In a delightful twist of comedy, Prime Video's new series Last One Laughing UK, hosted by Jimmy Carr, has taken the entertainment world by storm. The show, which features a lineup of prominent comedians, challenges them to endure six hours in a room without laughing, adhering to a unique twist on football rules: a yellow card for a giggle and a red card for repeat offenders, resulting in their exit from the game. The ultimate victor is crowned the champion, and the series has quickly climbed to the top of Prime Video's charts, proving to be a hit among viewers.
Among the ten comedians participating in this laughter-filled challenge are the likes of Bob Mortimer, Rob Beckett, Judi Love, Daisy May Cooper, Richard Ayoade, Lou Sanders, Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Kemsley, Joe Lycett, and Sara Pascoe. Their diverse comedic styles cater to a wide audience, from Ayoade’s deadpan humor to Love’s cheeky one-liners. The show’s fly-on-the-wall approach provides an unfiltered glimpse into the comedians' interactions, showcasing their attempts to make each other laugh in a way that traditional panel shows cannot.
In a particularly memorable moment, Bob Mortimer’s absurd magic show, complete with a blaring soundtrack of Queen’s A Kind of Magic, stands out. Additionally, the surprise appearance of Danny Dyer, who tasked the comedians with performing an East End version of Harry Potter, added another layer of hilarity. Wilkinson’s heartfelt speech about the RNLI also had viewers in stitches, proving that the show thrives on unpredictability and silliness.
As the series drew to a close, anticipation built for the final two episodes, which aired on March 27, 2025. The last five comedians remaining in the competition were Mortimer, Kemsley, Ayoade, Sanders, and Beckett, but it soon came down to a nail-biting showdown between Mortimer and Ayoade. Each comedian tried their utmost to make the other laugh, but it was Mortimer’s clever joke about a bloke behind a gravestone that finally broke Ayoade’s stoic demeanor. "As I went to the cemetery, I saw a bloke get up from behind a gravestone. 'Morning,' I said. 'No, just having a s**t,'" Mortimer quipped, sealing his victory.
Reflecting on the intense final moments, Ayoade likened the experience to a cinematic showdown, saying, "It's like [Al] Pacino and [Robert] De Niro in Heat. I'd be De Niro because De Niro is gunned down in the end." Carr, the host, humorously awarded the trophy to Mortimer, stating, "Bob, in a room full of comedians, you are the one most dead inside. Congratulations to Bob Mortimer, the winner of Last One Laughing UK!" This victory, however, came with its challenges, as Mortimer admitted to finding it much harder than anticipated to maintain a straight face throughout the competition.
In a related note, Jimmy Carr's previous game show, Battle In The Box, has recently been shelved after just one series, despite receiving rave reviews. Airing on UKTV's U&Dave channel, the show featured a mix of physical and mental challenges with celebrity contestants like Katherine Ryan, Seann Walsh, and Harriet Kemsley. Despite its popularity, a source revealed to The Sun that there are no current plans for a second series. "Battle in the Box is being rested and no more series are planned for now," the source stated, although they hinted at the possibility of a future return.
While the cancellation of Battle In The Box may be disappointing for fans, Carr's success with Last One Laughing UK seems to have overshadowed this setback. The new show has not only captivated audiences but also provided a refreshing take on the comedy game show format. It has been compared favorably to the long-running series Taskmaster, which has seen its own decline in recent years as it struggles to maintain a strong lineup of well-known comedians.
As Last One Laughing continues to entertain viewers, it’s clear that the series has struck a chord with audiences who appreciate the joy of absurdity and the unpredictability of live comedy. The final episodes have solidified its place as a worthy successor to Taskmaster, proving that laughter is indeed the best medicine, especially when it comes from the most unexpected of places.
Fans can now catch up on all the antics and laughter of Last One Laughing UK on Prime Video, where the journey of these comedians and their hilarious attempts to keep a straight face will surely provide endless entertainment.
