BBC R4 Ex TV Guide & Program Schedule
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To Serve Them All My Days
2/5. Despite clashing with the science master, Davy settles into school life and his wife is expecting. Stars Oliver Milburn.
The Outside Child
2/5. When Jane unearths clues to her past, she makes up her mind to track down her secret family. Read by Zelah Clarke.
Flying the Flag
4/8. Ambassador Mackenzie witnesses the movie-making prowess of the People's Republic up close. Stars Dinsdale Landen. From 1992.
Beyond Our Ken
7/20. Kenneth Horne visits his local music shop - and waltzes back to the Vienna of 1845. With Kenneth Williams. From 1961.
Robin Ince's Reality Tunnel
Comedian Robin Ince continues his exploration of the nature of reality, as he goes 'Outside Robin Ince'. From 2022.
Flush
5/5. As time passes in Florence, Elizabeth's devoted spaniel Flush begins to feel his age. Concluded by Jenny Coverack.
The Offing
6/10. Robert makes an unexpected discovery when he begins to clear out the shack in Dulcie's garden. Read by Kevin Whately.
Booked
1/6. Ian McMillan's irreverent literary game with Mark Thomas, Dillie Keane, Rory Motion and Roger McGough. From 1997.
Spending My Inheritance
1/6. Cash-strapped 40-something Harry decides to throw his dad a 65th birthday party. Stars Kris Marshall. From November 2008.
Mr Betjeman Regrets
Despite being a national treasure later in life, Sir John still worries about his career and personal life. Stars Ben Whitrow.
Short Works - Happiness by Chetna Maroo
Uma would be happy if she wasn't haunted by her school reports. How can she hide them from her parents? Read by Sabrina Sandhu.
Edinburgh Comedy Awards Gala 2026
Comedy fans can catch the nominees for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards in this showcase hosted by 2024 Best Show nominee Catherine Bohart.
The Comedy Club Interviews
From 10pm until midnight, seven days a week, the Comedy Club has two hours of comedy. Plus comedian Lou Conran chats once more to comedian, actor and writer Eddy Brimson.
I've Never Seen Star Wars
3/6. Marcus Brigstocke invites reluctant vocalist Alan Davies to sing in public for the first time. From 2011.
The Show What You Wrote
3/4. Sketches written by the public. Stars Fiona Clarke, Shobna Gulati, Chris Jack, John Thomson and Gavin Webster. From 2015.
Soul Music - Unfinished Sympathy
Personal stories inspired by Massive Attack's breakthrough 1991 single, 'Unfinished Sympathy'. With Melissa Chemam. From 2021.
Roger Law and the Giant Pot
4 Extra Debut. Spitting Image co- creator Roger Law gets immersed in the world of Chinese ceramics. With Andrew Graham-Dixon. From 2017.
To Serve Them All My Days
2/5. Despite clashing with the science master, Davy settles into school life and his wife is expecting. Stars Oliver Milburn.
The Outside Child
2/5. When Jane unearths clues to her past, she makes up her mind to track down her secret family. Read by Zelah Clarke.
Flying the Flag
4/8. Ambassador Mackenzie witnesses the movie-making prowess of the People's Republic up close. Stars Dinsdale Landen. From 1992.
Beyond Our Ken
7/20. Kenneth Horne visits his local music shop - and waltzes back to the Vienna of 1845. With Kenneth Williams. From 1961.
Robin Ince's Reality Tunnel
Comedian Robin Ince continues his exploration of the nature of reality, as he goes 'Outside Robin Ince'. From 2022.
Flush
5/5. As time passes in Florence, Elizabeth's devoted spaniel Flush begins to feel his age. Concluded by Jenny Coverack.
The Offing
6/10. Robert makes an unexpected discovery when he begins to clear out the shack in Dulcie's garden. Read by Kevin Whately.
Booked
1/6. Ian McMillan's irreverent literary game with Mark Thomas, Dillie Keane, Rory Motion and Roger McGough. From 1997.
Spending My Inheritance
1/6. Cash-strapped 40-something Harry decides to throw his dad a 65th birthday party. Stars Kris Marshall. From November 2008.
Mr Betjeman Regrets
Despite being a national treasure later in life, Sir John still worries about his career and personal life. Stars Ben Whitrow.
Short Works - Happiness by Chetna Maroo
Uma would be happy if she wasn't haunted by her school reports. How can she hide them from her parents? Read by Sabrina Sandhu.
Death In The Clouds
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot probes a passenger's murder on board a plane. Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (Omnibus)
1/2. Eccentric explorer Gum collects fossils on his travels - and three orphans whose names begin with 'P'. Read by Harriet Walter.
Inheritance Tracks - Stewart Lee
Comedian Stewart Lee chooses 'Solitary Man' by Neil Diamond and 'Chicken Nuggets For Me' by The Fish Police.
TV Dinners
Ten-year-old Geoffrey gets two very strange gifts from his neglectful and eccentric parents. Stars Maggie Steed and Timothy West.
The Men from the Ministry
The feather-brained civil servants get in a flap. Stars Wilfrid Hyde White and Richard Murdoch. From 1962.
Brothers In Law
10/13. Barrister Roger Thursby defends an accident-prone artist. Stars Richard Briers and Jon Pertwee. From 1970.
Rik Mayall on Radio
1/2. Producer John Lloyd explores the fascinating radio contributions of actor and comedian Rik Mayall. From 2018.
Death In The Clouds
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot probes a passenger's murder on board a plane. Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (Omnibus)
1/2. Eccentric explorer Gum collects fossils on his travels - and three orphans whose names begin with 'P'. Read by Harriet Walter.
Inheritance Tracks - Stewart Lee
Comedian Stewart Lee chooses 'Solitary Man' by Neil Diamond and 'Chicken Nuggets For Me' by The Fish Police.
TV Dinners
Ten-year-old Geoffrey gets two very strange gifts from his neglectful and eccentric parents. Stars Maggie Steed and Timothy West.
The Men from the Ministry
The feather-brained civil servants get in a flap. Stars Wilfrid Hyde White and Richard Murdoch. From 1962.
Brothers In Law
10/13. Barrister Roger Thursby defends an accident-prone artist. Stars Richard Briers and Jon Pertwee. From 1970.
Rik Mayall on Radio
1/2. Producer John Lloyd explores the fascinating radio contributions of actor and comedian Rik Mayall. From 2018.
The Master and Margarita
2/4. Can Margarita find her Master? Professor Woland and his talking cat are due to appear at the theatre. Stars Daniel Massey.
Death In The Clouds
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot probes a passenger's murder on board a plane. Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (Omnibus)
1/2. Eccentric explorer Gum collects fossils on his travels - and three orphans whose names begin with 'P'. Read by Harriet Walter.
Inheritance Tracks - Stewart Lee
Comedian Stewart Lee chooses 'Solitary Man' by Neil Diamond and 'Chicken Nuggets For Me' by The Fish Police.
TV Dinners
Ten-year-old Geoffrey gets two very strange gifts from his neglectful and eccentric parents. Stars Maggie Steed and Timothy West.
The Men from the Ministry
The feather-brained civil servants get in a flap. Stars Wilfrid Hyde White and Richard Murdoch. From 1962.
Brothers In Law
10/13. Barrister Roger Thursby defends an accident-prone artist. Stars Richard Briers and Jon Pertwee. From 1970.
Rik Mayall on Radio
1/2. Producer John Lloyd explores the fascinating radio contributions of actor and comedian Rik Mayall. From 2018.
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme
John Finnemore and his team return with a one-off, 45 minute special packed with sketches and songs. From 2023 .
Friends Like These - Adam and Joe's Famous Guy
'I'm the best at pretending' - a reclusive Hollywood star tells all. Stars Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish. From 2006.
Fred at The Stand
2/8. From Newcastle - Fred MacAulay's comic line-up with Gavin Webster, Elaine Malcolmson, Nathan Caton and Liam Farrelly. From 2021.
Sean Lock - 15 Storeys High
1/5. Living at flat 76, Sean Lock shares the comic lives of fellow urban residents of Elderberry House. With Felix Dexter. From 1999.
The Master and Margarita
2/4. Can Margarita find her Master? Professor Woland and his talking cat are due to appear at the theatre. Stars Daniel Massey.
Death In The Clouds
Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot probes a passenger's murder on board a plane. Agatha Christie's whodunnit stars John Moffatt.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (Omnibus)
1/2. Eccentric explorer Gum collects fossils on his travels - and three orphans whose names begin with 'P'. Read by Harriet Walter.
Inheritance Tracks - Stewart Lee
Comedian Stewart Lee chooses 'Solitary Man' by Neil Diamond and 'Chicken Nuggets For Me' by The Fish Police.
TV Dinners
Ten-year-old Geoffrey gets two very strange gifts from his neglectful and eccentric parents. Stars Maggie Steed and Timothy West.
The Men from the Ministry
The feather-brained civil servants get in a flap. Stars Wilfrid Hyde White and Richard Murdoch. From 1962.
Brothers In Law
10/13. Barrister Roger Thursby defends an accident-prone artist. Stars Richard Briers and Jon Pertwee. From 1970.
Rik Mayall on Radio
1/2. Producer John Lloyd explores the fascinating radio contributions of actor and comedian Rik Mayall. From 2018.
Desert Island Discs Revisited - Kwame Kwei-Armah
From Bob Marley to Public Enemy. Actor and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah shares his music choices with Kirsty Young. From 2011.
The Music Machine - Buddy Holly
Tommy Pearson looks at the impact that Buddy Holly had on the 1950s. With Buddy Holly biographer Philip Norman. From 1997.
Poetry Extra - The Poet and the Snipe
Daljit Nagra selects The Poet and the Snipe - about the camera shy bird in decline. Presented by poet Paul Farley. From 2021.
Flush (Omnibus)
Virginia Woolf's biography begins with the gift of a young dog to writer Elizabeth Barret Browning. Read by Jenny Coverack.
Witness History - Roselle the 9/11 guide dog
Simon Watts speaks to Michael Hingson, whose guide dog Roselle helped him escape from the Twin Towers on 9/11. From 2017.
The Offing (Omnibus)
1/2. In the wake of the Second World War, Robert departs his Durham village with no idea of where he'll end up. Read by Kevin Whately.
Thank You, Mrs Fothergill
2/6. Sisterly stage shenanigans, thanks to the Cloughbottom Ladies' Evening Guild. Stars Sheila Hancock and Pat Coombs. From 1978.
Take It From Here
Jim gets a social conscience, and Eth's mum is feeling dubious over Ron in The Glums. Stars Jimmy Edwards. From January 1956.
Desert Island Discs Revisited - Kwame Kwei-Armah
From Bob Marley to Public Enemy. Actor and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah shares his music choices with Kirsty Young. From 2011.
The Music Machine - Buddy Holly
Tommy Pearson looks at the impact that Buddy Holly had on the 1950s. With Buddy Holly biographer Philip Norman. From 1997.
Poetry Extra - The Poet and the Snipe
Daljit Nagra selects The Poet and the Snipe - about the camera shy bird in decline. Presented by poet Paul Farley. From 2021.
Flush (Omnibus)
Virginia Woolf's biography begins with the gift of a young dog to writer Elizabeth Barret Browning. Read by Jenny Coverack.
Witness History - Roselle the 9/11 guide dog
Simon Watts speaks to Michael Hingson, whose guide dog Roselle helped him escape from the Twin Towers on 9/11. From 2017.
The Offing (Omnibus)
1/2. In the wake of the Second World War, Robert departs his Durham village with no idea of where he'll end up. Read by Kevin Whately.
Thank You, Mrs Fothergill
2/6. Sisterly stage shenanigans, thanks to the Cloughbottom Ladies' Evening Guild. Stars Sheila Hancock and Pat Coombs. From 1978.
Take It From Here
Jim gets a social conscience, and Eth's mum is feeling dubious over Ron in The Glums. Stars Jimmy Edwards. From January 1956.
The Green Isle of the Great Deep
2/2. Old Hector and Young Art have discovered that the Green Isle of the Great Deep is far from a paradise. Stars Duncan McIntyre.
Desert Island Discs Revisited - Kwame Kwei-Armah
From Bob Marley to Public Enemy. Actor and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah shares his music choices with Kirsty Young. From 2011.
BBC R4 Ex (BBC Radio 4 Extra) is a dedicated digital broadcast service offering an archive-rich lineup of speech, comedy, drama, and documentary programming. This tv guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to navigate daily broadcast schedules, explore upcoming shows, and check program details for viewers and listeners planning their day or evening entertainment.
About BBC R4 Ex
>BBC Radio 4 Extra—often referred to as BBC R4 Ex—is part of the British Broadcasting Corporation's digital audio network. Dedicated primarily to spoken-word content, the station broadcasts classic BBC radio drama, comedy productions, science fiction, readings, and historical features. Operating across digital platforms, it serves as an accessible archive destination for long-standing entertainment series and rare classic broadcasts.
Understanding the BBC R4 Ex TV Guide
Using a structured tv guide makes it straightforward to track what is currently on air and plan ahead for upcoming broadcasts. The schedule features a mix of multi-part dramatizations, episodic comedy series, and serialized book readings arranged systematically throughout the day.
Key elements available in the broadcast schedule include:
- Program Titles & Episode Details: Specific names and narrative descriptions of scheduled broadcasts.
- Broadcast Times: Exact start and end times for morning, afternoon, and evening slots.
- Genre Classifications: Indicators highlighting whether a show is drama, comedy, archive feature, or documentary.
- Repeat Times: Information on overnight or weekend rebroadcasts for missed shows.
tv guide listings for tonight on BBC R4 Ex
Checking the tv guide listings for tonight helps audiences discover evening dramatizations, late-night comedy hours, and serialized storytelling. Evening schedules are typically structured to offer extended features and continuous drama blocks, making it simple to find prime-time audio programming.
Because broadcast schedules may experience minor adjustments due to special coverage or live events, reviewing updated daily listings ensures accurate start times for tonight's planned listening.
Programming Categories & Content Focus
The channel covers a broad range of spoken-word genres curated from decades of broadcasting history:
- Radio Drama & Theatre: Full-cast adaptations of classic novels, modern plays, and mystery series.
- Comedy & Satire: Classic panel shows, stand-up showcases, and vintage sitcoms.
- Factual & Science Fiction: Archival documentaries, historical explorations, and speculative fiction.
- Readings & Poetry: Serialized book readings, short stories, and featured poetry recitals.
How to Use the Schedule Effectively
Navigating the schedule efficiently allows you to build your personal viewing or listening plan. Follow these simple steps to check upcoming broadcasts:
- Select the date you wish to inspect.
- Scan the morning, afternoon, or evening time blocks for relevant genres.
- Verify the program start time and duration.
- Check your local time zone or regional delivery provider to ensure synchronization with national broadcast times.
- Revisit the upcoming schedule regularly for changes in weekly series or special marathon broadcasts.
Viewing & Delivery Platforms
BBC R4 Ex is accessible through multiple digital channels. Viewers and listeners can access the channel via:
- DAB Digital Radio systems
- Digital television providers (such as Freeview, Freesat, Virgin Media, and Sky in available regions)
- Official digital streaming applications and web portals
Regional & Time-Zone Differences
Broadcast times listed on standard schedules reflect the primary regional transmission clock (typically GMT/BST). If you are accessing the channel via international streaming services, satellite networks, or third-party digital cable platforms, program times may shift according to your local time zone. Always check provider-specific electronic program guides (EPG) for localized timing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBC R4 Ex?
BBC R4 Ex (BBC Radio 4 Extra) is a digital speech-based service from the BBC broadcasting classic drama, comedy, documentaries, and archival entertainment.
Where can I check what is on BBC R4 Ex tonight?
You can check the daily online broadcast schedule or your provider's electronic program guide to see full evening and late-night listings.
Do BBC R4 Ex schedules change by region?
While the primary broadcast stream is national, local delivery times may vary based on your time zone, cable network, or digital platform provider.
Are exact program times guaranteed?
Broadcast times can occasionally shift due to special extended broadcasts or schedule adjustments. Checking the latest listings ensures you have current information.