Sitcom Geeks

James and Dave celebrate Episode 42 by discussing Life, the Universe and Everything with comedy legend and original Hitchhiker's Guide co-writer John Lloyd. A funny and touching tour of Douglas Adams's brain - plus 40 years of John's great creation, The News Quiz.

James Cary talks to comedy producer Steve Doherty (Have I Got News For You, Never Mind The Buzzcocks) about sketches, The News Huddlines, getting out of London, trains and The Craft of Comedy Festival in Llandudno.

James and Dave, joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham, discuss the shows nominated for the Writers' Guild Best Radio Comedy Award - Guilt Trip, The Pin and John Finnemore's Double Acts. Plus more great advice about writing for the new series of Newsjack, and you get to find out what a 'bottle episode' is.

James Cary and Dave Cohen are joined by Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham to talk about the Writers' Guild of Great Britain Awards, particularly the shows nominated for Best TV Sitcom (People Just Do Nothing, Plebs, Fleabag). They also talk about sitcom trends, story arcs and what even qualifies as a sitcom these days.

Dave and James talk about the pitfalls of story arcs, fixing characters and breaking fourth walls.

In this episode, Dave and James return to the pain and pleasure (and many other p's) of plotting. Plus two 'First Ten Pages'.

In this slightly chaotic and brief edition recorded at the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, Dave Cohen and James Cary are joined by Kay Stonham, Carrie Quinlan, Joel Morris and Abigail Burdess. They talk about money, making your own show and, somehow, unboxing.

Dave and James talk about what makes a sitcom character - and the importance of familiarity, flaws and lack of self-awareness. Plus another brief appearance from the rodents.

Dave and James look at three First Ten Page pages, and answer some listener questions, including what happens when you switch on the TV and realise someone has got to your sitcom idea first. Also featuring guinea pigs.

We all love Dougal, Trigger and Bubble. There is a fine traditional of idiocy in sitcoms. James and Dave talk about the joys and challenges of idiots - and how they can be surprisingly useful.