Sky has added a stack of new and returned unscripted entertainment to its upcoming slate, with more ‘Rob & Romesh’ and ‘A League of their Own’, a new travel series from Joe Lycett, and a bunch of stand up specials. Here is a breakdown of what is to come.
Rob & Romesh Vs – Season 7
This summer, Sky’s much-loved duo – Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan – are back to throw themselves into a new set of unknown worlds that will put their friendship to the test. They’ll return to Vegas and team up with the UFC to explore the world of mixed martial arts and rev up their death growls as they tackle Heavy Metal at its UK heartland, Download Festival. They’ll also take on Wildlife as they go behind the lens and test out their photography skills as part of the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and they’ll dive into Hollywood to see how they fare in the world of Hollywood Stunts. Rob & Rom will also head to Alexandra Palace to try their hand at the nation’s newest favourite sport, Darts, for a one-off special early next year.
Joe Lycett’s United States of Birmingham
It’s no secret that Joe Lycett adores Brum, but his hometown is having a tough time of it. In his self-appointed role as the second city’s ambassador and with the blessing of the actual Lord Mayor of Birmingham, everyone’s favourite comedy activist is on a mission to put Birmingham firmly back on the map – in fact, all over the map.
To do that, Joe is heading to North America, the global destination for multiple Brums, home to no fewer than eighteen Birminghams, stretching from Canada’s Saskatchewan province, down the East Coast, through the Midwest and into the Deep South. Joe will explore their history, their collective Brummie cultural commonalities and form official ‘Friendship Agreements’ with as many US Birminghams as he can. As the climax of the series, Joe will invite some of his new Brummie chums back to his own Birmingham for what will doubtless become an annually bostin global event – the International Day of Birmingham.
Joe Lycett commented: “I am delighted to be making this show for Sky which will finally secure me enough money to move to London.”
A League of their Own: The Rally
The gang are back for a brand-new adventure show, competing in an epic rally from London to Turin.
Jill Scott, Maisie Adam, Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp will be paired off into teams and pitted against one another for the ultimate prize – the ALOTO Rally Cup. The dash across Europe will be in six rally stages, deploying planes, trains and automobiles, as each team bids to reach their destination with the most points and hoist the all-important ALOTO Rally Cup.
Along the way, the teams must also complete a series of perilous and sometimes ridiculous off-road challenges to earn points as they blaze through Paris, Lake Geneva, the Alps and finally reach Turin, home of The Italian Job, for their exciting last stretch.
And it wouldn’t be A League of their Own without a few forfeits for the losers – there are no prizes for second place here…
Stand Up Specials
A host of brand-new stand-up specials will also be airing on Sky this year, with shows from the UK’s top comedians coming to TV for the first time, including:
- David Baddiel: Not the Trilogy
- Lucy Beaumont: Live from the Royal Court Theatre
- Tom Davis: Underdog
- John Kearns: The Varnishing Days
- Stewart Lee: Basic Lee (Live from the Lowry)
- Chris Ramsey: Live from London
These are the first ever televised specials for Lucy Beaumont, Tom Davis and John Kearns.
“We’re proud to bring you the laughs on Sky Max with a Who’s Who of brilliant British comedy talent and the world’s best magician all in one place,” said Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Arts and Entertainment, Sky, commented. “We have firm audience favourites, Rob and Romesh Vs, A League of Their Own, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, as well as recent additions like The Overlap and Hold the Front Page, and we’re introducing the wonderful Joe Lycett to our joyful line up. In a stressful world, we need all the laughter we can get.”
Unscripted Entertainment programmes are commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts and Entertainment for Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content for Sky UK and Ireland. The Commissioning Editors for Entertainment at Sky are Barbara Lee, Shirley Jones and Dwayne Eaton.
