BBC Radio 4 Extra TV Guide & Program Listings
united kingdom
The Doomed Oasis
3/6. On the trail of his missing client in Arabia, English lawyer George Grant is taken to an oasis. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
2/8. Investigating the 'murder' of a student, the sleuth wonders if he really is dead. Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Men of Intelligence
6/6. There's a mole about, and a spycatcher extraordinaire is on the case. Stars William Vandyck and Douglas Hodge. From 1993.
The Missing Hancocks - The New Neighbour
The Lad has a new neighbour, whose night-time routine is very, very suspicious... Stars Kevin McNally. From 2019.
Conversations from a Long Marriage
1/6. The couple still strive to keep passion alive. What happens when Amy moves in? Stars Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. From 2023.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
8/10. Adrian makes several attempts to write Marigold a letter ending their relationship. The Iraq War begins. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
3/10. Still intent on recounting the story of his birth, Tristram introduces us to the odious Dr Slop. Stars Neil Dudgeon.
The Write Stuff
5/5. James Walton hosts the literary quiz with Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Tracey MacLeod and Jonathan Myerson. From 2003.
Our Country's Good
4 Extra Debut. Sent to Australia's first penal colony in 1787, convicts and marines attempt to stage a play. Stars Nicholas Le Prevost.
Jessica Fostekew: Sturdy Girl Club
3/4. Who says heavy can't be funny? A look at 'unladylike' sports and those who do them, fully unpacking muscularity vs femininity.
Mitch Benn's Crimes Against Music
2/6. Mitch goes in search of the perfect love song - via a children's encyclopaedia and ox-bow lakes. With Robin Ince. From 2005.
Everyone Quite Likes Justin
4/6. The life-juggling Manchester DJ also has to cope with a game of golf. Stars Justin Moorhouse and Anne Reid. From 2012.
The Skewer
4/5. Jon Holmes remixes the week's current affairs into a satirical comedy concept album. This week: Ed Sheeran on a loop, and Ed Davey and the Liberal Democrats on a hiding to nothing.
The Goldfish Bowl
4/8. As Susan turns 40, her two goldfish ponder the concept of time. Stars Shaun Prendergast and Hamish McColl. From 1998.
Archive on 4 - Lives in a Landscape
Alan Dein explores what's changed - and unchanging - in our nation using the 'Lives in a Landscape' series archive. From 2015.
The Doomed Oasis
3/6. On the trail of his missing client in Arabia, English lawyer George Grant is taken to an oasis. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
2/8. Investigating the 'murder' of a student, the sleuth wonders if he really is dead. Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Men of Intelligence
6/6. There's a mole about, and a spycatcher extraordinaire is on the case. Stars William Vandyck and Douglas Hodge. From 1993.
The Missing Hancocks - The New Neighbour
The Lad has a new neighbour, whose night-time routine is very, very suspicious... Stars Kevin McNally. From 2019.
Conversations from a Long Marriage
1/6. The couple still strive to keep passion alive. What happens when Amy moves in? Stars Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. From 2023.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
8/10. Adrian makes several attempts to write Marigold a letter ending their relationship. The Iraq War begins. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
3/10. Still intent on recounting the story of his birth, Tristram introduces us to the odious Dr Slop. Stars Neil Dudgeon.
The Write Stuff
5/5. James Walton hosts the literary quiz with Sebastian Faulks, John Walsh, Tracey MacLeod and Jonathan Myerson. From 2003.
The Great Pursuit
3/4. With arson and kidnapping in the air, is literary agent Frederick Frensic getting out of his depth? Stars Mark Heap. From 2005.
The Life and Loves of a She Devil
1/2. A wronged woman plans diabolical punishments for her husband and his mistress. Darkly comic fairy tale starring Hattie Morahan.
The Doomed Oasis
4/6. Hunting a missing client, English lawyer George Grant discovers new sources of oil in Arabia. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
3/8. The chase hots up as Paul Temple meets a murder suspect. Is she aware of a vital clue? Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Capital Gains
1/4. Accidental billionaire Julius Hutch turns to politics over a compulsory purchase order. Starring Peter Jones. From 1997.
The Burkiss Way
10/15. Desert Island wobbles and some quirky documentaries. Starring Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett, Fred Harris and Nigel Rees. From 1978.
ReincarNathan
4/6. Dead popstar Nathan Blakely is reincarnated - as a leafcutter ant. Stars Daniel Rigby and Ashley McGuire. From 2022.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
9/10. Glenn calls from Basra and "Brainbox" Henderson comes to Adrian's rescue in more ways than one. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
4/10. Telling his life story, Tristram still has not managed to get beyond being born. Stars Neil Dudgeon and David Troughton.
Omid Djalili: Namaste
3/4. Omid explores social media, algorithms, cancel culture and our addiction to the outrage machine.
Oliver Burkeman is Busy
4/5. Does being busy make us feel we're heroes struggling against the odds or by never sitting still we can avoid our problems?
Daily Service
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music led by Richard Carter.
Great Lives - Roald Dahl
Neurologist Professor Tom Solomon chooses the writer (and former patient), Roald Dahl. With Matthew Parris. From 2014.
A Ram for the Rebels
4 Extra Debut. Gerry Anderson follows in the wake of John P Holland, the Irish schoolteacher who invented the modern submarine. From 2004.
The Doomed Oasis
4/6. Hunting a missing client, English lawyer George Grant discovers new sources of oil in Arabia. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
3/8. The chase hots up as Paul Temple meets a murder suspect. Is she aware of a vital clue? Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Capital Gains
1/4. Accidental billionaire Julius Hutch turns to politics over a compulsory purchase order. Starring Peter Jones. From 1997.
The Burkiss Way
10/15. Desert Island wobbles and some quirky documentaries. Starring Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett, Fred Harris and Nigel Rees. From 1978.
ReincarNathan
4/6. Dead popstar Nathan Blakely is reincarnated - as a leafcutter ant. Stars Daniel Rigby and Ashley McGuire. From 2022.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
9/10. Glenn calls from Basra and "Brainbox" Henderson comes to Adrian's rescue in more ways than one. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
4/10. Telling his life story, Tristram still has not managed to get beyond being born. Stars Neil Dudgeon and David Troughton.
My Generation
Stuart Maconie tests how much people of different ages know about their own decades, and those of their opponents. From 2020.
Two Doors Down
3/4. Clare's in a flap over a dinner guest and his dog, so cleaner Sally stays on to help. Stars Frances Tomelty. From 2001.
The Life and Loves of a She Devil
2/2. Ruth's campaign to punish her husband and his mistress advances and she will stop at nothing to get her way. Stars Barnaby Kay.
Great Lives - Tom Solomon on Roald Dahl
Neurologist Professor Tom Solomon chooses the writer (and former patient), Roald Dahl. With Matthew Parris. From 2014.
A Ram for the Rebels
4 Extra Debut. Gerry Anderson follows in the wake of John P Holland, the Irish schoolteacher who invented the modern submarine. From 2004.
The Doomed Oasis
4/6. Hunting a missing client, English lawyer George Grant discovers new sources of oil in Arabia. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
3/8. The chase hots up as Paul Temple meets a murder suspect. Is she aware of a vital clue? Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Capital Gains
1/4. Accidental billionaire Julius Hutch turns to politics over a compulsory purchase order. Starring Peter Jones. From 1997.
The Burkiss Way
10/15. Desert Island wobbles and some quirky documentaries. Starring Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett, Fred Harris and Nigel Rees. From 1978.
ReincarNathan
4/6. Dead popstar Nathan Blakely is reincarnated - as a leafcutter ant. Stars Daniel Rigby and Ashley McGuire. From 2022.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
9/10. Glenn calls from Basra and "Brainbox" Henderson comes to Adrian's rescue in more ways than one. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
4/10. Telling his life story, Tristram still has not managed to get beyond being born. Stars Neil Dudgeon and David Troughton.
My Generation - Programme 2
Stuart Maconie tests how much people of different ages know about their own decades, and those of their opponents. From 2020.
Random
4 Extra Debut. A family are devastated by sudden, unforeseen disaster. Nadine Marshall stars as the sister, brother, mother and father. Contains strong language.
Two Doors Down
3/4. Clare's in a flap over a dinner guest and his dog, so cleaner Sally stays on to help. Stars Frances Tomelty. From 2001.
Omid Djalili: Namaste
3/4. Omid explores social media, algorithms, cancel culture and our addiction to the outrage machine.
Lemn Sissay's Origin Stories
3/4. Poet Lemn examines how he hid his true self to better fit into the world around him. With Deborah Frances-White. From 2016.
The Comedy Club Interview
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Eleanor Conway speaks to standup comic, dancer and online comedy creator Christopher Hall.
Hearing With Hegley
5/8. The Luton poet is by the sea in Aldeburgh, and gets some help with limericks from comedian Arnold Brown. From 2000.
A Wet Handle
1/5. Ivor Cutler and friends present poems and songs, including 'I Am a Yellow Fly' and the tale of a greasy button. From June 1997.
Rigor Mortis
5/6. Dr Webster is puzzled when his 13 year old daughter isn't keen on a trip to the path lab. Stars Peter Davison. From 2003.
Great Lives - Tom Solomon on Roald Dahl
Neurologist Professor Tom Solomon chooses the writer (and former patient), Roald Dahl. With Matthew Parris. From 2014.
A Ram for the Rebels
4 Extra Debut. Gerry Anderson follows in the wake of John P Holland, the Irish schoolteacher who invented the modern submarine. From 2004.
The Doomed Oasis
4/6. Hunting a missing client, English lawyer George Grant discovers new sources of oil in Arabia. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
3/8. The chase hots up as Paul Temple meets a murder suspect. Is she aware of a vital clue? Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Capital Gains
1/4. Accidental billionaire Julius Hutch turns to politics over a compulsory purchase order. Starring Peter Jones. From 1997.
The Burkiss Way
10/15. Desert Island wobbles and some quirky documentaries. Starring Jo Kendall, Chris Emmett, Fred Harris and Nigel Rees. From 1978.
ReincarNathan
4/6. Dead popstar Nathan Blakely is reincarnated - as a leafcutter ant. Stars Daniel Rigby and Ashley McGuire. From 2022.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
9/10. Glenn calls from Basra and "Brainbox" Henderson comes to Adrian's rescue in more ways than one. Read by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
4/10. Telling his life story, Tristram still has not managed to get beyond being born. Stars Neil Dudgeon and David Troughton.
My Generation - Programme 2
Stuart Maconie tests how much people of different ages know about their own decades, and those of their opponents. From 2020.
Two Doors Down
3/4. Clare's in a flap over a dinner guest and his dog, so cleaner Sally stays on to help. Stars Frances Tomelty. From 2001.
The Life and Loves of a She Devil
2/2. Ruth's campaign to punish her husband and his mistress advances and she will stop at nothing to get her way. Stars Barnaby Kay.
The Doomed Oasis
5/6. George Grant learns that missing David Whittaker may be alive and able to save the oasis. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
4/8. Paul Temple makes a crucial breakthrough in his murder investigation. Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Flying the Flag
8/8. Ambassador Mackenzie packs his diplomatic bags for good, but faces one final crisis. Stars Dinsdale Landen. From 1982.
Beyond Our Ken
11/20. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party awaits Kenneth Horne in Wonderland. With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden. From 1961.
Boswell's Lives
4/4. Boswell meets Gandhi, and attempts to become a better man under his guidance. Stars Miles Jupp and Phaldut Sharma. From 2018.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
10/10. Adrian receives tragic news and acknowledges that he's been living a lie. Will Daisy stand by him? Concluded by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
5/10. After the disaster of Tristram's birth, his father thinks up a scheme to help his unfortunate son. Stars Neil Dudgeon.
Your Mum
4/8. Laura Smyth is joined by comedians Grace Campbell and Luke McQueen to hear about the indelible mark their mothers left on them.
Oliver Burkeman is Busy
5/5. Is the solution to busyness not to work harder and organise ourselves but to indulge in a little idleness?
Daily Service
A space for spiritual reflection with a Bible reading, prayer and a range of Christian music led by Lyndall Bywater.
Soul Music - Praise My Soul
1/5. An exploration of the hymn by Henry Francis Lyte, based on Psalm 103, sung at national events and times of sadness. From 2010.
This Cultural Life - Sting
4 Extra Debut. Musician Sting talks to John Wilson about the experiences and influences that shaped his songwriting career. From 2021.
The Doomed Oasis
5/6. George Grant learns that missing David Whittaker may be alive and able to save the oasis. Stars Tim Munro.
Paul Temple and the Jonathan Mystery
4/8. Paul Temple makes a crucial breakthrough in his murder investigation. Stars Peter Coke and Marjorie Westbury.
Flying the Flag
8/8. Ambassador Mackenzie packs his diplomatic bags for good, but faces one final crisis. Stars Dinsdale Landen. From 1982.
Beyond Our Ken
11/20. The Mad Hatter's Tea Party awaits Kenneth Horne in Wonderland. With Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Betty Marsden. From 1961.
Boswell's Lives
4/4. Boswell meets Gandhi, and attempts to become a better man under his guidance. Stars Miles Jupp and Phaldut Sharma. From 2018.
Adrian Mole and The Weapons of Mass Destruction
10/10. Adrian receives tragic news and acknowledges that he's been living a lie. Will Daisy stand by him? Concluded by Harry McEntire.
Tristram Shandy
5/10. After the disaster of Tristram's birth, his father thinks up a scheme to help his unfortunate son. Stars Neil Dudgeon.
Booked
5/6. Ian McMillan chairs the literary quiz with Roger McGough, Mark Thomas, Miles Kington and Dillie Keane. From 1997.
Spending My Inheritance
5/6. When Brian's parents offer to take him and his family on holiday, he can hardly say no. Stars Kris Marshall. From 2008.
Out Of Season
4 Extra Debut. Four Blackpool residents seek refuge from the cold in an empty promenade café and share their thoughts. Stars Hayley Doherty.
Short Works - Pakistana
4 Extra Debut. A woman of Pakistani heritage grapples with her identity and belonging in Barcelona's vibrant backstreets. Read by Fatima Bhutto.
Soul Music - Praise My Soul
1/5. An exploration of the hymn by Henry Francis Lyte, based on Psalm 103, sung at national events and times of sadness. From 2010.
This Cultural Life - Sting
4 Extra Debut. Musician Sting talks to John Wilson about the experiences and influences that shaped his songwriting career. From 2021.
The Doomed Oasis
5/6. George Grant learns that missing David Whittaker may be alive and able to save the oasis. Stars Tim Munro.
BBC Radio 4 Extra Program Guide & Broadcasting Schedule
BBC Radio 4 Extra is a digital audio station from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) dedicated to comedy, drama, and archive speech entertainment. While primarily an audio service broadcast across digital television platforms and online streaming services, finding an accurate guide and schedule is essential for staying up to date with daily shows, classic archive broadcasts, and upcoming comedy lineups. This guide offers an overview of the station's programming format, advice on accessing daily listings, and guidance on how to check broadcast times.
About BBC Radio 4 Extra
Originally launched as BBC 7 in 2002 and later rebranded as BBC Radio 4 Extra, the station serves as a dedicated archive and speech channel within the BBC's audio portfolio in the United Kingdom. It complements BBC Radio 4 by broadcasting archived radio drama, classic comedy series, science fiction, thrillers, and extended spoken-word content.
As a national broadcaster service, its lineup relies heavily on the rich archive of BBC audio productions alongside original spin-offs and companion programming. Viewers and listeners can access the channel via digital terrestrial television (Freeview), satellite television services (Freesat and Sky), digital cable platforms (Virgin Media), DAB digital radio, and online via the BBC iPlayer / BBC Sounds platform.
Using the BBC Radio 4 Extra TV Guide
Consulting a daily guide allows audiences to plan their listening or viewing across digital TV platforms. Because broadcasting slots run continuously throughout the day and night, the guide highlights key programming blocks categorized by genre and broadcast era.
When reviewing today's or tonight's schedule, you can generally expect listings divided into time blocks:
- Morning & Afternoon Blocks: Classic comedy shows, light drama, and children's archival programming.
- Evening Lineups: Hour-long radio plays, crime fiction adaptations, sci-fi serials, and stand-up comedy specials.
- Late Night & Overnight: Uncut archive dramas, extended readings, and repeat broadcasts for late-night audiences.
Programming times can vary by date, region, and platform provider. Check the latest listings on your provider's electronic program guide (EPG) or official BBC platforms for the most current schedule.
Understanding BBC Radio 4 Extra TV Listings
When reviewing television listings for digital radio channels like BBC Radio 4 Extra, users will encounter specific details designed to help identify upcoming episodes and broadcast times:
- Broadcast Date & Time: Highlights when a show starts and its total duration.
- Episode Title & Series Number: Indicates specific original air dates or archival series information.
- Synopsis: Provides a brief overview of the plot, performers, writers, or original production year.
- Repeat Indicators: Notes whether a broadcast is an encore presentation from earlier in the day or week.
Programming Categories & Genres
BBC Radio 4 Extra features a distinct mix of spoken-word genres curated from decades of broadcasting history:
- Archive Comedy: Classic sitcoms, panel shows, and sketch comedy featuring renowned British performers.
- Drama & Radio Plays: Full-cast dramatizations of classic literature, modern plays, and original audio drama.
- Crime & Thrillers: Detective stories, mystery series, and suspense dramatizations.
- Science Fiction & Fantasy: Cult radio serials, speculative fiction, and audio adventures.
- Factual & Non-Fiction: Documentaries focusing on the arts, history of broadcasting, and biographical profiles.
How to Use the Schedule Effectively
To navigate upcoming listings efficiently, follow these simple steps:
- Select the relevant broadcast date (today, tonight, or upcoming days in the week).
- Filter or browse by time slot (morning, afternoon, prime evening, or overnight).
- Review the program description to confirm episode details or guest appearances.
- Verify your local time zone and platform (Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, or online EPG) to account for regional platform variations.
- Set a reminder on your digital TV set-top box or streaming device if you plan to listen live.
Viewing & Distribution Information
BBC Radio 4 Extra is widely available across the United Kingdom via standard television, radio, and digital channels:
| Platform Type | Access Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Terrestrial (Freeview) | TV Channel Listings | Available UK-wide via TV platform EPGs. |
| Satellite (Freesat / Sky) | Radio / Audio Channel Guide | Listed under radio station channels on satellite receivers. |
| Cable (Virgin Media) | Digital Audio Channels | Accessible through electronic program guide listings. |
| Online & App | BBC Sounds / iPlayer | Live stream and on-demand catch-up availability. |
Regional & Time Zone Differences
BBC Radio 4 Extra operates as a single national service originating from the UK. However, if you are viewing TV listings from outside the UK or through regional satellite setups, ensure your guide adjusts for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST). Furthermore, electronic program guides supplied by individual cable or satellite operators may format listing times according to local system clock settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBC Radio 4 Extra?
BBC Radio 4 Extra is a digital audio broadcast channel operated by the BBC that specializes in archive comedy, radio drama, sci-fi, and speech entertainment.
Where can I find the BBC Radio 4 Extra TV guide?
You can find schedule listings via your television provider's electronic program guide (Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media), online TV schedule directories, or through official BBC digital guides.
What programs air on BBC Radio 4 Extra tonight?
Tonight's lineup typically features archive comedy series, crime dramas, sci-fi serials, and classic radio plays. Check current daily listings for exact show names and broadcast times.
Do program schedules vary by region?
The core broadcast schedule is national across the UK. However, program times displayed on TV guides may vary based on your local time zone or platform provider settings.
How far in advance are TV listings available?
Most electronic program guides and online TV listings provide schedule details up to 7 to 14 days in advance.