Last One Laughing UK Season 2 Review: A Masterclass in Comedy
From left: Roisin Conaty, Diane Morgan, Romesh Ranganathan, Mel Giedroyc, Alan Carr, Amy Gledhill, Sam Campbell, Bob Mortimer, and Maisie Adam. Photograph: Simon Ackerman/Getty Images
Season two of Last One Laughing UK is not merely an enjoyably easy-going television experience that leaves viewers helpless with laughter. It also serves as a fascinating exploration of comedy as both an artform and a social practice. What could have been dismissed as a fluke—a simple, even lame-sounding format—has instead produced three hours of the most transcendentally funny television of 2025. This success is no accident; the UK version of this Japanese reality-gameshow returns with a second series that is very nearly as sidesplitting as its predecessor.
The Unchanged Format and Star-Studded Cast
The format remains identical: ten successful comedians spend six hours in a large room, striving not to laugh or smile. A single lapse earns a yellow card, while a second results in ejection. Participants then commentate on the action from separate viewing quarters with host Jimmy Carr and his sidekick Roisin Conaty, who skillfully avoids making her ill-defined role feel painfully awkward. The comics primarily engage in casual banter to provoke laughter, supplemented by a steady stream of interventions. Most will play their "joker"—a specially devised comedy set piece performed largely to silence, showcasing their talent in a way that is both impressive and excruciating to watch. Carr periodically emerges to dish out conversational prompts and orchestrate head-to-head challenges, with special guests making scattered appearances designed to turn frowns upside down.
In the previous series, these potentially cringeworthy features yielded moments of comedy that still evoke smirks, such as Joe Wilkinson's deadpan lecture about the RNLI or Danny Dyer's cameo as a geezer Harry Potter. The standout dynamic between Richard Ayoade and Bob Mortimer, with Mortimer ultimately victorious, set a high bar. Mortimer returns for season two, joined by household names like David Mitchell, Mel Giedroyc, Romesh Ranganathan, Diane Morgan, and Alan Carr. Younger comics, including standups Amy Gledhill and Maisie Adam, plus actor Gbemisola Ikumelo from Black Ops, round out the cast. Although this is the British iteration—one of 30 worldwide—the rules have been bent to include Australian comedian Sam Campbell, who proves to be a spanner in the works.
Hilarious Highlights and Surprising Moments
As the clock counts down, comic tension invariably builds, but by episode two, it is clear that this is the funniest TV show of the year so far. Mortimer masterfully channels a down-to-earth surrealism that his peers find irresistible, and fans of his absurd songs from series one are in for another treat. Alan Carr, known from The Celebrity Traitors, delivers exceptional value as a reality TV contestant, bouncing off Mitchell in unpredictable ways. Mitchell's joker surprises audiences expecting something cerebral with a mesmerising musical theatre performance, potentially creating 2026's most unlikely earworm. Campbell's verdict—"It was really traditional"—adds to the charm.
A large part of Last One Laughing's appeal lies in its light, frothy, and ultimately inconsequential entertainment. However, seeing it for the second time reveals rare insights into comedy. When the comedians meet, they engage in stiff banter typical of acquaintances, making their ability to wholeheartedly commit to on-stage bits—a nightmare for most viewers—even more striking. The show also contains its fair share of unfunny material, but it is fascinating to observe that even when banter falls flat, these professionals never seem embarrassed or deterred.
Why This Show Stands Out
Ideally, the hilarity in the room overshadows any analysis of comedians' psyches or comedic devices. Between set pieces, pranks, cameos, post-show commentary bons mots, and Jimmy Carr's groan-inducing gags, every kind of comedy is covered. This series frequently succeeds, leaving viewers helpless with laughter at least once per episode. While this might sound like a low bar, it is an impressive feat in an era where television barely tries to tickle audiences. The show's unabashed pursuit of actual mirth is not to be sniffed at. Last One Laughing UK is available for streaming on Prime Video now, offering a must-watch experience for comedy enthusiasts.
