Comedian Russell Howard has said he does not do television shows any more as he plans to focus on his stand-up and podcast career.
The 44-year-old hosted Russell Howard’s Good News on the BBC and The Russell Howard Hour on Sky for many years and made regular appearances on comedy panel shows including Mock The Week.
Howard said he is focusing his attention on his live stand-up shows and two podcasts – Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things and the sports-focused GoalLess.
I had a pretty good run, I just prefer doing stand-up
Appearing on the Have A Word podcast, he said: “I don’t do TV any more, I just do stand-up and my podcast.”
Asked if he was done with TV, Howard added: “Yeah, I had a pretty good run, I just prefer doing stand-up…
“I did like 300 gigs on the tour so it was properly kicking it in to shape. That was all over the world and it was just fun.”
Reflecting on touring as a stand-up, he added: “TV is fun but it’s not as fun. Writing a book I couldn’t do because I don’t want to sit and entertain myself but doing stand-up is what I love doing.”
“It’s not entertainment through committee, it’s your dictatorship,” he continued.
“Then you have this idea and you’ve got to be honest because the audience are like this brilliant jury that let you know through laughter whether it works or not.”
Russell Howard’s Good News, which saw the comic offer commentary on the news of the week through stand-up and sketches, ran from 2009 to 2015.
It was followed by The Russell Howard Hour, which saw him give his thoughts and opinions on current topics as well as interviewing guests.
As well as Mock The Week, he has appeared on 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Would I Lie To You?.
