Joe Wilkinson and David Earl team up for new U&Gold series
Comedians, writers, performers and podcasters Joe Wilkinson and David Earl are teaming up for a brand-new U&Gold series, Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour (3x60’). Bringing their trademark humour, chemistry and deep love of British comedy to the screen, the duo will take viewers on a journey celebrating the nation’s most iconic sitcoms.
Part travelogue, part buddy comedy and part nostalgic celebration, Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour sees the pair explore their shared passion for classic British sitcoms. Each episode focuses on a beloved show — The Office, Porridge and Fawlty Towers — as Joe and David revisit famous locations, relive unforgettable scenes and meet some of the people who helped create these comedy landmarks.
In the episode dedicated to The Office, the pair catch up with Ricky Gervais, the show’s co-creator, co-writer and star, who famously played David Brent. To their delight, they’re treated to an intimate rendition of Brent’s legendary song Freelove Freeway.
Speaking about the project, Joe Wilkinson said:
“I’ve been obsessed with sitcoms since I was a lad, so hunting about for locations and other bits and bobs related to some of my favourite shows is like a dream come true…and that’s why I refused to take a fee for this job.”
David Earl added:
“I’m very grateful to UKTV for giving us the chance to make this series, something me and Joe have been talking about for ages. It honestly feels like I’ve won a competition where the prize is stepping through the TV screen into my favourite sitcom worlds. This 51 year old man is very happy indeed.”
Across the three episodes, Joe and David will take turns planning themed and surprising days out for one another. Their journey will see them recreating iconic moments, unearthing fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and sharing their infectious enthusiasm for the shows that helped shape British comedy.
Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour has been commissioned for UKTV by Mark Iddon, Senior Commissioning Editor, Comedy Entertainment, and ordered by Gerald Casey, Director of Programming, Comedy and Entertainment, and Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning. The series is produced by Zeppotron (a Banijay UK company), with James Fidler as Series Producer and Peter Holmes as Executive Producer, and co-produced by Big Oval Plate, with Joe Wilkinson and David Earl also serving as Executive Producers.
Mark Iddon said:
“Joe Wilkinson and David Earl are the U&Gold audience. They don’t just admire these sitcoms, they love them with the same passion our viewers do. That’s what makes this show feel so special. It’s like watching two fans take us all along on their own personal love letter to comedy classics. They’re hilarious together, and that shared obsession means our audience will embrace them as one of their own.”
Gerald Casey added:
“It’s an absolute delight to welcome Joe Wilkinson and David Earl back to U&Gold. Two of the country’s funniest men exploring our funniest shows, viewers are in for a treat.”
Peter Holmes said:
“This show is the very definition of that overused TV term ‘passion project’. Joe and David love sitcoms and their affection for the form and for each other make them the perfect pair to take us on a tour of these comedy classics.”
The new series joins a strong slate of comedy programming on U&Gold. This month, the channel aired a live recording of Fawlty Towers – The Play, with a Good Life 50th anniversary retrospective (The Good Life: Inside Out) set to follow next month. Earlier this year, viewers enjoyed Neil & Martin’s Bon Voyage with Neil Morrissey and Martin Clunes, and in early 2026, the channel will premiere Becoming Victoria Wood, a feature-length documentary on the legendary comedian’s life, which will also receive a nationwide theatrical release.
Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour will air on U&Gold in 2026.