Sky Launches New John Bishop Comedy Show as Live at the Apollo Comes to an End at the BBC

Sky is launching a brand-new comedy showcase hosted by John Bishop as the BBC prepares to bring its long-running stand-up series Live at the Apollo to an end.

Titled John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum, the new series will bring established comedy stars together with rising performers and emerging talent in a bid to celebrate the best of the British comedy scene.

Sky has confirmed that the three-part series will arrive on Sky and streaming service NOW in early 2027, with recordings taking place in front of a live audience at London’s iconic Coliseum in December 2026.

The announcement comes as Live at the Apollo, which has been running since 2004, approaches its final broadcast. One further series has already been filmed and will air before the BBC show concludes.

John Bishop to Host New Sky Comedy Showcase

The new series will feature three 44-minute episodes, each showcasing a hand-picked selection of comedians from across the UK comedy circuit.

Bishop, one of Britain’s best-known stand-up performers, will host the show as it brings together familiar names and fresh voices for performances at the London Coliseum.

Speaking about the project, 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 format is designed to give audiences an opportunity to discover emerging performers alongside established favourites, with the historic venue providing the backdrop for the live recordings.

Sky Continues Its Push Into British Comedy

The launch of John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum is the latest move in Sky’s ongoing investment in comedy programming.

The broadcaster has continued to support stand-up performers through a range of comedy specials, commissioning more than 30 over the past three years. Those releases have included performances from established names such as Rob Beckett, Harry Hill and Frank Skinner, as well as Saturday Night Live UK cast members Larry Dean, Paddy Young and Ania Magliano.

Sky has also pointed to the successful launch of Saturday Night Live UK as evidence of its commitment to creating opportunities for emerging comedy talent. The programme has provided a platform for 12 up-and-coming comedians and a 22-person writing team.

Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted at Sky, said: “We take laughter very seriously at Sky and love nothing more than discovering new people and new ways of tickling the nation’s funny bones — with the legendary John Bishop at the helm of this brand new show, we’ll be bringing together comedy icons, some of the circuits biggest names and fresh comic voices too”

The new series will be commissioned by Edgar-Jones and Jamie Morris, Managing Director of Programming at Sky, for Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer for Sky.

DRUM Studios, part of Omnicom Media, will produce the series. Cameron Banks will serve as showrunner, with Chris Howe directing. Danny Carvalho and Andy Holland are the executive producers for DRUM Studios, while John Bishop and Lisa Thomas are executive producers for Lola TV.

Live at the Apollo Nears Its Final Curtain Call

Sky’s announcement comes as the BBC’s Live at the Apollo prepares to reach the end of its run after more than two decades on television.

First broadcast in 2004, the stand-up series has become an important platform for comedians hoping to reach a wider audience. Its familiar format sees a well-known host introduce two other performers, who each deliver their own stand-up routines at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Over the years, the programme has helped raise the profiles of numerous comedians, including Michael McIntyre, Kevin Bridges, Micky Flanagan and Sarah Millican.

For many performers, an appearance on Live at the Apollo has represented an important step towards reaching a mainstream television audience, helping to introduce their material to viewers beyond the live comedy circuit.

Although one more series has already been filmed and is due to be broadcast, the BBC programme will not continue beyond that run.

Its conclusion marks the end of a significant chapter for televised British stand-up, although Sky’s new project suggests there will still be opportunities for comedians to showcase their work on mainstream television.

When Will John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum Be Released?

John Bishop’s Comedy Night at The Coliseum is scheduled to arrive on Sky and NOW in early 2027.

The three-part series will be recorded in December 2026 at the London Coliseum, with each episode running for 44 minutes.

Sky has yet to announce the full line-up of comedians appearing in the series, leaving audiences waiting to discover which established stars and emerging performers will take to the stage.

With Bishop hosting and a focus on talent from across the British comedy scene, the show is set to offer a new platform for stand-up at a time when Live at the Apollo is preparing to bow out.

While the BBC’s long-running showcase may be approaching its final episode, Sky is preparing to give the next generation of comedians a stage of their own.

What to read next:

Share this post with someone you think would like it…