"Sharp, cynical, and relentlessly relevant, this is the gold standard for viewers who prefer their news with a satirical bite."
Since 1990, Have I Got News for You has served as the definitive ledger of British political absurdity. Anchored by the immovable duo of Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, the series navigates the volatile landscape of Westminster with a sharpness that remains unmatched. As it enters its seventy-first season, the format’s endurance lies in its ability to adapt to a rapid-fire news cycle without losing its satirical bite. The rotating guest hosts provide fresh perspectives, yet the core remains a brutal, intelligent dissection of power and vanity. This institution offers more than just laughs; it provides a necessary, cynical clarity on the week’s headlines. It remains essential viewing for the politically literate. Ensure you track Season 71 for every satirical blow.
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Apr 03, 2026 | Roy Wood Jr, Armando Iannucci, Anushka Asthana | |
| E2 | Apr 10, 2026 | Monty Don, Chris McCausland, Helen Lewis | |
| E3 | Apr 17, 2026 | Gabby Logan, Miles Jupp, Michelle Wolf | |
| E4 | Apr 24, 2026 | Sue Perkins, Finlay Christie, Camilla Long | |
| E5 | May 01, 2026 | Richard Ayoade, Stephen Mangan, Ava Santina Evans | |
| E6 | May 08, 2026 | Steph McGovern, Jon Richardson, Sheila Hancock | |
| E7 | May 15, 2026 | Victoria Coren Mitchell, Bella Hull, Karl Turner | |
| E8 | May 22, 2026 | Alexander Armstrong, Phil Wang, Judi Love | |
| E9 | May 29, 2026 | Katherine Ryan, Jo Coburn, John Tothill | |
| E10 | Jun 05, 2026 | David Tennant, Chloe Petts, Michael Gove |
Release Window: April and October
Have I Got News for You has maintained a steady Biannual rhythm for 34 years, typically returning in April. The series serves as the BBC's satirical backbone, delivering two distinct runs per year. Since its 1990 debut, the production has followed a rigid schedule aligned with major news cycles. This reliability allowed it to move to a flagship slot on BBC One while maintaining high ratings.
Each series consists of nine to eleven episodes, providing a predictable window for political satire. The spring series anchors the April schedule, while the autumn series covers the October to December period. Despite the shift to guest hosts, the transmission dates have remained remarkably fixed for decades.