The comedians like Pokka, but the audience doesn’t: Last One Laughing UK is a triumph of a simple idea

A laconic but positive phrase means that the program was fun, but it doesn’t inspire any more detailed description.

Good comedy has also been made about the prohibition of laughing. With English name Last One Laughing the best-known series is simple in concept.

Let’s gather ten comedians in a closed space for six hours. Comedians try to make each other laugh, and the laugher drops out of the game. As the name of the series suggests, the winner is the one that Pokka keeps until the end.

Alun to the Japanese one that premiered ten years ago Documentarybased on the series Last One Laughingista local versions have already been made in more than 30 countries, including Iran, but not in Finland.

It is a bit surprising that in Britain, known for its strong comedy tradition, own Last One Laughing UK didn’t start until spring 2025. And it’s good that it started. At least for the first two seasons, a number of the country’s best-known and best comedians have been included.

The viewer can laugh at that.

BAFTAaward is a recognition given by the British Academy of Film and Television to the best creators in the field. This spring, the award for the best entertainment program performer was received Bob Mortimer of his performance Last One Laughingin in the first season.

Over the decades, the same award has been received by, among others, those who have had a long career Rowan Atkinson, Joanna Lumley and John Cleese.

The 67-year-old Mortimer is also an old-timer who left the work of a lawyer at the end of the 1980s, the comedian agreed Vic Reevesin with and rose to fame.

Mortimer’s the humor is surprising and absurd, but strangely heartfelt, even when he utters obscenities. That’s why it works, even if you don’t know much about British culture and references to other, lesser-known people outside the country.

Last One Laughingissa it shines, among other things, in the songs that Mortimer performs for other comedians. They contort their faces in agony as they try to stifle their laughter. Some run away, but Mortimer follows and continues his song.

I won’t give any more plot revelations or competitor rankings. Except that the ending of the second season is extremely tight.

Last One Laughing UK can be seen on the premium Prime Video streaming service. The series is not subtitled in Finnish, but English subtitles can be helpful.