❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

This year's BAFTA-nominated comedy stars feature across 6 covers

What is the secret to creating the best comedy on television? This year's nominees reveal how to make the nation laugh.

Published: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at 2:41 pm

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

Time and again, whenever we interview actors about their latest projects, they trot out the well-worn phrase that, "it's all in the writing". What drew them to the role? What made the show a success? Why have they been nominated for a Bafta? You guessed it, it's all in the writing.

Ad

As disingenuous as this may sometimes seem, there perhaps has never been more truth in it. And never more so when it comes to comedy. Big, broad dramas get the primetime slots, attract the heft of Hollywood names and the transatlantic accolades – but uniquely British comedies, while quieter and smaller in scale, are drawing bigger audiences and becoming much more popular.

From SoHa in Amandaland to Brent Uni in Big Boys the worlds are specific, the characters that inhabit them perfectly drawn, the stakes are high and as Pushers' creator and star Rosie Jones says, "Not only are you creating story, but you're constantly trying to think of the funniest way of getting that across."

So, for this year's Baftas we are celebrating all those in the comedy categories, the stars and the writers behind them - which increasingly seem to be one and the same person. After all, if you're going to give full credit to the script, you might as well have written it!

The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here.

Showing item 1 of 6

previous item

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Lenny Rush.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Lucy Punch.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Rosie Jones.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Mawaan Rizwan.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Jon Pointing.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Katherine Parkinson.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Lenny Rush.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Lucy Punch.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Rosie Jones.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Mawaan Rizwan.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Jon Pointing.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Katherine Parkinson.

Radio Times Bafta cover featuring Lenny Rush.

next item

1 of 6

Also in this week's Radio Times:

Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google.

Radio Times logo compressed to an RT icon in white, sitting within a dark green circle

Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our back issues service?

Add your favourite comedies to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Alexia Skinitis

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...