TV tonight: Joe Lycett broadcasts live from an East End pub – what could possibly go wrong?
Channel 4 airs the first episode of Joe Lycett's new live series in which the comedian takes on the role of landlord at a brand-new East End pub, the Lycett Arms. Broadcast live for an hour every Friday at 10pm, the show sees Lycett welcome celebrity co-managers and guests alongside regular punters, with the format promising unpredictable, unscripted moments. Its appeal lies partly in the stated aim of celebrating and supporting struggling pubs, and partly in the genuine uncertainty over how smoothly things will run, given Lycett reportedly failed to complete the exam required for an alcohol licence and appealed for help on Instagram.
The listing also rounds up other picks for the evening: BBC Four profiles conductor Marin Alsop ahead of the Proms (7pm); U&Drama continues its cosy murder-mystery series with Brooke Shields (8pm); BBC Two concludes a two-part crime drama (9pm); ITV1's legal drama The Rainmaker builds to a courtroom clash between stars Milo Callaghan and John Slattery (9pm); and Sky One shows a Jon Hamm comedy (12.15am) and live Women's Super League football between London City and Manchester United (6pm). A film choice, Athina Rachel Tsangari's 2024 adaptation Harvest, also airs on BBC Two at 11.05pm.
- Joe Lycett opens a real East End pub, broadcast live weekly on Channel 4.
- He reportedly hasn't passed the licensing exam yet, adding unpredictability.
- Other picks include The Rainmaker's courtroom finale and live WSL football.
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Joe Lycett is a British comedian whose television work often mixes entertainment with stunts and audience participation. In this series, he takes on the role of landlord at the Lycett Arms, a new pub in London’s East End, with celebrity co-managers and guests alongside local customers.
The show is presented live, so conversations and events may not go to plan. Lycett has reportedly not completed the exam needed for an alcohol licence and has asked for help, adding a practical question to the programme’s premise.
The series also says it aims to celebrate and support pubs facing difficulties. Pubs are a familiar part of British community life, but many have struggled with rising costs and changing habits, making their future a subject of wider interest.