Jack Dee is among the familiar faces set to appear in Amazon Prime Video’s new four-part special, ‘Last One Laughing: Halloween’, which challenges comedians to avoid laughing or screaming. The series, which has garnered “incredible ratings” and “a pair of Baftas” for its previous iterations, sees a line-up of seven comedians attempting to keep a straight face while trying to make their peers crack up.
Jack Dee’s Unexpected Demeanour
Despite his typically gloomy stage persona, Jack Dee has been noted for his surprisingly upbeat appearance in the Halloween special. The Guardian reported that “even Jack Dee looks delighted to be there!”, adding that the “typically gloomy Dee is a delight – the man has never looked so happy to be on TV”. This unexpected demeanour has been highlighted as an ironic twist on his well-known style.
New Rules and Halloween Twist
This special edition introduces a new rule: comedians are banned from both laughing and screaming. While previous series only prohibited laughter, the Halloween theme brings a ghoulish makeover to the format, according to The Telegraph. The comedy chamber is “spruced up with scary dolls and fake headstones”, with actors dressed as zombies on hand for added chills. Contestants also engage in “joker” segments, performing pre-rehearsed routines, often involving bizarre costumes and tricks designed to provoke reactions. Reece Shearsmith, known for his work in horror-comedy, was specifically brought in for his ability to “walk the line between comedy and horror.”
Last One Laughing: Halloween Release Details
The four-part ‘Last One Laughing: Halloween’ special premiered on Amazon Prime Video with the first three episodes released simultaneously. The grand finale, where the winner will be crowned, is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on Friday, 30 October, just in time for All Hallows’ Eve, as reported by Radio Times. UK viewers can access episodes from 8am on their respective release dates. Jimmy Carr returns as the host, overseeing the proceedings.
The Full Line-Up
Alongside Jack Dee, the special features a strong ensemble of comedians. The line-up includes Phil Wang, Reece Shearsmith, Harriet Dyer, and Tom Allen. Additionally, two fan favourites from the first series, Lou Sanders and Daisy May Cooper, make a return to the challenge. The Radio Times highlighted that the comedians will be subjected to “cursed props, ghostly interruptions and spooky surprises,” all intended to catch them off guard. The Telegraph described the cast as running “from the suited and booted Tom Allen to the muted and inscrutable Jack Dee,” also noting a “phlegmatic Lou Sanders and a deadpan Daisy May Cooper.”
