Angry news reporter Jonathan Pie is known for his hugely popular online rants, satirising the world of politics. Now, in a new podcast series on BBC Sounds, commissioned by BBC Radio 4, he finds himself confronted with the views of the general public as he takes to the airwaves for a brand-new late-night phone-in show, with unexpected results…

Behind the scenes, listeners will hear Pie’s frequent clashes with his production team, as well as BBC senior management. For the first time, listeners will get insight into the personal life of this acclaimed character, as he battles with his ex-wife and his agent, struggling to keep control amid the challenges of a rapidly changing world. More used to interviewing vapid politicians with their prepared lines, Pie will find he’s a fish out of water in his attempts to deal with the general public and their “barely sentient” opinions — which they’re all too willing to share with him. Pie takes no prisoners, skewering callers from all sides of the political spectrum.

Writer and comedian Tom Walker first created Jonathan Pie in 2016 and has become a huge online success with millions of fans across Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. This sitcom, Pie’s first radio series, offers an opportunity for him to direct his anger towards everything from ‘women’s issues’ to cancel culture, the NHS, identity politics and the BBC itself.

The 10-part boxset will drop on Friday 9th June on BBC Sounds, with a Radio 4 broadcast this summer (date TBA).

Julia McKenzie, Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner, BBC Radio 4, says: “I’ve long been a fan of Tom’s acerbic creation Jonathan Pie, and I’m excited to bring his distinctive satirical flavour to BBC Radio 4. Tom’s writing is crisp, sharp and deliciously coruscating of anyone and everyone, and the characters around him are equally canny. You’ll find yourself asking: did he really say that?”

Tom Walker says: “It’s really exciting to see Pie interact with such an array of other characters for the first time, in his new podcast for the BBC. It brings him to life in a way that fans will not have seen before. For others, this part sitcom, part spoof phone-in show, will be a perfect introduction into Pie’s world.”

Credits

Written by Tom Walker
Produced by Alison Vernon-Smith, Yada Yada Productions for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds
Commissioned by Julia McKenzie, Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner, BBC Radio 4

Cast

Jonathan Pie – Tom Walker
Jules – Lucy Pearman
Sam – Aqib Khan
Roger – Nick Revell
Agent – Daniel Abelson
Callers – Bryony Corrigan, Emma Thornett, Daniel Abelson, Adam Byron, Ellie Dobing

Producer – Alison Vernon-Smith
Production Coordinator – Ellie Dobing
Sound Engineer – Julian Mayers