The Russell Howard Hour
Also known asRussell Howard's Home Time (2020)
GenreTopical comedy stand-up, satire
Created byRussell Howard
Presented byRussell Howard
Theme music composerSergio Pizzorno
Opening theme"Ill Ray (The King)" by Kasabian
ComposerSam Gale
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6 (+1 spin-off)
No. of episodes86 (+9 spin-off)
Production
ProducersDan Atkinson
Jason Dawson
Robyn O'Brien
Production locationsStudio TC1, Television Centre, London[1] (2017–2022)
Bath, Somerset (Home Time, 2020)
Running time60 minutes (Regular, inc. adverts, Series 1-5)
45 minutes (Regular, inc. adverts, Series 6)
30 minutes (Spin-off, inc. adverts)
Production companiesAvalon Television[2]
Sky Production Services
Original release
NetworkSky One (2017–2020)
Sky Max (2021–2022)
Release21 September 2017 (2017-09-21) 
15 December 2022 (2022-12-15)
Related
Russell Howard's Good News

The Russell Howard Hour is a British topical comedy news show, which airs on Sky Max (formerly Sky One) and is hosted by Russell Howard where he gives his thoughts and opinions on current topics as well as featuring special guests and other stand-up comedians. The show is in a similar style to his previous show, Russell Howard's Good News, which aired on BBC Three and then BBC Two from 2009 to 2015.

Production

On 28 November 2017, it was announced that the show had been recommissioned for a second series,[3] which began on 8 November 2018. Unlike the first series, the second series does not have a stand-up guest. Instead there is a segment titled "Live Forever" where Howard and another comedian test ways to live longer.

On 24 January 2019, it was announced that the show had been recommissioned for a third and fourth series.[4] In Series 3, there was a segment called "Play Date" (which replaced "Live Forever") which showed Howard spending time with a celebrity.

In spring 2020, shortly after the end of series 3, the fourth series was revealed to be delayed until early Autumn that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Howard created a spin-off series called "Russell Howard's Home Time", featuring a similar format as the original show, except for a shorter 30-minute episode runtime.[5] The programme was filmed at his home in Bath, Somerset due to social distancing measures, and began on 9 April 2020, running for 9 episodes.

The fourth series of The Russell Howard Hour began on 10 September 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first episode of the series did not have a live audience. From episode two onwards, a live audience returned, albeit split into socially distanced groups.

On 17 December 2020, it was announced that the show had been recommissioned for a fifth and sixth series.

On 8 September 2022, the first episode of the sixth series was originally going to air, but it got pulled off air following the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death that night. After 2 days of delay, the episode was finally broadcast on Sky Max.

With the closure of Sky One, the original channel for The Russell Howard Hour, it was announced that the series would move to Sky Max.[6]

With the exception of the Home Time spin-off, all episodes of the programme have been recorded at Television Centre in London.[7]

Transmissions

SeriesStart dateEnd dateEpisodesNotes
121 September 201721 December 201714
28 November 201828 February 201914
37 November 201927 February 202015
HT9 April 20207 May 20209
410 September 202017 December 202015
59 September 202130 December 202115
610 September 2022*29 December 202215Series 6 was originally scheduled to premiere on 8 September 2022 but was pulled off of air, following the death of Elizabeth II.

Viewing figures

Episode viewing figures from BARB's Top 10 Programmes until September 2018[8] and the Four-screen Dashboard for September 2018 onwards.[9]

Series 1

Episode
no.
Airdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky One
weekly ranking
Multichannels
rank
GuestStand-up comic
121 September 20170.690.8328Diane AbbottKiri Pritchard-McLean
228 September 20170.700.8214Adam KayHarry & Chris
35 October 20170.650.72318Greg DaviesDesiree Burch
412 October 20170.620.7325Richard BransonPhil Ellis
519 October 20170.640.69423Fiona BruceAnna Mann
626 October 20170.690.786Ed SheeranRob Auton
72 November 20170.630.75524Daryl DavisHarry & Chris
89 November 20170.690.7623Harry Leslie SmithPaul Chowdhry
916 November 20170.560.637Naomi KleinMo Gilligan
1023 November 20170.580.683Juan MataJulian Deane
1130 November 20170.470.578Roisin ConatyFern Brady
127 December 20170.580.656Sarah MillicanMae Martin
1314 December 20170.620.783Jamie OliverEd Gamble
1421 December 20170.590.754John OliverHarry & Chris

Series 2

In series 2, the stand-up comic segment at the end of each episode was replaced with 'Live Forever.' In the segment, Howard and another comedian try an activity that is purported to improve health. Episode 7 was a Christmas Special.

Episode
no.
Airdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky One
weekly ranking
GuestLive Forever
18 November 20180.510.556Rukmini CallimachiPantsdrunk with Greg Davies
215 November 20180.480.578Alesha DixonChinese medicine with Jimmy Carr
322 November 20180.290.418Louis TherouxDead bodies with Rose Matafeo
429 November 20180.420.546Derren BrownCryotherapy with Paul Chowdhry
56 December 20180.480.544Michelle WolfIce baths with Paul Chowdhry
613 December 20180.390.456Magid MagidShaman with Roisin Conaty
720 December 20180.530.646Chris O'DowdChoir singing with Joe Wilkinson
817 January 20190.400.467Rob DelaneyBungee dance with Jessica Knappett
924 January 20190.490.546Will PoulterCuddle therapy with Jon Richardson
1031 January 20190.400.469Mark PrinceArt therapy with Jo Brand
117 February 20190.350.419Jon RonsonGoat yoga with Mo Gilligan
1214 February 20190.350.437Stacey DooleyBoxing with Joe Lycett
1321 February 20190.340.398Richard CurtisMuseum of Happiness with Lou Sanders
1428 February 20190.380.459Stephen MerchantIkigai with Iain Stirling and David Seaman

Series 3

In series 3, the 'Live Forever' segment was replaced with 'Play Date.' In the segment, Howard and another comedian try an activity that they have never done before.

Episode
no.
Airdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky One
weekly ranking
GuestPlay Date
17 November 20190.540.592Ant MiddletonBeekeeping with Aisling Bea
214 November 20190.470.512Tyson FuryFlyboarding with Jon Richardson
321 November 20190.350.434Sinéad Burke and RapmanNone[note 1]
428 November 20190.520.591Kevin Smith[10]Going to a pub with Elizabeth Banks[10]
55 December 20190.410.461Carole CadwalladrHot tugging with Tan France
612 December 20190.380.423David BaddielA perfect night in with Jack Black
719 December 20190.590.691Brian CoxTrampolining with Emily Atack
830 December 20190.350.375Best Bits of 2019[note 2]
916 January 20200.300.3413Jamali MaddixStunt school with Paul Chowdhry
1023 January 20200.300.3310Iman Amrani and Seann WalshNone[note 3]
1130 January 20200.310.369Armando Iannucci and Michael PatrickNone[note 4]
126 February 20200.380.428Guz Khan and Jim CarreyNone[note 5]
1313 February 20200.350.387Konnie HuqBarging with Josh Widdicombe
1420 February 20200.360.419Eniola Aluko and Kerry GodlimanNone[note 6]
1527 February 20200.310.358Daisy HaggardDriving down the A127 dual carriageway with Joe Wilkinson

Russell Howard's Home Time

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, series 4 was delayed until later in the year. This spin-off series filmed from Howard's home in Somerset features chats with celebrity guests, comedians and musical performances using Zoom. During the finale episode, Howard revealed that the regular show would return sometime in September 2020.

EpisodeAirdate[note 7]GuestsCelebrity/musical guestsMusical performance
19 April 2020Glen WaltonGreg Davies and James Bay"Hold Back the River"
214 April 2020Aoife AbbeyJon Richardson and Gavin Osborn"Born in the NHS"
316 April 2020Ninette HowardMichelle Wolf, Geraint Thomas and Lady Leshurr"Quarantine Speech"
421 April 2020Hassan AkkadJack Whitehall and Serge Pizzorno"Lockdown"
523 April 2020Caitlin GrantGuz Khan and Harry & Chris"Lockdown Life"
628 April 2020Lucy CraigStephen Merchant and Tom Grennan"Oh Please"
730 April 2020Lisa KingLouis Theroux and Guvna B"Fall On Me"
85 May 2020N/AJoe Gilgun, Katherine Ryan and Zuzu"How It Feels"
97 May 2020The Corona ArmsMarc Maron and Tom Walker"Leave a Light On"

Series 4

On 7 May 2020, Howard revealed in his spin-off series finale that the fourth series of The Russell Howard Hour would return in September 2020. However, due to the ongoing pandemic situation, this will be the first series to have no audience and only a skeleton crew, due to social distancing requirements.

EpisodeAirdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky One
weekly ranking
GuestsLife Lessons[note 8]Good Deeds
110 September 20200.600.624John OliverI Wish I Was An Expert In...Emdad Rahman, Book Bike London
217 September 20200.440.525Lady LeshurrThe Phrase That Makes My Blood BoilImogen, 7 Million Keepie Uppie Challenge
324 September 20200.420.465Elizabeth DayMy Sexual AwakeningMike Trower, Cooking With Cody
41 October 20200.370.456Kevin Bridges and Jessica Brown FindlayThe Childhood Memory That Just Won't Go AwayGrace Beards and Jodie Larsen, Paws & Pause
58 October 20200.370.426Mo Gilligan and SlimIf I Could Communicate With AnimalsStandup by Slim
615 October 20200.430.574Greg Davies, Alex Horne and James BayMy Weird ObsessionAli Alzein, Bees And Refugees
722 October 20200.260.404Rosie JonesA Job I Secretly Think I'd Be Good AtWesley Hamnett, Glasgow2Manchester
829 October 20200.440.523Dizzee RascalMy Irrational FearMike Trower, Cooking With Cody
95 November 20200.410.463Brian BlessedAn Award I Should Win That Doesn't ExistMark Humphries, Kidmenace Studios
1012 November 2020Best of Guests
1119 November 20200.430.523Matthew McConaugheyMy Worst Business IdeaEmma Walkerdine, Anger Van
1226 November 20200.390.493Tim MinchinHere's Something That Should Have Been Taught In School...Kaz Foncette, Wigs For Heroes
133 December 20200.393Richard HerringSomething I Would Make Illegal...Carl Bradley, The Boot Room
1410 December 20200.400.423Jamie Redknapp, Matt FordeI Would Love To Life Swap With...David Ible & Sachin Rajkumarsingh, Aura Care
1517 December 20200.450.533Joel Dommett, Matt Lucas, Flo and JoanMy Favourite Christmas Memory Ever[note 9]

Series 5

EpisodeAirdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky Max
weekly ranking
GuestsLife LessonsGood Deeds
19 September 2021Katie Piper, Aaron Simmonds, Iain Stirling
216 September 2021Robert Peston, Janine Harouni, Paul Chowdhry, Daniel Ricciardo
323 September 2021Tom Grennan, Paul Sinha
430 September 2021David Harewood, Joy Crookes, Lucy Beaumont
57 October 2021Sophie Willan, Andrew Bird, Andrew Steele
614 October 2021Billy Connolly, Everyone You Know, Isy Suttie
721 October 2021Edgar Wright, Steven Pinker, Fatiha El-Ghorri
84 November 2021Evanna Lynch, Joe Wilkinson, Jordan Brookes
911 November 2021Lou Sanders, Akala, Knucks, Kojey Radical, Swindle
1018 November 2021Susie Dent, Paul Merson, Harriet Dyer
1125 November 2021Gabby Logan, Jimmy Carr, Jacob Hawley
122 December 2021Jordan Peterson, Guz Khan, Self Esteem
139 December 2021Steven Bartlett, Josh Widdicombe, Cat Burns
1416 December 2021Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Fred Sireix, Flo & Joan

Series 6

EpisodeAirdate7 day viewers
(millions)
28 day viewers
(millions)
Sky Max
weekly ranking
GuestsLife LessonsGood Deeds
110 September 2022Jamali Maddix
222 September 2022Fern Brady
329 September 2022Paul Chowdhry
46 October 2022Maisie Adam
513 October 2022Michelle Wolf
620 October 2022Troye Hawke
73 November 2022Greta Thunberg
810 November 2022Kiri Pritchard-McLean
917 November 2022Glenn Moore
1024 November 2022Jordan GrayShad Chefs Man Hub
111 December 2022London Hughes
128 December 2022Sam Campbell
1315 December 2022Garth Marenghi

Notes

  1. There was no 'Play Date' in this episode. Instead, Burke and Rapman were interviewed separately, over two parts.
  2. This was a special 2019 in review compilation episode. This episode features interviews clips with Stephen Merchant, Sinéad Burke, Tyson Fury, Rapman, Jon Ronson, and Kevin Smith; 'Live Forever' clips with Mo Gilligan and Jessica Knappett; and 'Play Date' clips with Jack Black, Aisling Bea, and Tan France.
  3. There was no 'Play Date' in this episode. Instead, Amrani and Walsh were interviewed separately, over two parts.
  4. There was no 'Play Date' in this episode. Instead, Iannucci and Patrick were interviewed separately, over two parts.
  5. There was no 'Play Date' in this episode. Instead, Khan and Carrey were interviewed separately, with Carrey's interview being filmed on location, away from the studio.
  6. There was no 'Play Date' in this episode. Instead, Aluko and Godliman were interviewed separately, over two parts.
  7. Episodes on Sky One are shown on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
  8. Aisling Bea, Guz Khan, Jessica Brown Findlay, Iain Stirling, Phil Wang, Joe Wilkinson, London Hughes, Taylor Tomlinson & Paul Chowdhry share their life lessons regarding one given issue.
  9. Because of musical guests Flo and Joan no Good Deeds were shown.

References

  1. "BBC Studioworks re-opens Television Centre | Other confirmed shows include a brand new production for Sky – The Russell Howard Hour". advanced-television.com. September 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  2. "THE RUSSELL HOWARD HOUR - Avalon Management". Avalon Management. 4 September 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  3. "The Russell Howard Hour Series 2 confirmed for 2018". British Comedy Guide. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  4. "Sky orders two more series of The Russell Howard Hour". British Comedy Guide. 24 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  5. "Russell Howard brings new 'Home Time' show twice a week to Sky". www.skygroup.sky. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  6. Darvill, Josh (23 August 2021). "The Russell Howard Hour series 5 to begin on September 9". TellyMix. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  7. "Sro audiences". Archived from the original on 24 September 2021.
  8. "Top 10 Programmes". BARB. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
  9. "Four-screen dashboard". BARB. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
  10. 1 2 "The Russell Howard Hour | Season 3 Episode 4". Sky. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
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