Newsjack (A prime example of British cynicism)

A new series has just arrived and there are notable changes this time around, but first why it was so brilliant before.

In it's basic form, Newsjack is a satirical sketch show, with each sketch inspired by current events. What makes it stand out though is that many of the sketches and one-liners have been written by the audience, submitted a few days before airing. This format is not original, having been used with considerable success in Rob Shearman's Chain Gang, where the audience decided where the story went after every episode. This style of writing naturally lends both shows a surreal quality where anything is possible, which both shows provide enthusiastically.

Indeed Newsjack often defies it's satirical jokes for cheap gags like David Wallliams' swimming for charity again and again, but such running jokes are knowing enough to work without being too tiresome. At the heart of these call-backs is the 'host' / 'presenter' for want of a better term, which in the past belonged to Miles Jupp. Best known for his role in Rev, Jupp wowed me from the first time I heard him, a strange mix of playful tone and straight delivery that made me roar with laughter even if the material wasn't always consistently strong. I loved Rev as well and his growing appearances on various panel shows have made his growing reputation possibly a valid reason to leave the show. (This is pure speculation, I have no idea what prompted the change, if you do know I'd be interested)

As such he was replaced by Justin Edwards, who provides a different dynamic to the show. It is not quite as harsh and more light-hearted, which I'm still unsure of yet. Edwards is a fine comedian in his own right and as I've only heard the first episode, it's clearly early days. The show still makes me laugh with it's sheer absurdity though due to the origins not all the sketches work as well. However the "Jack-App", previously known as "Vox Pops" still works brilliantly, essentially a collection of one liners that can be brilliantly incisive. When it's sharp, it's dangerous, but the show is generally good fun and well worth a listen - a worthy sister to The News Quiz and it's ilk.