Receive the gift of laughter this Christmas, as three stand-up specials, from some of the UK’s favourite comics, will be dropping down the chimney exclusive to Sky Comedy this festive season.

James Acaster dissects the best year of his life to date, 1999, and the worst year, 2017, in his widely raved about stand-up special James Acaster: Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999. No stone goes unturned as he recounts breakups, family holidays, a solar eclipse, therapy and not forgetting ‘that’ moment on The Great British Bake Off.

In Leo Reich’s first TV comedy special, this self-diagnosed ‘important young mind’ faces the swirling uncertainty of our collective future, asking the big questions, such as: “Is this helping?”, “Am I hot?”, and “No offense guys, but literally what is going on?” Treading the line between hilarious stand-up and humourless performance art, Sky exclusive Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?! blends songs, anecdotes, and anxious non-sequiturs in a valiant attempt to raise awareness about important social and political causes… or something.

The nation’s much-loved Chatty Man, Alan Carr brings his fourth solo show Regional Trinket to Sky audiences this winter following a worldwide tour. From the exhilarating high of his star-studded wedding day to the low of lockdown stuck on a farm, a lot has changed since Alan’s last tour, including Alan. Nowadays, it’s all about finding happiness and joy in the small things – why be a national treasure when you can be a Regional Trinket!

These three shows join a host of hilarious stand-up specials from some familiar faces, already available to watch exclusively on Sky Comedy, including Katherine Ryan: Missus; Rob Beckett: Wallop; Nish Kumar: Your Power, Your Control; and Micky Flanagan: An’ Another Fing.

Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content, Sky UK and Ireland, said: “Sky is chuffed to have some of the best British comics on Sky Comedy this winter with three exceptional stand-up specials from James Acaster, Leo Reich, and Alan Carr. With hours of top rate stand-up specials available exclusively on Sky Comedy, there will be no shortage of festive cheer this Christmas.”

James Acaster: “This show is about 2017. And 1999. And a little about 2013. But mostly it’s about 2017. I toured it in 2018 and 2019, when I also filmed it. I spent 2020 editing the show and then released it independently in 2021. Now, in 2023, I’m delighted it’s found a new home on Sky. Bon appetite!”

Leo Reich: “I’m so thrilled that the show will be available in the UK, on Sky and NOW — it was very important to me that Britain be able to witness the monster it has created.”

Alan Carr: “’My Regional Trinket show is coming to Sky, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve toured this show from Nottingham to New York from Lisbon to Los Angeles and I am always blown away by the audience’s reaction to it so for the lovely Sky viewers to sit and enjoy it with their families this Christmas warms the cockles of my heart. Written at probably one of the unhappiest times of my life, it’s turned out to be one of the funniest. My most personal tour to date has turned out to be my biggest yet which just goes to show misery loves company! Enjoy!’

James Acaster: Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 airs 12th December on Sky Comedy and NOW

Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?! airs next month on Sky Comedy and NOW

Alan Carr: Regional Trinket will air this Christmas on Sky Comedy and NOW

Notes to editors

James Acaster: Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 is written and performed by James Acaster; directed by Dan Lucchesi; produced by Stuart Laws & Nick Long; director of photography is Anton McCrae; production design by Paul Bertellotti, and the film editor is Alistair Clayton.

Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?! is an HBO Original comedy special and A24 production; written and performed by Leo Reich; directed by Thomas Hardiman; producers, Bríd Kirby and Chris Quaile; executive producers, A24 and Leo Reich; songs composed by Toby Marlow.

Alan Carr: Regional Trinket is an Off the Kerb TV production; written and performed by Alan Carr; directed by Chris Howe; produced by John McCormack; executive producers include Danny Julian, Amy Dillon and Joe Norris.