye West
19x03 16 October 2017 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Ellie Taylor, John Finnemore Dinosaurs, People's Republic of China, Cake, Bees
19x04 23 October 2017 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Ellie Taylor, John Finnemore Boxing, Snails, Bras, Parents
19x05 30 October 2017 Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Fred MacAulay Twins, Sean Connery, Golf, Photography
19x06 6 November 2017 Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Fred MacAulay Doughnuts, Jellyfish, Twitter, Star Wars

Series 20

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
20x01 2 April 2018 John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Graeme Garden The Police, Submarines, Books, Spiders
20x02 9 April 2018 Richard Osman, Elis James, Sindhu Vee, Alan Davies Google, Rugby, Bananas, Crabs
20x03 16 April 2018 Arthur Smith, Jack Dee, Lucy Porter, Lloyd Langford Rabbits, Inventions, Butterflies, Drugs
20x04 23 April 2018 John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Graeme Garden The Rolling Stones, Vegetarianism, Eggs, Harry Potter
20x05 30 April 2018 Richard Osman, Elis James, Sindhu Vee, Alan Davies Buses, Dancing, Monkeys, Statues
20x06 7 May 2018 Arthur Smith, Jack Dee, Lucy Porter, Lloyd Langford Walking, NASA, Soap operas, Poets

Series 21

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
21x01 24 December 2018 Sandi Toksvig, Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Denmark, Hair, Smells, Fish
21x02 31 December 2018 Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Sleep, Mobile Phones, Stealing, Pets
21x03 7 January 2019 Sandi Toksvig, Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Drunkenness, Passports, Orange, The Weather
21x04 14 January 2019 Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Holidays, Queens, Teeth, Ants
21x05 21 January 2019 Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Nuts, Birds, Urine, Traditions
21x06 28 January 2019 Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Houses of Parliament, Wolves, Trains, Punishments

Series 22

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
22x01 1 April 2019 Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Luisa Omielan, Jack Dee Mice, Las Vegas, Beyoncé, Rubbish
22x02 8 April 2019 Tony Hawks, Sindhu Vee, Susan Calman, Graeme Garden Swimming, Mothers, Magazines, Clowns
22x03 15 April 2019 Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Frankie Boyle Germany, Babies, Trousers, Beards
22x04 22 April 2019 Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Luisa Omielan, Jack Dee Names, Frogs, Paper, Parrots
22x05 29 April 2019 Tony Hawks, Sindhu Vee, Susan Calman, Graeme Garden Kings, Snakes, Make Up, Hats
22x06 6 May 2019 Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Frankie Boyle Time, Driving, The Spice Girls, Scotland

Series 23

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
23x01 30 December 2019 Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Sally Phillips Dogs, Actors, Rules, Finland
23x02 6 January 2020 Sindhu Vee, Lloyd Langford, Susan Calman, Graeme Garden Flowers, Rappers, Cheese, Winston Churchill
23x03 13 January 2020[23] Neil Delamere, Cally Beaton, Lou Sanders, Marcus Brigstocke Rats, The Netherlands, Human body, Chocolate
23x04 20 January 2020[24] Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Sally Phillips Words, Elvis Presley, Education, Ferrets
23x05 27 January 2020[25] Sindhu Vee, Lloyd Langford, Susan Calman, Graeme Garden Names, Bob Dylan, Superheroes, Meat
23x06 3 February 2020[26] Neil Delamere, Cally Beaton, Lou Sanders, Marcus Brigstocke Vikings, Language, Kissing, Religion

Series 24

[edit]

Series 24 was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown, with each panelist performing at home.[27]

Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
24x01 15 June 2020 Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle Musical Instruments, Recipes, Pets, Women
24x02 22 June 2020 Lucy Porter, Sean Lock, Zoe Lyons, Jack Dee Country and Western Music, Jobs, Sharks, The 1970s
24x03 29 June 2020 Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Sindhu Vee, Neil Delamere Furniture, Birthdays, Phobias, Rocks
24x04 6 July 2020 Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle Bread, ABBA, Men, Experiments
24x05 13 July 2020 Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Sindhu Vee, Neil Delamere Guns, Magic, Berries, Crocodiles
24x06 20 July 2020 Lucy Porter, Sean Lock, Zoe Lyons, Jack Dee Poison, Heavy Metal, Painters, Winter Sports

Series 25

[edit]

Series 25 was also recorded with the panellists performing from home during lockdown. Two episodes featured three teams of two rather than four panellists playing individually (all three teams consisted of married couples).

Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
25x01 11 January 2021[28] Frankie Boyle, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Holly Walsh London, Names, Divorce, Bats
25x02 18 January 2021[29] Henning Wehn, Sindhu Vee, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Eurovision, Vegetarians, Squid, Bananas
25x03 25 January 2021[30] Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris, Gary Delaney and Sarah Millican, Justin Edwards and Lucy Porter Marriage, Rabbits, Crisps
25x04 1 February 2021 Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle Puppets, Spying, Religion, Glasgow
25x05 8 February 2021 Henning Wehn, Sindhu Vee, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Ghosts, Goats, Fighting, Sound
25x06 15 February 2021 Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke, Sarah Millican and Gary Delaney, Lucy Porter and Justin Edwards Horses, Valentine's Day, Nudity

Series 26

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
26x01 26 July 2021 Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Richard Osman Ancient Romans, Tea, Crustaceans, Balls
26x02 2 August 2021 Tony Hawks, Fern Brady, Ria Lina, Rufus Hound Snails, Wives, Germs, Biscuits
26x03 9 August 2021 Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle, Sally Phillips, Neil Delamere Dolls, Laughter, Tennis, Philosophers
26x04 16 August 2021 Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Richard Osman Insects, Words, Parties, Supermarkets
26x05 23 August 2021 Rufus Hound, Fern Brady, Ria Lina, Tony Hawks Mushrooms, Milk, Monkeys, Children
26x06 30 August 2021 Lucy Porter, Neil Delamere, Sally Phillips, Frankie Boyle Singing, Shopping, Moths, Football

Series 27

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
27x01 10 January 2022 Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Justin Edwards Pigs, Underwear, Camels, Sausages
27x02 17 January 2022 Pippa Evans, Geoff Norcott, Fern Brady, Simon Evans Shoes, Beer, Diets, Metal
27x03 24 January 2022 Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Justin Edwards Jackie Chan, Blood, Marsupials, Beds
27x04 31 January 2022 Richard Osman, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Ria Lina Mistakes, Bicycles, Dogs, Death
27x05 7 February 2022 Pippa Evans, Geoff Norcott, Fern Brady, Simon Evans Cars, Coca-Cola, Donkeys, Tomatoes
27x06 14 February 2022 Richard Osman, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Ria Lina Glasses, Squirrels, Alexander the Great, China

Series 28

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
28x01 4 April 2022[31] Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Holly Walsh, Tony Hawks Advertising, Essex, Candles, Water
28x02 11 April 2022[32] Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Sindhu Vee, Marcus Brigstocke Windows, Ants, Rice, Ancient Egyptians
28x03 18 April 2022[33] Lou Sanders, Ria Lina, Milton Jones, Chris McCausland Magazines, The Human Body, Golf, Computers
28x04 25 April 2022[34] Lucy Porter, Holly Walsh, Tony Hawks, Alan Davies Scouting, Hair, South Korea, Nicolas Cage
28x05 2 May 2022[35] Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Sindhu Vee, Marcus Brigstocke Colours, Ice Cream, Apples, Alcoholic Spirits
28x06 9 May 2022[36] Lou Sanders, Ria Lina, Milton Jones, Chris McCausland Flowers, Wood, Underground, Goldfish

Series 29

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
29x01 29 May 2023[37] Alan Davies, Holly Walsh, Angela Barnes, Henning Wehn Horses, Cleaning, Airports, New Zealand
29x02 5 June 2023[38] Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Neil Delamere, Kerry Godliman Beauty, Tea, Giraffes, Dancing
29x03 12 June 2023[39] Alan Davies, Holly Walsh, Angela Barnes, Henning Wehn Pubs, The postal service, Maps, Languages
29x04 19 June 2023[40] Lucy Porter, Marcus Brigstocke, Richard Osman, Ria Lina French, Bans, Hippos, Superstition
29x05 26 June 2023[41] Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Neil Delamere, Kerry Godliman Horror, Chefs, the Greeks, Pipes
29x06 3 July 2023[42] Lucy Porter, Marcus Brigstocke, Richard Osman, Ria Lina Popes, Insurance, Norway, Surgery

Series 30

[edit]
Episode First broadcast Guests Subjects
30x01 05 August 2024[43] Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Zoe Lyons, Justin Edwards Divorce, Lying, Mexicans, Coffee.
30x02 12 August 2024[44] Angela Barnes, Glenn Moore, Shaparak Khorsandi, Neil Delamere Legs, Restaurants, Travel, Tigers.
30x03 19 August 2024[45] Miles Jupp, Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, Lou Sanders Milk, Sound, Italians, Parties.
30x04 26 August 2024[46] Justin Edwards, Zoe Lyons, Lucy Porter, Tony Hawks Stationery, Fast food, the Tudors, Swearing.
30x05 02 September 2024[47] Angela Barnes, Glenn Moore, Shaparak Khorsandi, Neil Delamere Websites, Cartoons, Prince Harry, Teeth
30x06 09 September 2024[48] Miles Jupp, Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, Lou Sanders Fungi, the Beckhams, Cushions, Puddings.

International versions

[edit]

Members from the Australian comedy group The Chaser, including Craig Reucassel, Andrew Hansen and Julian Morrow, have produced a TV series based on the British series.[49]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The show's theme tune is an extract from "My Patch" by English singer-songwriter Jim Noir.[6]

General

  • Wolf, Ian. "The Unbelievable Truth – Episode Guide". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 25 September 2009.

Specific

  1. ^ a b c d "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth". Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  2. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 24, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  4. ^ a b Guide, British Comedy. "About The Unbelievable Truth". Comedy.co.uk. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  5. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth".
  6. ^ "My Patch (Radio Edit) - YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  7. ^ Williams, Zoe (25 March 2009). "Radio head". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
  8. ^ Elgot, Jessica (4 November 2009). "Peep Show's David Mitchell in Anne Frank row". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  9. ^ "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2011 results". British Comedy Guide.
  10. ^ "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2016 results". British Comedy Guide.
  11. ^ "BBC Radio 4 – The Unbelievable Truth – Episode guide". BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  12. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  13. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  14. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007h3lk [dead link]
  15. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jclz [dead link]
  16. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  17. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  18. ^ "BBC Radio 4 Extra - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  19. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  20. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 4". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  21. ^ "BBC Radio 4 Extra - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 5". Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  22. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  23. ^ "BBC Radio 4 – The Unbelievable Truth, Series 23, Episode 3". BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  24. ^ "Anna Tomlinson on Instagram: "Thanks again to Mr Charnick for getting tickets for the recording of #TheUnbelievableTruth. #HenningWehn #HollyWalsh #SallyPhillips and…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  25. ^ "Super night recording The Unbelievable Truth with @RealDMitchell @sindhuvfunny @GraemeGarden1 and Lloyd Langford. An absolute treat". Twitter. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  26. ^ "Spent nearly 3 hrs yesterday pretending to be as funny as these people. Thank god for edit suites @BBCRadio4 @RealDMitchell @LouSanders @neildelamere #unbelievabletruths #unbelievabletheyhadmeon #showbiz". Twitter. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  27. ^ The Unbelievable Truth. 24. Vol. 1. BBC Radio 4. 15 June 2020.
  28. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  29. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  30. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  31. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 28, Episode 1".
  32. ^ "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 2 - BBC Sounds".
  33. ^ "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 3 - BBC Sounds".
  34. ^ "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 4 - BBC Sounds".
  35. ^ "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 5 - BBC Sounds".
  36. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 28, Episode 6".
  37. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 1".
  38. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 2".
  39. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 3".
  40. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 4". BBC. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  41. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 5". BBC. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  42. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 6". BBC. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  43. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 1".
  44. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 2".
  45. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 3". BBC. 19 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  46. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 4". BBC. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  47. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 5". BBC. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  48. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 30, Episode 6". BBC. 9 September 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  49. ^ "Comedians chase down Seven show". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
[edit]