BBC launches comedy series for smart speakers

The BBC has launched a nightly comedy series for smart speakers that will run for the duration of this month’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

BBC Late Night Laugh will feature bitesize chunks of comedy across 25 episodes, focusing on new comedy talent appearing at the Edinburgh Festival.

Comedy will be available from 6pm each evening by asking for ‘BBC Late Night Laugh’ or ‘give me a late night laugh’ on Amazon Alexa, Apple HomePod or Google Home devices. BBC Late Night Laugh will also be available on BBC iPlayer Radio.

“We want to give people a way of getting into the spirit of the Fringe even if they’re not in Edinburgh,” said Brett Spencer, assistant editor, BBC Voice.

“Late Night Laugh for smart speakers gives people a little taste of the eclectic mix of styles the Fringe is famous for, with a short skit every night from some fantastic acts.”

Julia McKenzie, head of radio comedy, BBC Studios, said: “As the largest producer of audio comedy in the UK, we’re keen to find new ways to work with exceptional comedy talent and, as comedians and comedy fans head up to Edinburgh for the Fringe, this is the perfect time to do that.”

Late Night Laugh is produced by BBC Studios in collaboration with the BBC’s Voice team. It follows on from other dedicated voice content for smart speakers, including the ‘Take Me To…’ series for the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Tour De France.