Sky appears to have spotted a rather large, comedy-shaped gap in the TV schedules. Just a few months after the BBC confirmed it was axing ‘Live at the Apollo’, Sky has announced ‘John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum‘, a new stand-up showcase heading to Sky and NOW in early 2027. And while nobody is officially calling it a replacement, the similarities are rather hard to miss.
Hosted by John Bishop, the series will feature three 44-minute episodes bringing together established comedy stars, breakthrough acts and emerging talent. It will be recorded in front of a live audience at the London Coliseum this December, with the line-up of comedians still to be announced.
Of course, the BBC’s ‘Live at the Apollo’ did much the same thing from London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Sky is essentially swapping one famous London theatre for another, with Bishop taking on hosting duties. There’s a rather lovely bit of symmetry to that choice, too. Bishop appeared on ‘Live at the Apollo’ himself in 2009 and 2010, so he knows exactly what a big television showcase can mean for a stand-up comedian.
John Bishop said: “There’s so much brilliant talent on the British comedy circuit at the moment, from the established names to the next generation coming through. I want this series to celebrate all of it and reflect what’s happening out there right now. I can’t wait to fill the London Coliseum with some of the best comedy the country has to offer.”
The BBC confirmed the cancellation of ‘Live at the Apollo’ in July, as part of a wider drive to save £500 million over three years. One final series is still due to air, but after more than two decades of helping comedians reach a national audience, the show’s days are numbered. Since launching in 2004, it has provided an important platform for acts including Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Kevin Bridges and, of course, Bishop himself.
Sky hasn’t suggested that its new show is an official successor, but the timing is certainly interesting. The BBC closes the curtain on one long-running stand-up showcase, and Sky opens it at another London venue. You don’t need to be a comedy detective to spot the opportunity.
It also fits into Sky’s wider push into comedy. The broadcaster points to ‘Saturday Night Live UK’, which it says has already given a platform to 12 emerging comedians alongside a 22-strong writing team. Sky has also released more than 30 stand-up specials over the past three years, featuring performers including Larry Dean, Paddy Young, Ania Magliano, Rob Beckett, Harry Hill and Frank Skinner.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted at Sky, says the intention is to bring together comedy icons, established circuit favourites and fresh voices. The new series is produced by Drum Studios, with Cameron Banks serving as showrunner and Chris Howe directing.
Whether ‘John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum’ grows into a long-running fixture remains to be seen, particularly with only three episodes initially commissioned. But if it can give rising comics the same sort of exposure the Apollo offered for 22 years, it could be a very welcome addition to the schedule.
‘John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum‘ premieres in early 2027 on Sky and NOW.
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.
Login to Geektown