Channel 4 has officially commissioned a second series of ‘Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping’, following the sketch show’s hugely successful return to the broadcaster earlier this year.
The series marked David Mitchell (Peep Show) and Robert Webb (Peep Show)’s long-awaited comeback to Channel 4 and proved there is still plenty of life left in British sketch comedy. Series one became Channel 4’s biggest comedy launch since 2018, with the opening episode consolidating at 2.3 million viewers across 28 days and winning its slot among 16–34s with a 29% share. Across its run, the show ranked as Channel 4’s third biggest scripted comedy title, behind only Friday Night Dinner and Derry Girls.
Alongside its linear and streaming success, Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping also made a major impact on social platforms. Full sketches were shared before, during and after transmission, racking up an impressive 25.5 million views across Channel 4’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook accounts, while also helping launch and grow new Channel 4 Comedy social channels.
Across the six-episode first series, Mitchell and Webb were joined by an ensemble cast of emerging comedy talent, including Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts), Lara Ricote (Sex Education), Stevie Martin (Taskmaster), and Krystal Evans, alongside a mix of established and up-and-coming writers.
Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy at Channel 4, says:
“They said sketch was dead, but the success of Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping with audiences on linear, streaming and social proves otherwise. Making a hit, on top of having the ability to showcase so many incredible new writers and performers alongside David and Robert, has been an immense honour and joy. Thank you so much to our exceptional Series 1 ensemble. We’re looking forward to offering more brilliant writers and performers the opportunity on Series 2. Long live sketch comedy.”
Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at Channel 4, adds:
“From foul-mouthed Aussies to Middle-Aged Man island via the tinpot dictators of airport security, Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping reminded us of the eclectic brand of joy a sketch show can deliver. Channel 4 loves nothing more than swimming against the tide so it was particularly satisfying to watch Robert and David and their supporting cast of emerging stars breathe life into such a vital genre for UK Comedy. We’re also delighted that as well as being a hit with linear and streaming viewers, the sketches from series one have been watched by millions of viewers across social platforms.”
Kenton Allen, Chief Executive at Big Talk Studios, says:
“I couldn’t be happier to see Mitchell and Webb blow the roof off at Channel 4 with a show that has connected so powerfully across linear, streaming and social. We’re especially delighted to be showcasing such exceptional new talent alongside David and Robert. Huge thanks to Ian, Charlie, Joe and everyone at Channel 4 and we can’t wait to platform more new stars of the future alongside Robert and David on the next series.”
Series two was commissioned by Charlie Perkins, Head of Comedy, and Joe Hullait, Commissioning Executive for Comedy at Channel 4. Executive producers include Kenton Allen for Big Talk Studios, David Mitchell and Robert Webb, with Gareth Edwards returning as producer.
Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping Season 2 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on Channel 4 in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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