David Mitchell and Robert Webb Return with New Sketch Show

David Mitchell and Robert Webb have made their long-awaited return to television with their new sketch show, Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping, which premieres on September 5, 2023, on Channel 4. This marks the duo’s first original sketch series in 15 years, offering a vibrant mix of humor that fans of their previous work, particularly That Mitchell and Webb Look, will find nostalgic.

The new show promises to be a lively blend of sketches featuring guest appearances from notable comedians such as Kiell Smith-Bynoe of Ghosts fame and Stevie Martin, a familiar face from Taskmaster. During a recent interview, Mitchell and Webb shared their thoughts on the current comedy landscape, discussing everything from their experiences on Gogglebox to the legacy of classic shows like The Two Ronnies.

Age and Comedy: A Generational Dialogue

A recurring theme in their new series is the perception that younger comedians view Mitchell and Webb as “a couple of old farts.” Webb humorously remarked on this, stating, “Well, hopefully, we’re not about to prove that they are.” Mitchell added that while earlier comedians like the duo from The Two Ronnies were indeed older, society’s perception of age has shifted significantly. He quipped that in the final season of The Two Ronnies, Ronnie Barker was only 36.

The duo pondered the reasons behind the decline of sketch shows in recent years. Mitchell noted that the format has evolved, with many sketches now appearing on platforms like YouTube, which has somewhat satisfied the audience’s appetite for comedic content. He expressed a belief that expense is often overstated, emphasizing that producing a sketch show can be less costly than popular reality series like Gogglebox.

Collaborating with Younger Talent

The decision to incorporate younger comedians into their new series was intentional. Mitchell explained, “It’s important to have people who are under 50 represented in comedy.” He reflected on how they, too, were once emerging talents on Channel 4 and felt a responsibility to provide opportunities for the next generation.

When discussing their most memorable sketches, such as the iconic “Are we the baddies?” and “Numberwang,” Webb acknowledged that predicting audience favorites is challenging. “You can only give them what you think is good, then sit back and wait for hilarious results,” he said.

Their camaraderie remains strong, as evidenced by their long-standing friendship, which includes being best men at each other’s weddings. Webb humorously noted the difficulty of expressing affection in typical English fashion, while Mitchell reassured that their bond is genuine. “Of course we love each other,” he said, although he admitted that such declarations can be awkward in their culture.

As for the logistics of their partnership, Webb revealed, “I was KO’d in the first round” regarding the naming order of their act. Mitchell humorously cited the alphabet as the deciding factor, leading to their well-known branding as Mitchell and Webb.

Looking back, Mitchell reflected on alternate career paths, jokingly suggesting he could have been a jeweler but quickly dismissing the idea of second billing. Webb echoed this sentiment, lamenting the prospect of always being known as “and Webb.”

With their new series set to launch, David Mitchell and Robert Webb are determined to reinvigorate the sketch comedy genre while supporting younger talent, promising a fresh yet familiar experience for viewers.