The Unbelievable Truth (radio show)

Last updated

The Unbelievable Truth
Genre Panel game [1]
Running time28 minutes [2]
Country of originUnited Kingdom [1]
Language(s)English [1]
Home station BBC Radio 4 [1]
Starring David Mitchell [3]
Created by Graeme Garden
Jon Naismith [4]
Original release23 April 2007 [3]
No. of series29 (plus 2 specials) [5]
Opening theme"My Patch" by Jim Noir
Website BBC Homepage

The Unbelievable Truth is a BBC radio comedy panel game devised by Graeme Garden and Jon Naismith. [4] The game is chaired by David Mitchell and is described in the programme's introduction as 'the panel game built on truth and lies.' The object of the game is for each panellist to deliver a short lecture about a given subject, which should be completely false save for five true statements which they must attempt to smuggle past the other players. The first series began broadcasting in 2007, [3] and the 29th series began airing in May 2023.

Contents

Reception

The Guardian's Elisabeth Mahoney reviewed the programme positively: 'From the first moments of its plinky plonky theme tune, The Unbelievable Truth is a delight'. [n 1] The Guardian's Zoe Williams, however, was critical of the programme, writing: 'The Unbelievable Truth, for instance, should never have been recommissioned. It's only funny when Clive Anderson is speaking.' [7]

The BBC received "almost 50" complaints about insensitivity after David Mitchell opened a fourth series episode with the joke: "There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the last line in Anne Frank's diary reads: 'Today is my birthday; dad bought me a drum kit'." [8]

It won the "Best Radio Panel Show" award at the British Comedy Guide's 2011 and 2016 awards. [9] [10]

Episodes

Winners are highlighted in bold. [11]

Series 1

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
Pilot19 October 2006 Jeremy Hardy, Andy Hamilton, Neil Mullarkey, Graeme Garden Hair, Football, Cats, Bees
01x0123 April 2007 [3] Tony Hawks , Frankie Boyle, Neil Mullarkey, Marcus Brigstocke Cats, Michael Jackson, Beards, Coffee
01x0230 April 2007 [12] Jeremy Hardy, Alan Davies, Jo Brand, Clive Anderson The Human Body, Coca-Cola, Morris Dancing, Carrots
01x037 May 2007 [13] Jeremy Hardy, Alan Davies, Jo Brand, Clive Anderson Chickens, London Underground, Queen Elizabeth I, Ancient Egyptians
01x0414 May 2007 [14] Sandi Toksvig, Dara Ó Briain, Jo Caulfield, Graeme Garden George W Bush, Women, Ants, Olympic Games
01x0521 May 2007 [15] Tony Hawks, Frankie Boyle, Neil Mullarkey, Marcus Brigstocke Bras, Hemp, Barcodes, Queen Elizabeth II
01x0628 May 2007 [16] Sandi Toksvig, Dara Ó Briain, Jo Caulfield, Graeme Garden Denmark, Rats, Duke of Edinburgh, Trousers

Series 2

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
02x015 May 2008 [17] Phill Jupitus , Alan Davies, Simon Evans , Tony HawksBears, Beards, Queen Victoria, Tennis
02x0212 May 2008 [18] Michael McIntyre, Fred MacAulay, Graeme Garden, Lucy Porter The Toilet, Cows, Sandwiches, Giraffes
02x0319 May 2008 [19] Tim Vine , Adam Buxton , Ed Byrne, Lee Mack Hedgehogs, Hair, Kissing, Potatoes
02x0426 May 2008 [20] Tony Hawks, Simon Evans, Alan Davies, Phill Jupitus Skateboards, William Shakespeare, Frogs, Bananas
02x052 June 2008 [21] Fred MacAulay, Graeme Garden, Lucy Porter, Michael McIntyre The Bed, Sweden, Leonardo da Vinci, Pigs
02x069 June 2008 [22] Lee Mack, Tim Vine, Ed Byrne, Adam Buxton Fleas, Napoleon Bonaparte, Left-Handedness, Marriage

2008 Christmas Special

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
Special15 December 2008Graeme Garden, Jack Dee, Sean Lock , Armando Iannucci Christmas trees, Charles Dickens, Turkeys, Father Christmas

Series 3

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
03x0123 March 2009Graeme Garden, Chris Addison, Clive Anderson, Lucy Porter Bicycles, Albert Einstein, Money, Penguins
03x0230 March 2009Tony Hawks, Simon Evans, Johnny Vaughan, Milton Jones Dogs, Iceland, Football, Prince Charles
03x036 April 2009Graeme Garden, Chris Addison, Lucy Porter, Clive AndersonChina, The Postal Service, Moustaches, The Moon
03x0413 April 2009Jack Dee, Fred MacAulay, Will Self , Jeremy Hardy Smiling, Charles Darwin, Cucumbers, Dolphins
03x0520 April 2009 Sue Perkins, Arthur Smith , Sean Lock, Miranda Hart Henry VIII, Cockroaches, Dancing, Cricket
03x0627 April 2009Fred MacAulay, Jack Dee, Will Self, Jeremy Hardy The Brain, Umbrellas, Alcohol, Cheese

Series 4

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
04x015 October 2009 Rhod Gilbert , Reginald D. Hunter , Shappi Khorsandi, Adam Hills Golf, Cats, Tea, Adolf Hitler
04x0212 October 2009Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn , Fi Glover, Dom Joly Baldness, Winston Churchill, Urine, Dwarves
04x0319 October 2009Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Phill Jupitus, Graeme Garden Teeth, Underpants, The Vikings, Birmingham
04x0426 October 2009Rhod Gilbert, Reginald D. Hunter, Shappi Khorsandi, Adam HillsMilk, Julius Caesar, Kissing, Kangaroos
04x052 November 2009Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn, Fi Glover, Dom JolyTobacco, Sausages, Frogs, Elvis Presley
04x069 November 2009Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Phill Jupitus, Graeme Garden Ludwig van Beethoven, Wigs, Honey, The Telephone

2009 New Year's / QI Special

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
Sp.28 December 2009 Rob Brydon, John Lloyd, Stephen Fry , Alan DaviesSnow, Tax, Champagne, Tigers

Series 5

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
05x0129 March 2010Marcus Brigstocke, Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Graeme GardenChildbirth, Beer, Sleep, Sir Isaac Newton
05x025 April 2010Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Catherine Tate, Phill JupitusHats, Pigeons, Hairdressers, Admiral Horatio Nelson
05x0312 April 2010Fred MacAulay, Susan Calman , Liza Tarbuck, Charlie Brooker Skiing, Cleopatra, Elephants, Chocolate
05x0419 April 2010Marcus Brigstocke, Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Graeme GardenSoap, Pudding, Rabbits, Taxis
05x0526 April 2010Tony Hawks, Arthur Smith, Catherine Tate, Phill Jupitus Ostriches, Toast, Red, Spectacles
05x063 May 2010Fred MacAulay, Liza Tarbuck, Susan Calman, Charlie BrookerDucks, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Make-up, Thomas Edison

Series 6

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
06x0127 September 2010Chris Addison, Susan Calman, Rufus Hound , Armando Iannucci Henry Ford, Biscuits, Rain, Squirrels
06x024 October 2010Tony Hawks, Henning Wehn, Graeme Garden, Arthur SmithNudity, Shoes, Walt Disney, Cakes
06x0311 October 2010Rhod Gilbert, Tom Wrigglesworth , Lucy Porter, Kevin Bridges Spiders, Mushrooms, Eggs, Edinburgh
06x0418 October 2010Chris Addison, Susan Calman, Rufus Hound, Armando Iannucci Clocks & Watches, Funerals, Goldfish, Joseph Stalin
06x0525 October 2010Tony Hawks, Henning Wehn, Arthur Smith, Graeme Garden Noses, Apples, Lord Byron, Fishing
06x061 November 2010Rhod Gilbert, Tom Wrigglesworth, Kevin Bridges, Lucy Porter Bells, Mrs. Beeton, Donkeys, The Police

Series 7

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
07x014 April 2011Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Alan Davies, Jack Dee Flies, Breasts, Enid Blyton, Curry
07x0211 April 2011Henning Wehn, Sue Perkins, Clive Anderson, Graeme GardenDogs, The Sun, Lewis Carroll, Lobsters
07x0318 April 2011Tony Hawks, Charlie Brooker, Arthur Smith, Rhod GilbertMice, television, Sir Walter Raleigh, Soup
07x0425 April 2011Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Alan Davies, Jack Dee Dieting, Snakes, Eyes, Cutlery
07x052 May 2011Clive Anderson, Henning Wehn, Sue Perkins, Graeme GardenSheep, Furniture, Ancient Greeks, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
07x069 May 2011Rhod Gilbert, Arthur Smith, Tony Hawks, Charlie Brooker Badgers, Ears, Divorce, Ice Cream

Series 8

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
08x0126 December 2011Lee Mack, Graeme Garden, Jack Dee, Rufus Hound Reindeer, Pantomime, Christmas decorations, Boxes
08x022 January 2012 Mark Watson, Henning Wehn, Ed Byrne, Phill Jupitus The Olympics, Blood, Bees, Butter
08x039 January 2012Tony Hawks, Tom Wrigglesworth, John Finnemore, Alan Davies Hamburgers, Snoring, Crocodiles, Pens
08x0416 January 2012Jack Dee, Lee Mack, Graeme Garden, Rufus Hound Boy Scouts, Nuts, Florence Nightingale, Circuses
08x0523 January 2012 Alex Horne , Henning Wehn, Roisin Conaty, Mark Watson The Romans, Chickens, Sweets & Confectionery, Competitions
08x0630 January 2012Tom Wrigglesworth, John Finnemore, Alan Davies, Tony Hawks The Radio, Pasta, Flowers, Wool

Series 9

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
09x012 April 2012Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden, Arthur SmithParrots, Breakfast, Insurance, Oliver Cromwell
09x029 April 2012Tom Wrigglesworth, Henning Wehn, Danielle Ward, John FinnemoreSmoking, Football, China, Pandas
09x0316 April 2012Marcus Brigstocke, Miles Jupp, Susan Calman, Alan DaviesSwimming, Bread, Hotels, Foxes
09x0423 April 2012Arthur Smith, Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Barbie, Restaurants, Feet, Garlic
09x0530 April 2012Danielle Ward, Henning Wehn, John Finnemore, Tom WrigglesworthBats, Cars, Dr. Johnson, Oranges
09x067 May 2012Miles Jupp, Susan Calman, Marcus Brigstocke, Alan DaviesGoats, Singing, Glue, Painting

Series 10

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
10x0131 December 2012Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne, Charlie Higson Pies, Dancing, Worms, James Bond
10x027 January 2013 Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Celia Pacquola, Rhod GilbertWine, Queen Elizabeth II, Bathtubs, Wind
10x0314 January 2013John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Arthur Smith Boris Johnson, Computers, Oscar Wilde, Wasps
10x0421 January 2013Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne, Charlie HigsonGambling, Teeth, Tortoises & Turtles, Lemons
10x0528 January 2013Lloyd Langford, Celia Pacquola, Phill Jupitus, Marcus Brigstocke Tomatoes, Koalas, Boats, Cheese
10x064 February 2013Arthur Smith, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore Simon Cowell, Beards, Camels, Germany

Series 11

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
11x018 April 2013Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Katherine Ryan, Graeme GardenSharks, Photography, Sugar, Jeremy Clarkson
11x0215 April 2013Rhod Gilbert, Richard Osman, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore Moles, Cabbages, Trains, BBC
11x0322 April 2013Tony Hawks, Lucy Porter, Mark Watson, Ed ByrneMonkeys, Fingers, Windows, Horns
11x0429 April 2013Henning Wehn, Katherine Ryan, Graeme Garden, Lloyd Langford Geese, Horses, Advertising, Madonna
11x056 May 2013Richard Osman, John Finnemore, Lucy Beaumont, Rhod Gilbert Octopuses, Aeroplanes, Armadillos, Socks
11x0613 May 2013Ed Byrne, Mark Watson, Lucy Porter, Tony Hawks The French, Lions, Grass, Pianos

Series 12

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
12x0130 December 2013Arthur Smith, Henning Wehn, Bridget Christie, Ed Byrne Poison, Etiquette, Jelly, David Mitchell
12x026 January 2014Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore, Rufus Hound Eton, Babies, Russia, Hats
12x0313 January 2014Henning Wehn, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Graeme Garden, Jeremy Hardy Trees, Spain, Doctors, Newspapers
12x0420 January 2014Lloyd Langford, Lucy Porter, Tom Wrigglesworth, Fred MacAulayWomen, Japan, Owls, Potatoes
12x0527 January 2014Marcus Brigstocke, Holly Walsh, John Finnemore, Rufus Hound Board games, Salt, Guinea pigs, Actors
12x063 February 2014Jeremy Hardy, Graeme Garden, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Henning Wehn The Clergy, Beetles, Novels, The British

Series 13

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
13x017 April 2014Alex Horne, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore, Jack DeeBirds, Witches, Pubs, Shoes
13x0214 April 2014Lloyd Langford, Katherine Ryan, Jon Richardson, Graeme GardenWhales, Canada, Pigs, Buses
13x0321 April 2014Alex Horne, Lucy Beaumont, John Finnemore, Jack Dee Legs, The Internet, Dogs, The Middle Ages
13x0428 April 2014Lloyd Langford, Katherine Ryan, Jon Richardson, Graeme Garden Wales, The Mouth, Fish, Perfume
13x055 May 2014Tony Hawks, Susan Calman, Phill Jupitus, Miles Jupp The Brain, The Victorians, Toads, Cooking
13x0612 May 2014Tony Hawks, Susan Calman, Phill Jupitus, Miles JuppSchool, Bears, Underwear, Bottles

Series 14

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
14x0129 December 2014Lloyd Langford, David O'Doherty , Susan Calman, Josh Widdicombe Penguins, Spoons, Dolls, Letters
14x025 January 2015Ed Byrne, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Richard OsmanIreland, Rules, London, Beavers
14x0312 January 2015Arthur Smith, Sarah Millican, Sandi Toksvig, Graeme GardenDeath, Balloons, Farming, Jane Austen
14x0419 January 2015Ed Byrne, Holly Walsh, Richard Osman, Henning Wehn Ancient Egypt, Ice, Rubbish, British food
14x0526 January 2015Lloyd Langford, Josh Widdicombe, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Fakes, Holes, Cats, Marie Antoinette
14x062 February 2015Arthur Smith, Sarah Millican, Sandi Toksvig, Graeme GardenFat, Smells, Shopping, Gardens

Series 15

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
15x0124 August 2015Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Sara Pascoe , Miles Jupp Magic, Austria, Swans, Onions
15x0231 August 2015Arthur Smith, Jon Richardson, Susan Calman, David O'DohertyPets, Bacteria, Zombies, Water
15x037 September 2015Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp Zoos, Theft, Phones, Hands
15x0414 September 2015Victoria Coren Mitchell, Holly Walsh, Katherine Ryan, Sarah Millican Princesses, Diets, Sauces, Paper
15x0521 September 2015Arthur Smith, Jon Richardson, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Yorkshire, Soft drinks, Skin, Pirates
15x0628 September 2015Holly Walsh, Katherine Ryan, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Sarah Millican IKEA, Marriage, Switzerland, Chewing gum

Series 16

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
16x014 April 2016Jon Richardson, Henning Wehn, Susan Calman, Jack DeeMilk, Tattoos, Supermarkets, Vladimir Putin
16x0211 April 2016 Joe Lycett, Sam Simmons, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman Kitchens, Pigeons, Breakfast cereal, The Vatican
16x0318 April 2016 Elis James, Maeve Higgins , Reginald D. Hunter, David O'DohertyThe 1970s, The Moon, Toys, Electricity
16x0425 April 2016Joe Lycett, Sam Simmons, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman Jokes, Ghosts, Reality TV, Lego
16x052 May 2016Jon Richardson, Henning Wehn, Susan Calman, Jack Dee Funerals, British aristocracy, Nudity, Rubber
16x069 May 2016Elis James, Maeve Higgins, Reginald D. Hunter, David O'Doherty Gifts, Fashion, Women, Songs

Series 17

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
17x013 October 2016Holly Walsh, Lloyd Langford, Rich Hall , Henning Wehn Mosquitoes, Flags, Roads, North Korea
17x0210 October 2016Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Rich Hall, Lloyd Langford Tom Cruise, Basketball, Wood, McDonald's
17x0317 October 2016Tony Hawks, Vicki Pepperdine , Clive Anderson, Richard OsmanChairs, Medicine, Prisons, Video games
17x0424 October 2016Tony Hawks, Vicki Pepperdine, Clive Anderson, Richard OsmanAustralia, Leather, Oil, Crisps
17x0531 October 2016John Finnemore, Jeremy Hardy, Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle Donald Trump, Musicals, Weddings, Oxbridge
17x067 November 2016John Finnemore, Jeremy Hardy, Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle Spies, Fire, Norfolk, The Beatles

Series 18

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
18x013 April 2017John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Miles JuppSheep, Islands, Steve Jobs, Beans
18x0210 April 2017John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Miles Jupp Names, Germany, Secrets, Nudity
18x0317 April 2017David O'Doherty, Marcus Brigstocke, Zoe Lyons, Richard Osman Bicycles, Wine, Trees, Chocolate
18x0424 April 2017David O'Doherty, Marcus Brigstocke, Zoe Lyons, Richard OsmanColour, Vegetables, Pizzas, Carpets
18x051 May 2017Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Elis James, Frankie BoyleDucks, Oliver Cromwell, Words, Astronauts
18x068 May 2017Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Elis James, Frankie Boyle Delia Smith, Robots, Rain, Facebook

Series 19

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
19x012 October 2017Arthur Smith, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Richard Osman Cows, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Students, Dolphins
19x029 October 2017Arthur Smith, Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Richard OsmanSugar, Chickens, Aeroplanes, Kanye West
19x0316 October 2017Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Ellie Taylor , John FinnemoreDinosaurs, People's Republic of China, Cake, Bees
19x0423 October 2017Lloyd Langford, Henning Wehn, Ellie Taylor, John Finnemore Boxing, Snails, Bras, Parents
19x0530 October 2017Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Fred MacAulayTwins, Sean Connery, Golf, Photography
19x066 November 2017Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Mark Steel, Fred MacAulay Doughnuts, Jellyfish, Twitter, Star Wars

Series 20

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
20x012 April 2018John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Graeme GardenThe Police, Submarines, Books, Spiders
20x029 April 2018Richard Osman, Elis James, Sindhu Vee, Alan DaviesGoogle, Rugby, Bananas, Crabs
20x0316 April 2018Arthur Smith, Jack Dee, Lucy Porter, Lloyd LangfordRabbits, Inventions, Butterflies, Drugs
20x0423 April 2018John Finnemore, Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Graeme Garden The Rolling Stones, Vegetarianism, Eggs, Harry Potter
20x0530 April 2018Richard Osman, Elis James, Sindhu Vee, Alan DaviesBuses, Dancing, Monkeys, Statues
20x067 May 2018Arthur Smith, Jack Dee, Lucy Porter, Lloyd Langford Walking, NASA, Soap operas, Poets

Series 21

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
21x0124 December 2018Sandi Toksvig, Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Denmark, Hair, Smells, Fish
21x0231 December 2018Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Sleep, Mobile Phones, Stealing, Pets
21x037 January 2019Sandi Toksvig, Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Graeme Garden Drunkenness, Passports, Orange, The Weather
21x0414 January 2019Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd LangfordHolidays, Queens, Teeth, Ants
21x0521 January 2019Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Susan Calman, David O'Doherty Nuts, Birds, Urine, Traditions
21x0628 January 2019Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Houses of Parliament, Wolves, Trains, Punishments

Series 22

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
22x011 April 2019Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Luisa Omielan, Jack Dee Mice, Las Vegas, Beyoncé, Rubbish
22x028 April 2019Tony Hawks, Sindhu Vee, Susan Calman, Graeme GardenSwimming, Mothers, Magazines, Clowns
22x0315 April 2019Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Frankie BoyleGermany, Babies, Trousers, Beards
22x0422 April 2019Richard Osman, Holly Walsh, Luisa Omielan, Jack Dee Names, Frogs, Paper, Parrots
22x0529 April 2019Tony Hawks, Sindhu Vee, Susan Calman, Graeme GardenKings, Snakes, Make Up, Hats
22x066 May 2019Henning Wehn, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Frankie BoyleTime, Driving, The Spice Girls, Scotland

Series 23

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
23x0130 December 2019Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Sally Phillips Dogs, Actors, Rules, Finland
23x026 January 2020Sindhu Vee, Lloyd Langford, Susan Calman, Graeme GardenFlowers, Rappers, Cheese, Winston Churchill
23x0313 January 2020 [23] Neil Delamere , Cally Beaton, Lou Sanders, Marcus BrigstockeRats, The Netherlands, Human body, Chocolate
23x0420 January 2020 [24] Tony Hawks, Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Sally Phillips Words, Elvis Presley, Education, Ferrets
23x0527 January 2020 [25] Sindhu Vee, Lloyd Langford, Susan Calman, Graeme Garden Names, Bob Dylan, Superheroes, Meat
23x063 February 2020 [26] Neil Delamere, Cally Beaton, Lou Sanders, Marcus Brigstocke Vikings, Language, Kissing, Religion

Series 24

Series 24 was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown, with each panelist performing at home. [27]

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
24x0115 June 2020Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle Musical Instruments, Recipes, Pets, Women
24x0222 June 2020Lucy Porter, Sean Lock, Zoe Lyons, Jack Dee Country and Western Music, Jobs, Sharks, The 1970s
24x0329 June 2020Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Sindhu Vee, Neil DelamereFurniture, Birthdays, Phobias, Rocks
24x046 July 2020Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie BoyleBread, ABBA, Men, Experiments
24x0513 July 2020Henning Wehn, Lou Sanders, Sindhu Vee, Neil DelamereGuns, Magic, Berries, Crocodiles
24x0620 July 2020Lucy Porter, Sean Lock, Zoe Lyons, Jack Dee Poison, Heavy Metal, Painters, Winter Sports

Series 25

Series 25 was also recorded with the panellists performing from home during lockdown. Two episodes featured three teams of two rather than four panellists playing individually (all three teams consisted of married couples).

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
25x0111 January 2021 [28] Frankie Boyle, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Holly WalshLondon, Names, Divorce, Bats
25x0218 January 2021 [29] Henning Wehn, Sindhu Vee, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd Langford Eurovision, Vegetarians, Squid, Bananas
25x0325 January 2021 [30] Marcus Brigstocke and Rachel Parris , Gary Delaney and Sarah Millican, Justin Edwards and Lucy PorterMarriage, Rabbits, Crisps
25x041 February 2021Holly Walsh, Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Frankie Boyle Puppets, Spying, Religion, Glasgow
25x058 February 2021Henning Wehn, Sindhu Vee, Zoe Lyons, Lloyd LangfordGhosts, Goats, Fighting, Sound
25x0615 February 2021Rachel Parris and Marcus Brigstocke, Sarah Millican and Gary Delaney, Lucy Porter and Justin EdwardsHorses, Valentine's Day, Nudity

Series 26

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
26x0126 July 2021Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Richard OsmanAncient Romans, Tea, Crustaceans, Balls
26x022 August 2021Tony Hawks, Fern Brady, Ria Lina, Rufus HoundSnails, Wives, Germs, Biscuits
26x039 August 2021Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle, Sally Phillips, Neil DelamereDolls, Laughter, Tennis, Philosophers
26x0416 August 2021Holly Walsh, Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Richard OsmanInsects, Words, Parties, Supermarkets
26x0523 August 2021Rufus Hound, Fern Brady, Ria Lina, Tony HawksMushrooms, Milk, Monkeys, Children
26x0630 August 2021Lucy Porter, Neil Delamere, Sally Phillips, Frankie BoyleSinging, Shopping, Moths, Football

Series 27

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
27x0110 January 2022Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Justin EdwardsPigs, Underwear, Camels, Sausages
27x0217 January 2022 Pippa Evans, Geoff Norcott, Fern Brady, Simon EvansShoes, Beer, Diets, Metal
27x0324 January 2022Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Lou Sanders, Justin EdwardsJackie Chan, Blood, Marsupials, Beds
27x0431 January 2022Richard Osman, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Ria LinaMistakes, Bicycles, Dogs, Death
27x057 February 2022Pippa Evans, Geoff Norcott, Fern Brady, Simon EvansCars, Coca-Cola, Donkeys, Tomatoes
27x0614 February 2022Richard Osman, Henning Wehn, Holly Walsh, Ria LinaGlasses, Squirrels, Alexander the Great, China

Series 28

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
28x014 April 2022 [31] Alan Davies, Lucy Porter, Holly Walsh, Tony HawksAdvertising, Essex, Candles, Water
28x0211 April 2022 [32] Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Sindhu Vee, Marcus BrigstockeWindows, Ants, Rice, Ancient Egyptians
28x0318 April 2022 [33] Lou Sanders, Ria Lina, Milton Jones, Chris McCausland Magazines, The Human Body, Golf, Computers
28x0425 April 2022 [34] Lucy Porter, Holly Walsh, Tony Hawks, Alan DaviesScouting, Hair, South Korea, Nicolas Cage
28x052 May 2022 [35] Henning Wehn, Zoe Lyons, Sindhu Vee, Marcus BrigstockeColours, Ice Cream, Apples, Alcoholic Spirits
28x069 May 2022 [36] Lou Sanders, Ria Lina, Milton Jones, Chris McCauslandFlowers, Wood, Underground, Goldfish

Series 29

EpisodeFirst broadcastGuestsSubjects
29x0129 May 2023 [37] Alan Davies, Holly Walsh, Angela Barnes, Henning WehnHorses, Cleaning, Airports, New Zealand
29x025 June 2023 [38] Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, Neil Delamere, Kerry Godliman Beauty, Tea, Giraffes, Dancing
29x0312 June 2023 [39] Alan Davies, Holly Walsh, Angela Barnes, Henning WehnPubs, The postal service, Maps, Languages
29x0419 June 2023 [40] Lucy Porter, Marcus Brigstocke, Richard Osman, Ria LinaFrench, Bans, Hippos, Superstition
29x0526 June 2023 [41] Lou Sanders, Phil Wang, NeilDelamere, Kerry GodlimanHorror, Chefs, the Greeks, Pipes
29x063 July 2023 [42] Lucy Porter, Marcus Brigstocke, Richard Osman, Ria LinaPopes, Insurance, Norway, Surgery

International versions

Members from the Australian comedy group The Chaser, including Craig Reucassel, Andrew Hansen and Julian Morrow, have produced a TV series based on the British series. [43]

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References

Notes

  1. The show's theme tune is an extract from My Patch by English singer-songwriter Jim Noir. [6]

General

Specific

  1. 1 2 3 4 "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth". Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  2. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 24, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  4. 1 2 Guide, British Comedy. "About The Unbelievable Truth". Comedy.co.uk. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  5. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth".
  6. "My Patch (Radio Edit) - YouTube". YouTube . Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  7. Williams, Zoe (25 March 2009). "Radio head". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
  8. Elgot, Jessica (4 November 2009). "Peep Show's David Mitchell in Anne Frank row". The Jewish Chronicle . Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  9. "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2011 results". British Comedy Guide.
  10. "Comedy.co.uk Awards 2016 results". British Comedy Guide.
  11. "BBC Radio 4 – The Unbelievable Truth – Episode guide". BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  12. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  13. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 30 June 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  14. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007h3lk [ dead link ]
  15. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007jclz [ dead link ]
  16. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 1, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  17. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 23 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  18. "BBC Radio 4 Extra - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  19. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  20. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 4". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  21. "BBC Radio 4 Extra - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 5". Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  22. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 2, Episode 6". Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  23. "BBC Radio 4 – The Unbelievable Truth, Series 23, Episode 3". BBC. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  24. "Anna Tomlinson on Instagram: "Thanks again to Mr Charnick for getting tickets for the recording of #TheUnbelievableTruth. #HenningWehn #HollyWalsh #SallyPhillips and…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  25. "Super night recording The Unbelievable Truth with @RealDMitchell @sindhuvfunny @GraemeGarden1 and Lloyd Langford. An absolute treat". Twitter. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  26. "Spent nearly 3 hrs yesterday pretending to be as funny as these people. Thank god for edit suites @BBCRadio4 @RealDMitchell @LouSanders @neildelamere #unbelievabletruths #unbelievabletheyhadmeon #showbiz". Twitter. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  27. The Unbelievable Truth. 24. Vol. 1. BBC Radio 4. 15 June 2020.
  28. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 1". Archived from the original on 10 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  29. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 2". Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  30. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 25, Episode 3". Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  31. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 28, Episode 1".
  32. "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 2 - BBC Sounds".
  33. "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 3 - BBC Sounds".
  34. "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 4 - BBC Sounds".
  35. "The Unbelievable Truth - Series 28 - Episode 5 - BBC Sounds".
  36. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 28, Episode 6".
  37. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 1".
  38. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 2".
  39. "BBC Radio 4 - the Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 3".
  40. "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 4". BBC. 19 June 2023. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  41. "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 5". BBC. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  42. "BBC Radio 4 - The Unbelievable Truth, Series 29, Episode 6". BBC. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  43. "Comedians chase down Seven show". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2021.