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Ed Reardon's Week
Ed Reardon's Week
Ed Reardon's Week
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Ed Reardon's Week is a sitcom on BBC Radio 4 recorded semi-naturalistically in the style of a radio drama. It concerns the story of a curmudgeonly middle-aged writer described in the show's publicity material as an "author, pipesmoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email". The names of two central characters, Ed Reardon (played by Christopher Douglas) and Jaz Milvane (played by Philip Jackson), are references to the characters Edwin Reardon and Jasper Milvain, who appear in George Gissing's 1891 novel New Grub Street,[1] which is set in the hack-literary London of the late 19th century, although Edward was revealed to be Ed's given name in the second episode of the third series and Milvain is referred to as Jaz Milvane.

Ed lives in precarious circumstances with his cat, Elgar, scraping a living as a hack writer by working through commissions for coffee table books such as The Brands Hatch Story and Pet Peeves, a book of celebrity pet anecdotes. Much of this work comes through his agent Felix (John Fortune), who Ed believes still owes him royalties, and Felix's assistant Ping – shortened from Pandora Ingleby-Thomas (Sally Hawkins in series 1, 3, and 4, and Barunka O'Shaughnessy in the second series and the fifth series onwards) – an archetypal Sloane Ranger who rejects the amorous advances he makes occasionally in early episodes. The character of Felix was written out in Series 7 as John Fortune died in 2013.

He makes a small income from running a creative writing course at the local night school, where his lessons frequently mention the single episode of Tenko that he wrote. Ed also earns an occasional £10 fee for taking part in identity parades at his local police station. He is an alumnus of Shrewsbury School. The programme contains many references to Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, where Ed lives.

The theme music is a dixieland version of "Am I Blue?" It was recorded at the 606 Club in London, and performed by session musicians present.

The series is written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, and produced by Simon Nicholls (first three series) and Dawn Ellis (fourth series onwards). From series 16, the writer is Christopher Douglas.

Origins of the character of Ed

[edit]

Speaking on Pick of the Week [2] Christopher Douglas explained where Ed's character came from: "Simon Gray's published diaries were mainly about how badly treated he'd been by producers, actors, critics and electronic machinery. His impotent rage against his employers was one of the inspirations for Ed Reardon, the character I co-write, perform and in some ways resemble. Ed often rants from the point of view of appalled gentleman author, but he can also play the thwarted radical."

Ed's literary background

[edit]

Ed considers himself a serious writer but there is little evidence to support his view of himself. His only novel, Who Would Fardels Bear?, was published in the 1970s, and was adapted into a film (Sister Mom) by Ed's friend, Jaz Milvane (played by Philip Jackson). Because the setting was moved from Oldham to California and the lead role was taken by Sally Field, the film's faithfulness to the novel is in doubt. Milvane is a successful British Hollywood film director in the mould of Tony Scott or Adrian Lyne. Ed's only other screen credit is a 1982 episode of the BBC wartime drama, Tenko ("Escape from the Bamboo Noose") and, based on the evidence provided in the drama so far, this may well be his only other non-coffee table book project. During his early career, Ed also wrote various stage plays, all of which seem to have been both unfortunately timed and titled, bearing striking (yet apparently accidental) resemblances to works by Willy Russell and Mike Leigh. An early amateur film made with Jaz Milvane, "The 4th Sausage" (an allusion to European New Year staple, Dinner for One), is the focus of Episode 6, Series 11.

Ed's books

[edit]
  • Who Would Fardels Bear?
  • Came She With Fantastic Garlands (Lost)
  • Jane Seymour's Household Hints
  • The Brands Hatch Story
  • 34 At The Last Count – the unofficial Prime Suspect book
  • Pet Peeves (publisher: Sow's Ear)
  • Nigel Mansell's Love Poetry
  • Pet Peeves 2
  • Postal Panoply (publisher: Septred Isle [sic])
  • Shed 22lb in a Week the Vanessa Feltz Way
  • Armando Iannucci's Carpathian Walks
  • John Kettley's Big Book of Weather
  • Kevin Pietersen's Big BBQ Book
  • A Taste of Paraquat, The Reigate Poisoner Autobiography
  • The Stig's big book of Speed Cameras (Series 7, Episode 5 & Series 11, Episode 1)
  • It's Been Emotional (uncredited ghost-written autobiography of Vinnie Jones, publ Sep 2013)[3]
  • It's Been a Roller Coaster (Ghost-written autobiography of the Archbishop of Canterbury)[3]
  • Modernists Roadtrip, Antiques, and the story of discovery, potholes and loss
  • Desert Orchid's autobiography
  • I, Cheggars (ghost-written autobiography of Keith Chegwin (Season 14, episode 1))

Ed's radio work

[edit]
  • The Amazing True Story Of The South Tring Bubble
  • The South Tring Bubble (Reworking of the above for Hemel Sound)
  • Cheese Cricket (Pilot for a radio panel show)

Ed's stage work

[edit]

Ed's TV work

[edit]

Ed's family

[edit]

Ed has a son and a daughter, Jake and Eli, who make occasional appearances. An insight into Ed as a father is given in "The Operation" (S.2 Ep.6), where Jake complains: "that's all we ever got from you... a sarcastic one-liner followed by a 'now leave me alone to sink into a drunken stupor of self-loathing.'"

Ed's father, Sidney, (played by David Warner) made an appearance in the episode "Dad". Appearing just as bad-tempered and impatient as Ed, Sidney demonstrated more understanding of popular culture by being familiar with the children's television programme Dick and Dom in da Bungalow. He emigrated to Australia for tax reasons with a new partner, following Ed's failed attempt to secure his inheritance.

Ed's current life

[edit]

Ed taught a screenwriting class from Series 1 to 15, held weekly at the local sports centre, although this ended when the students all realised their assets and emigrated. This adult education group spent a lot of time giving him advice and making comments about his general lack of achievement, between complaints about being forced to watch his Tenko episode endlessly (an in-joke, as one of the class is played by Stephanie Cole, who had a leading role in Tenko). Ed also played in a Dixieland jazz band called The Bayou Boys with his more successful friends, his instrument of choice being the jug. In the first episode, Jaz sits in with them on trumpet, making Ed's contribution seem anaemic by comparison.

Ed has lived in a one-bedroom flat with his cat Elgar in Berkhamsted, in the borough of Dacorum, Hertfordshire, ever since he sold his London home after a messy divorce. This is described as "living at the cutting edge, or to be more accurate, "above The Cutting Edge", as he has a flat over a hairdressing salon of this name."

Ed was seen heading into surgery for coronary bypass (necessitated by his lifelong affair with "beer and baccy" and mature cheddar cheese) at the end of the second series, with Felix on the one hand, abetted by Jaz, pushing him to start on a new novel for Jaz to film ("Put plenty of cricket in it." says Felix) while Ping is urging him to commit to Pet Peeves 2, the fee for which will be needed to pay his hospital bill.[citation needed]

At the end of the first series (Ep. 5), a blossoming romance with a young woman of similar temperament was cruelly dashed by her allergy to cats, dander from which could be found in Ed's beard. At the end of the fourth series Ed became involved with the popular novelist Mary Potter (Sally Grace), spending several nights a week with her by the start of the fifth series, though by the end of the seventh series he had rekindled an old romance with Fiona (Jenny Agutter). By Series 12 his romantic focus had moved to his agency colleague, Maggie (Pippa Haywood).

Humour

[edit]

Much humour comes from Ed's rants and inability to stop himself from getting carried away in his angry tirades, often triggered by learning that somebody younger than him is proving more successful (such as the author of Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynne Truss; one tirade follows Ed receiving several copies of the book as gifts for his birthday and working out how much in royalties Truss will have received because of the book sales). Underlying this however, are observations of the injustices and stupidities ("sheer asininity") of modern life.

Writers

[edit]

Ed Reardon is played by actor Christopher Douglas, who also co-wrote the series with Andrew Nickolds. A spin-off book was published in November 2005.

Awards

[edit]

Ed Reardon's Week has twice been voted Best Radio Programme by the Broadcasting Press Guild, at their 32nd Annual Television and Radio Awards in 2006 and at the 37th in 2011.

Critical reaction

[edit]

Gillian Reynolds, writing for The Daily Telegraph, called Reardon a "sublime creation" who was becoming "a national treasure"[4] in 2012, and in 2016 complimented Douglas's "sublime performance" that makes Ed Reardon the "supreme social commentator on our times".[5] The Independent also praised it, saying it "crackled with great lines, without any of that telegraphing you get too often in Radio 4 comedy".[6] Miranda Sawyer in The Guardian found Reardon brilliantly observed, but more annoying than funny.[7]

Stage version

[edit]

Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds have written a stage version, Ed Reardon: A Writer's Burden, which played at the Pleasance Courtyard during the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival (An Evening with Ed Reardon.) and was directed by Adrian Lloyd-James.[8]

Episode list

[edit]

Series 1 was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January and February 2005. Series 2 ran from December 2005 until January 2006, Series 3 from 15 December 2006 to 19 January 2007 and Series 4 from November 2007 to December 2007. Series 5 began weekly transmission on Radio 4 on Monday 6 October 2008 at 11:30am. Each episode is available as streaming audio over the internet, through the BBC's Listen Again service, for 30 days after broadcast.

Series 1 was repeated in August–September 2007 on BBC 7. Series 12 started airing on BBC Radio 4 in October 2017, and the latest (Series 16) began airing on Monday 30 June 2025.

Episodes are available on BBC Sounds website.

Series 1

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Swim 7 January 2005 Ed Reardon travels to London for an expensive lunch with his agent, Felix. But this ends up being 'downgraded' to a café snack with Felix's new assistant Ping. But his anger at this is soon assuaged by the offer of £2,000 to write novelty book "Pet Peeves"
2 Pulp Non-Fiction 14 January 2005 The success of "Pet Peeves" (briefly #197 on the Amazon Sales Ranking) leads to a guest spot on SAGA radio and an attempt at speed dating.
3 Holby City 21 January 2005 Urgently needing money to repair his leaking roof, Ed agrees to write and pitch a treatment for TV's 'Holby City'.
4 The Old Lock-Keeper 28 January 2005 The death of fellow writer Ted Cartwright leads to a vacant spot as writer for the local newspaper's regular column 'The Old Lock-keeper'.
5 The Winona Defence 4 February 2005 To Ed Reardon, she is always 'The Girl'
6 King of the Road 11 February 2005 Ed Reardon gets asked by his student son Jake if he can get Jaz Milvane to give a talk at his university. Which Ed agrees to, as long as he can be in charge of the Q&A.

Series 2

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 Rogue Mail 21 December 2005 A pyre of "Da Vinci Code"s thwarts Ed's chances of celebrity success, forcing him to accept the job of writing "Sceptred Isle Publishing"'s latest respectful royal cash-in. Guest starring Matthew Holness as Lee, Head of Sceptred Isle Publishing.
2 The Speech 28 December 2005 Ed is called upon to write two speeches. One for his daughter Ellie's wedding and another for celebrity jockey Seamus McGee to use on the After-Dinner speech circuit.
3 The Last Laugh 4 January 2006 Can Ed's photobooth travails inspire new work from the most successful comedy writing duo of the last twenty-five years, Clive Swift and Terry Savage. Guest starring Andy Hamilton as Terry Savage
4 Our Man In Berkhamsted 11 January 2006 The Berkhamsted Literary Festival is in town, much to Ed's annoyance. But can the prospect of romance persuade him to get involved?
5 A Hint of Calvados 18 January 2006 Ed's episode of Tenko gets selected to be shown on BBC Two's "Japan Night" special, opening the door to the possibility of even more paid work at the Corporation. Guess starring Chris Addison as TV boss
6 The Operation 25 January 2006 Convalescing after a heart attack, Ed might finally have the time to write his next novel.

Series 3

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Name-Check 15 December 2006 Ed discovers a way to make extra money from his new radio play commission "The South Tring Bubble". Guest Starring Sean Lock as the plumber
2 Dad 22 December 2006 With grim childhood memoirs all the rage, Ed decides to cash-in with his own fictitious tale of youthful suffering and misery. Guest starring David Warner as Sidney (Ed's father)
3 Undercover 29 December 2006 In the undercover world of espionage that is being a "Mystery Shopper", can Agent Grey Fox afford to trust anyone?
4 The Dig 5 January 2007 Ed volunteers at a live-in archaeological dig as a means of avoiding the bailiffs. This opens up opportunities in the world of pop history. Guest starring Mark Watson as Tom
5 Murder Most Rewritten 12 January 2007 Ed gets a job writing the script for a Corporate Murder Mystery Weekend. Are the middle management team from PowerSouth capable of unravelling the intricacies of "The Family Silver Mystery"?
6 The Libel Action 19 January 2007 Ed gets the perfect writing assignment - a lengthy article on the flaws and failures of Jaz Milane for a large amount of money.

Series 4

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 January The 31st 16 November 2007 The reports of Ed's death prove greatly exaggerated. And his return to the land of the living means he's required to complete his tax return by deadline day. Even if Jaz Milvane is shooting a major ITV drama on his street.
2 Ruth and Reconciliation 23 November 2007 Ed's insistence on a strict definition of "local author" being applied by the Berkhamsted bookshop leads to an encounter with Ruth, the daughter of an author from far-off Tring. Can Ed's seduction technique of stalking, deceit and impersonation of an Ofsted Inspector prove successful?
3 The Wrong Fleece 30 November 2007 After two stolen bottles of vodka, Ed jots down a superb, guaranteed bankable idea. Unable to remember it the next day, Ed goes on a quest to recover the lost fleece where the idea was pocketed.
4 The Old Boys Network 7 December 2007 An Old Salopian reunion dinner leads to a new commission from a fellow ex-pupil, the history of their French farmhouse in the Dordogne.
5 Role Reversal 14 December 2007 Ed signs up for cash-in-hand work roleplaying characters for training interviews. This opens doors for both opportunity and revenge.
6 Trimarans That Pass in the Night 21 December 2007 Ed seems to have found himself in a happy and healthy relationship with fellow author Mary Potter. This is not a state of affairs that Felix Jeffrey Associates can possibly tolerate.

Series 5

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Last Miaow 6 October 2008 With Mary Potter on the cusp of possible success, this is not the best time for Elgar to go missing.
2 The CV of Dorian Gray 13 October 2008 Ed is assigned by Felix Jeffrey Associates to mentor their latest signing, an actual twelve year old YouTube sensation.
3 Anger Management 20 October 2008 Ed is ghost-writing "The Armageddon Factor", a gripping action adventure set in the world of race car driving. The increasing demands for changes from Ping would normally have infuriated Ed, but this is a new relaxed, calmer Reardon thanks to anger management training.
4 Educating Peter 27 October 2008 Jaz Milvane wishes to return to his first love, theatre. And he's chosen a revival of one of Ed's early plays "Educating Peter".
5 The Great Escape 3 November 2008 Ed's enthusiasm for contributing fabricated travel pieces for "Herts & Bucks Life" magazine rises considerably when he meets its new owner Carol. Guest Starring: Rebecca Front as Carol, Lewis MacLeod as Aussie
6 Granddad 10 November 2008 It's time for Ed to take on his share of grandfatherly responsibilities. His ability to look after another human may match his ability to look after himself.Lisa Coleman as Eli

Series 6

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Charterhouse Redemption 11 January 2010 As a Charterhouse Court resident Ed faces a dilemma. A quiet, well-maintained life of retired contemplation or a return to writing.
2 Charity Begins Next Door 18 January 2010 Ed is offered work helping producing speeches for Felix Jeffrey's charity fundraiser. A perfect opportunity for his new creative writing student to learn the tricks of the trade.
3 The Cruise 25 January 2010 The Bayou Boys are hitting the High Seas as resident band on a luxury Scottish Island cruise.
4 Cheese Cricket 1 February 2010 Ed devises a brand new format to rescue Radio4's half six comedy panel show slot. But will it make it beyond the pilot?
5 A Bottle of Ulterio Motivo 8 February 2010 Ed becomes a trusted advisor to a wealthy young woman hoping to open a new theme bar in Berkhamsted. But is her interest in him more than just professional?
6 Elgar Writes 15 February 2010 Miaow

An Audience with Ed Reardon

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate
1 An Audience with Ed Reardon 20 October 2010 Before a privileged audience at the Edinburgh Festival, Ed presents extracts from some of his favourite works.

Series 7

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 In the Current Climate 10 January 2011 In the age of austerity, Ed gets to ghostwrite a book of tips for the hard-up.
2 From Bean to Cup 17 January 2011 Ed's stint cat-sitting for a neighbour provides him with the perfect house to impress a lady. Guest starring: Paul Merton as houseowner
3 Become a Successful Writer 24 January 2011 Having witnessed American writer Mort Rich deliver a presentation on "profitable scripting", Ed starts his own venture judging submitted manuscripts for a fee.
4 Parsnip Junction 31 January 2011 A revival of seventies children's TV show "Parsnip Junction" gives Ed the change to work on Britain's affectionately remembered railway station, staffed by equally loved vegetables. Guest starring Geoffrey Palmer as Charles Cobbold, the creator of "Parsnip Junction".
5 Writer in Residence 7 February 2011 Ed's decision to abandon Radio 3 and 4 for the more popular, and less Cambridge-centric, Radio 5 and Talksport leads to him developing a different communication style when dealing with others. Which might be just perfect for the position of 'Writer in Residence' at his son-in-law's university.
6 Summer of '76 14 February 2011 Ed makes contact with a former girlfriend via Facebook. Can he now rekindle an old flame that last burnt when they were both labelled as 'faces of the future' by the Observer magazine. Guest Starring Jenny Agutter as Fiona Templeton

Series 8

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 Have a Great Weekend 3 April 2012 Ed's girlfriend Fiona was once a 'bubbly stewardess' in an advert for British Caledonia airlines. On the iconic ad's thirtieth anniversary The Observer offers to send her to Paris for a reunion feature. And a plus one can come along.
2 Original British Drama 10 April 2012 The BBC are excited to learn that newly released papers reveal Crackerjack's Peter Glaze to have been a secret agent known as "The Scorpion".
3 It's a Nude Nude Nude Nude World 17 April 2012 Jaz Milvane turns sixty and asks Ed to curate a moving tribute event at the Dorchester. But finding a copy of Jaz's first film proves tricky.
4 Making a Difference 24 April 2012 Inspired by Fiona, Ed decides to stand up for his principles and launch a campaign against poor train services. Is the media ready for his unique campaigning style?
5 Rosicrucian Armageddon 2 1 May 2012 Ed's verbosity impresses Graham Pearson, designer of the Open World Video Game sensation "Rosicrucian Armageddon", so much that he's hired to work on the sequel. Guest Starring: Corrie Corfield as herself
6 Keeping the Flame Alive 8 May 2012 The Olympics are coming, and Ed faces eviction so his landlord can cash-in. Maybe helping out on Jaz Milvane's new feelgood British movie "Babes In The Pool" will get him the quick cash injection he needs.

Ed Reardon's Christmas Week

[edit]

(50th episode)

Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 Ed Reardon's Christmas Week: It started in August 25 December 2012 All is not well in Ed's relationship, so he faces spending Christmas alone with just Elgar for company.

[1]

Series 9

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Personal Statement 11 Nov 2013 Hoping to patch things up with Fiona, Ed retires from writing and returns to the world of job interviews, C.V.s and personal statements. Guest starring: Melanie Hudson as Interviewer
2 The Intern 18 Nov 2013 Major changes are afoot at Felix Jeffrey Associates, which leads to Ping having to work with an annoying, enthusiastic, gossipy new colleague - Ed Reardon.
3 The Berkhamsted Job 25 Nov 2013 After a fire wrecks Ed's home (and half his beard), he begins the process of claiming on the insurance.
4 Blood of the Reardons 2 Dec 2013 Ed discovers there's money to be made in getting involved in the medical trials testing Moldova's latest miracle appetite suppressant. Guest starring Claudie Blakley as Dr Liz Newcombe, Lisa Coleman as Eli
5 Intellectual Fireworks 9 Dec 2013 Jaz Milvane opens a residential college and hires Ed as a tutor. Felicity Montagu as Rosemary, Carolyn Pickles as Maureen
6 The Bride of Auntie 16 Dec 2013 Radio4's highbrow quiz show "What Do You Know?" is always looking for intelligent contestants. And now that Ed has been banned from his local pub quiz, an extended run on the show could turn out to be profitable. Duncan Preston as Neil Hardacre, Vicki Pepperdine as Laura Pope

Series 10

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Go-To Destination 13 May 2015 Felix Jeffrey Associates has a new owner, the previous one's mother. And Suzan's first decision is to put Ed and Jaz Milvane together on the promotional video for London's newest luxury development "The Toaster". Starring Simon Greenall as Doorman, Vicki Pepperdine as Laura Pope, and Raquel Cassidy as Suzan.
2 One Man, Two Charlies 20 May 2015 Newly homeless, Ed is living as a caretaker in a warehouse for bankrupt stock. Desperately needing money, he agrees to write two different recipe books for two very different celebrity chefs. Starring Celia Imrie as Charlotte, Phaldut Sharma as Charlie
3 My Companion 27 May 2015 When an old publisher dies, Ed ends up agreeing to go to the funeral with his ex-wife Janet. The prospect of a reconciliation is not acceptable to their children. Starring Joanna Brookes as cattery woman, Nicola Sanderson as Janet, Lisa Coleman as Eli, Sam Pamphilon as Jake
4 Joan of the Junction 3 June 2015 Still homeless, Ed ends up as Second Mate on the good ship "Kill Bill", and is inspired to pitch a TV series based on his new captain, Joan. Starring Pam Ferris as Joan
5 Moby Dave 10 June 2015 There's a huge buzz in the media world about ITV's new Sunday night drama "Joan Of The Junction". Starring Pam Ferris as Joan, Jack Farthing as Jonathan
6 The New Thirty 17 June 2015 Felix Jeffrey Associates has a new owner - Ping. And Ed gets inspirational advice on what to do with his life from a dream. Starring Lisa Coleman as Eli, Sam Pamphilon as Jake, Jeremy Paxman as himself

Ed Reardon at Christmas

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Guest star
1 Ed Reardon at Christmas: The Ghost of Christmas Books 1 January 2016 When his agents' offices are empty over Christmas, Ed can move in to finish his latest topical commission. He just has to deal with a home for Elgar and the new guest editor of the Today programme first. Guest Starring John Humphrys as himself

Series 11

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Reboot 4 October 2016 Ed is enjoying the best years of his life as a mature student sleeping in all day and watching "Homes Under The Hammer". But an encounter with Professor Antonia Sandham gives him the motive to be more sociable. Starring Sylvestra Le Touzel as Antonia Sandham.
2 All About Eve 11 October 2016 Ed becomes the editor of the University's student newspaper "Love Herts".
3 Generation Why Bother 18 October 2016 A chance encounter with an accountant gets Ed thinking about his pension.
4 The Rectifier 25 October 2016 The freedom that University provides gives Ed Reardon time to work on a new book. As no publisher seems interested in "In The Shadow Of The Workhouse: The Demonisation Of The Poor In The Age Of The Kiln-Fired Brick", Ed needs to find a way to finance self-publishing the novel.
5 Poetry! No Thanks 1 November 2016 When the University plans a statue to Beryl Bassett - the plucky wartime singer that became a national treasure - Ed breaks one of his golden rules and agrees to join a committee.
6 The 4th Sausage 8 November 2016 Ed is in trouble with the University authorities for his innovative fund-raising methods. But then he discovers that a short comedy sketch he recorded with Jaz Milvane decades earlier has become a cult sensation in Belgium. Will Wallonian royalties for "Sir Jasper's Breakfast" save his student status?

Series 12

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Writer in the Van 24 October 2017 Ping heads to the Festival circuit to sign up new young talent, leaving Ed's affairs to be run by Maggie. Her abilities as an agent immediately get him a regular column for "Your Motor Home" and, more importantly, the use of a motor home. The regular cast this series are joined by guests Monica Dolan, Vicki Pepperdine, Don Gilet, Karl Theobald and Tyger Drew-Honey.
2 Diabetes Day 31 October 2017 Ping's urgent need to match her friends' daily step count and Ed's urgent need to improve his health leads to a neat deal.
3 The Legacy 7 November 2017 Ed's children are concerned he has not written a Will. Especially when his son's legal advisor "Dozza" reveals that his late father had a previously undiscovered property.
4 An Enemy of the People 14 November 2017 An encounter at the local Recycling Centre inspires Ed to run for local office.
5 How Did I Do? 21 November 2017 Ed becomes embroiled in the world of customer satisfaction surveys when trying to track down a lost package from the delivery company "Lickety Click"
6 A Different Direction 28 November 2017 Romance is blossoming with Maggie. But will their own personal circumstances get in the way?

Series 13

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Wooden Spoon 30 April 2019 Ed's plan to write "S for Sparrowhawk" is thwarted by a hungry Elgar, his relations with Maggie complicated by his method of getting free meals and his home life dealing with the need for a home.
2 The Ed Talk 7 May 2019 Ed recalls he once lent £5 to his school friend Jeff Dayton. Who is now the millionaire inventor Jeff Daytona. Time to get his money back. Plus interest. Guest starring Colin McFarlane as Jeff Daytona
3 Bezzies 14 May 2019 Ed and Jaz Milvane get teamed up to star in the new reality show "Bezzies", where Best Friends have to compete to solve challenging tasks in a remote Scottish location.
4 Planned Parenthood 21 May 2019 Ed's son Jake is going to be a father and so urgently needs more content to fill his latest website "Stranger Than Fact". While Ping is on the search for a donor to help her with her dream of being a mother.
5 Punk Rock Vampires 28 May 2019 Andy Pond, the Professor of Sitcom at South Herts University, is hoping to win a lottery grant to help showcase the numerous cult horror films shot at Deadnettle House (cp. Oakley Court / Bray Studios). So Ed's role as script-writer on "Punk Rock Vampires" could prove invaluable.
6 The Bed Blocker 4 June 2019 Following an accident involving a mobility scooter, gatepost, alcohol and Ping - Ed is in hospital with two broken legs. Given the bed, food and company, Ed plans to make his stay last as long as possible.

Ed Reardon at Christmas

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 Ed Reardon's 2020 Christmas Week: Upstairs Room At The Inn 22 December 2020 It's nearly Christmas, and Ed needs a room at the inn. The Lock Keeper's Arms, that is. But first, he's got to deal with "Screege".

Series 14

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 Prosecco o'Clock 8 June 2021 In these 'unprecedented times' Ed is enjoying unprecedented times himself as he has become financially independent and is living in a superb stylish capsule urban living unit.
2 You're Cancelled 15 June 2021 Ed’s son Jake tries to enlist his fathers’ help, egged on by Ed’s writing class who insist he and Jake could be like ‘those two Whitehall fellas’. However, Ed is distracted when an unexpected meeting leads to the renewal of an old acquaintance who is now on probation...
3 The Jethro Tree 22 June 2021 Ed becomes an activist when he joins his daughter Eli on a protest to save an ancient oak tree.
4 Battleaxe 29 June 2021 Ping asks Ed to write her granny’s memoirs insisting she has Great British Battleaxe potential and could be a national treasure.
5 Elgar's Nose 6 July 2021 Whilst Ed is enjoying his new lifestyle afforded to him by his pension Elgar, his trusty feline companion, develops a nasty sneeze.
6 Platinum Writer 13 July 2021 Back on his uppers, Ed finds himself having to choose between a project with Jaz Milvain, or with Maggie...


Series 15

[edit]

Dedicated to co-writer Andrew Nickolds, who died mid-way through writing this series.

Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 The Storyteller 13 July 2023 Ed is alone following the death of Elgar (at 25). Can looking after a cat for new student Winnie help him heal?
2 Pallet Wood Inspirations 20 July 2023 Maggie introduces Ed to the world of pallet wood.
3 The Bromance 27 July 2023 Ed meets a fan and new friend, Derek, at the pool, despite Ping's warnings and Jake's discouragement. Guest Starring Robert Powell as Derek.
4 Ed In Paris 3 August 2023 Ed heads for Paris, while Jaz is letting everyone know that he is heading to The Lords.
5 Ed Reardon Is On Fire! 10 August 2023 It’s been sixteen weeks and four days now since the death of Elgar and Ed needs a distraction.
6 The Mousetrap 17 August 2023 Ed has resorted to DIY pest control now that Elgar & the downstairs cat have both ceased all activities. Meanwhile, opportunities for independent production beckon...

Series 16

[edit]
Episode Title Original Airdate Story
1 A Crumbling Ediface 30 June 2025 Ed seeks a new source of income to replace the one he’s lost from his writing class, now cancelled after all the third age students’ property wealth became so vast they all relocated to Dubai. Never one to be defeated, Ed applies for an ostler's job at The Countrywoman magazine and clears his storage cupboard to illegally sub-let it as an ‘opportunity for boutique capsule living’. He may be lucky and get a human being to live there – or maybe an actor.
2 A Pigeon In Sainsbury's 07 July 2025 Ed rediscovers an old radio play, becomes involved in a battle re-enactment society and faces the very serious decision of finding a name for his new life partner - the offspring of Elgar. Guest Starring Stephen Mangan as Stephen Mangan.
3 'Gen Ed' 14 July 2025 Ed throws himself into his new role as Theatre Critic for ‘The Countrywoman’. Guest Starring Robert Powell as Sir Peter.
4 Artificial Asininity 21 July 2025 Ed rages against the world of artificial intelligence when he takes on a show with Jaz Milvain.
5 For the Sake of the Planet 28 July 2025 Ed is offered a role as ‘Writer in Residence’ - but is he on the wrong side of the fence?
6 Blocked! 04 August 2025 Ed has finally decided that enough is enough and has decided to stop writing. For good. Unless Zadie Smith can convince him otherwise.

Cast list

[edit]

[9]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]
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Ed Reardon's Week is a British radio produced by , centering on the misadventures of Ed Reardon, a grumpy, middle-aged writer from who navigates the absurdities of the contemporary media industry while grappling with financial hardship and creative frustration, often accompanied by his cat Elgar. Created and written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, the series premiered on 7 2005 and has aired 16 series comprising 100 episodes as of 2025, with episodes typically running for 30 minutes and broadcast weekly, traditionally on Fridays. Douglas stars as the titular Ed, delivering a semi-naturalistic performance that blends monologue-style narration with comedic dialogue, supported by a recurring ensemble including as his agent Ping, Philip Jackson as his landlord Stan, and guest appearances from actors like and . The show's humor derives from Ed's outdated sensibilities clashing with modern trends, such as , reality TV, and literary agents, often highlighting themes of artistic integrity versus commercial compromise in a satirical take on the and worlds. Episodes frequently explore Ed's schemes for quick cash or recognition, from adapting classic literature to pitching improbable screenplays, all underscored by his signature pipe-smoking, email-ranting persona. Following Nickolds' death in 2022, the fifteenth series was dedicated to him, and the program continues to draw acclaim for its sharp wit and Douglas's versatile portrayal, with audio collections published by Audio via to extend its reach beyond radio broadcasts.

Series Overview

Premise and Format

Ed Reardon's Week is a centering on Ed Reardon, a curmudgeonly in his 50s who grapples with financial hardship and irrelevance in the contemporary media industry while managing everyday challenges from his home in . Portrayed as a pipe-smoking, fare-dodging with a penchant for scathing emails, Ed embodies the frustrations of a fading literary figure confronting a world dominated by younger, flashier talents. The series adopts a semi-naturalistic reminiscent of a , integrating dialogue, monologues, and sound effects to capture the disorder of Ed's weekly routine. Episodes unfold through Ed's perspective, incorporating to reveal his sardonic inner commentary on events, which heightens the comedic tension between his outward composure and private exasperation. Each installment, typically running 28 minutes, structures its narrative around a single "week" in Ed's life, spotlighting his schemes to secure writing gigs or avoid destitution amid interactions with agents, publishers, and . First broadcast on on 7 January 2005, the show has aired 16 series comprising 100 episodes, along with holiday specials, continuing through 2025. This enduring run underscores its appeal as a satirical take on the creative , occasionally nodding to Ed's earlier success as a now overshadowed by obscurity.

Setting and Narrative Style

The primary setting of Ed Reardon's Week is Ed Reardon's dilapidated one-bedroom flat above The Cutting Edge hairdresser's in , , which serves as the central hub for his daily struggles and schemes. This rundown location emphasizes his financial precarity and isolation following his family's departure. Additional key scenes unfold in local pubs, where Ed frequents for social encounters and plotting; at literary events, such as book launches and readings; and in media offices, including publishing houses and , illustrating his fraught engagements with the industry. The series unfolds in a contemporary timeframe, commencing with its debut on in January 2005 and advancing in real time across 16 series through 2025, thereby mirroring real-world cultural and economic developments like the proliferation of digital publishing, social media's impact on , and post-recession shifts in the arts sector. Narratively, the show adopts a semi-naturalistic format, anchored by Ed's first-person diary narration delivered in , which injects wry, comic asides and reveals his curmudgeonly worldview. Pacing is achieved through rapid scene transitions that mimic the chaos of Ed's week, while humor is amplified by seamless incorporation of phone conversations and exchanges, often showcasing his vitriolic correspondence. The style has evolved modestly over time, incorporating occasional fourth-wall breaks in holiday specials and from Series 10 onward to heighten the meta-commentary on Ed's futile ambitions.

Character and World

Ed Reardon

Ed Reardon is the central character of the sitcom, portrayed as a pompous, pipe-smoking in his late 50s to early 60s, residing in a cramped one-bedroom flat above a hairdresser's called in . Voiced by Christopher Douglas, who co-created the character, Reardon embodies delusions of grandeur, viewing himself as a literary despite his limited success, which includes only one published since the . His personality is marked by curmudgeonly and bullish optimism, often expressed through abusive emails and rants against what he sees as a media landscape overrun by "halfwits and philistines." Key traits define Reardon's daily existence, including profound thriftiness—such as routinely dodging Tube fares and stealing stationery—and , as he preaches high literary standards while resorting to hack work like coffee-table books on badgers. His literary snobbery shines through in disdain for contemporary trends, yet he repeatedly attempts ill-fated comebacks, freeloading off acquaintances and clinging to his self-image as an "appalled gentleman author." These quirks, combined with his acerbic and pence-pinching habits, paint him as an impossible yet oddly perceptive figure, often right in his critiques but undermined by his own flaws. Throughout the series, Reardon's arc evolves from the raw desperation of early episodes, where financial woes dominate his survivalist schemes, to a grudging adaptation in later seasons to modern realities like streaming platforms and . By series 10, he briefly enjoys stability through a relationship, but subsequent installments highlight his struggles with aging, reaching 65 by series 11 and facing health issues such as in series 9. In series 15 and 16, these challenges intensify, with Reardon mourning his cat Elgar, receiving solicitations, and navigating family dynamics, including brief support for his son Jake, while confronting physical decline amid persistent failed ventures. His past works, like the 1970s TV episode "The Duke of ," occasionally fuel nostalgic delusions but underscore his stalled career. The character's origins draw from real writers' struggles, specifically inspired by Edwin Reardon, the anti-hero of George Gissing's 1891 novel , which co-writer Andrew Nickolds introduced to Douglas decades earlier; Reardon first emerged in Douglas's earlier radio sketches before fully developing in the .

Supporting Characters and Relationships

Ed's family relationships are marked by tension and obligation. His ex-wife frequently re-enters his life with demands for financial support, stemming from their acrimonious and shared past, as seen in episodes where she pressures him over and property disputes. His son Jake, an aspiring actor with limited talent, appears intermittently across later series, often dragging Ed into ill-fated projects or seeking career advice, which amplifies Ed's frustration with the entertainment industry. Ed's elderly mother Grace is demanding and reliant on him for emotional and practical support, her calls and visits underscoring his role as a reluctant amid his own precarious circumstances. Among friends and associates, Jaz Milvane serves as Ed's long-time friend and former collaborator, a scheming and opportunistic figure whose self-serving maneuvers lead to repeated rivalries and heated confrontations. Their dynamic evolves over the series from collaborative partnership to a fractious friendship strained by Jaz's success and Ed's resentment. The barmaid , a sarcastic confidante at Ed's local pub The Arms, provides wry commentary on his woes and occasional aid, offering a grounded to his . Neighbor , a naive aspiring , shares Ed's flat in some episodes, their cohabitation marked by petty clashes over space and creativity that highlight Ed's irritability. Professional contacts further complicate Ed's world. Publisher Dave, an inept and dismissive executive, bungles Ed's book deals and payments, contributing to his financial instability through incompetence rather than malice. Earlier in the series, Felix as the publisher boss exhibits similar obliviousness, freeloading off Ed while offering minimal support. Occasional cameos by literary figures, such as , satirize the pretensions of the writing scene through brief, awkward encounters that expose Ed's faded glory. These relationships evolve with the series' progression; for instance, tensions with intensify over unpaid debts, while Jaz's schemes grow bolder, and Jake's appearances become more frequent in later seasons as he pursues acting gigs.

Fictional Backstory

Ed's Literary Career

Ed Reardon's literary career, as depicted in the series, began with notable success in the , when he was regarded as a promising and in London's literary scene. His , The One-Legged Man, achieved international attention, marking an early high point in his publishing history. This was followed by A Fete Worse Than Death, a darkly comedic work exploring rural British absurdities, which received mixed reviews but solidified his reputation for incisive . Throughout the and , Reardon expanded into radio and television scripting. However, several of his radio pilots failed to gain traction, including experimental formats blending and domestic drama that were deemed too niche for broadcast. His unproduced screenplays, such as adaptations of historical events with a comedic twist, gathered dust in agents' offices, symbolizing his growing frustrations with the industry. Reardon's attempts to break into and television proved largely unsuccessful, highlighting the precarious nature of his professional trajectory. Similarly, his pitched television series—satirical takes on literary life and media excess—were repeatedly rejected by commissioners, who cited tonal inconsistencies and outdated references. By the 2000s, Reardon's career had declined into obscurity, with sporadic freelance gigs barely sustaining him, satirizing the pretensions and pitfalls of the literary world through his persistent, often delusional, self-promotion.

Ed's Personal History

Ed Reardon was born in the early 1950s in and received his education at a minor public school, from which he was expelled before completing his studies. This early disruption set the tone for a life marked by instability, with initial forays into providing a brief foothold before his circumstances declined. Reardon's personal life centered on his to Janet in the 1980s, which ended in during the 1990s, resulting in shared custody of their children, daughter Eli and son Jake, exacerbating his financial difficulties. The left him in a precarious economic position, forcing a frugal existence and occasional reliance on family support, though his relationships with Eli and Jake remain sources of both pride and tension. Since around 2000, Reardon has resided in a rundown flat in , , where he navigates a contentious relationship with his landlord Stan and frequently evades full rent payments through various schemes. During periods of relative success earlier in life, he enjoyed residences in more affluent areas, but his current setup reflects years of downward mobility. Reardon is a habitual pipe smoker and consummate fare-dodger, often brushing with legal trouble over evasion, while his hypochondriac tendencies amplify minor ailments into major concerns.

Production

Creators and Writing

Ed Reardon's Week was created by the British writers Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, who also serve as the primary authors of the series. The programme debuted on in January 2005 with a six-episode first series, featuring Douglas in the lead role of Ed Reardon from the outset. The writing process has been collaborative, drawing heavily from the creators' personal experiences in the media and industries, including freelance struggles and family influences in . Douglas and Nickolds developed scripts that blend observational with semi-naturalistic dialogue, often incorporating Douglas's voice work for Ed's distinctive monologues and rants. Nickolds contributed significantly to plot structures and topical elements, while Douglas focused on character-driven narration. This partnership remained consistent across the initial series, allowing the show to evolve organically without major changes to the core writing team. Following the success of the debut run, the series expanded to 16 seasons by 2025, with each subsequent series maintaining the six-episode format but adapting to contemporary events for relevance. For instance, later writing incorporated economic themes such as the post-2008 austerity measures, reflected in episodes addressing financial hardships and industry shifts. (Series 7, 2011) After Nickolds's death in 2022, Douglas continued writing solo, completing the unfinished scripts for the 15th series, which was dedicated to his collaborator, while preserving the established style and tone.

Cast and Crew

The principal voice cast of Ed Reardon's Week is led by Christopher Douglas, who portrays the titular Ed Reardon in all 16 series of the programme. Philip Jackson plays Ed's friend Jaz Milvane throughout every series. voices the acerbic neighbour Olive from series 1 to 14. The role of Ping (Pandora Ingleby-Thomas), Ed's literary agent, is performed by in series 1, 3, and 4, and by in series 2 and from series 5 to 16. Other key recurring cast members include as the landlord Stan in series 1 to 15, Lisa Coleman as the doctor Eli from series 5 to 16, and the part of Pearl (Ed's ex-wife) played by Rita May in series 1 to 8, in series 9, and in series 10 to 14. voiced the character Felix, Ed's son, in series 1-7, after which the character was written out. Additional recurring performers include as Fiona in series 7 to 9. The production team features Simon Nicholls as producer for series 1 to 3 and series 13, and Dawn Ellis as producer for series 4 to 12 and 14 to 16. Sound design, which contributes to the show's semi-naturalistic style through location-like audio effects, has been handled by personnel such as David Thomas for series 14 and Jon Calver for series 15 and 16. Over the run of the series, the core cast has aged in parallel with their characters, maintaining continuity without major recasts; however, following a production hiatus after series 12, some roles saw adjustments upon the return in series 15, including updates to recurring ensemble parts to reflect evolving storylines.

Broadcast History

Ed Reardon's Week debuted on on 7 January 2005, airing weekly episodes on Friday mornings at 11:30 before shifting to Thursday evenings. The series began with its first run of six episodes in Series 1, from 7 January to 11 February 2005, followed by subsequent series airing irregularly but typically in six-episode blocks. The programme maintained a consistent presence on through its initial seasons, with Series 2 airing from 21 December 2005 to 25 January 2006, Series 3 from 15 December 2006 to 19 January 2007, Series 4 from 16 November to 21 December 2007, Series 5 from 6 October to 10 November 2008, and Series 6 from 11 January to 15 February 2010. Short breaks occurred between these early series, such as the gap between Series 5 and 6 due to standard scheduling. Following Series 6, the show experienced several hiatuses, including a one-year break before Series 7 aired from 10 January to 14 February 2011, and longer intervals thereafter, such as between Series 9 (11 November to 16 December 2013) and Series 10 (13 May to 17 June 2015), as well as from Series 12 (24 October to 28 November 2017) to Series 13 (30 April to 4 June 2019), and from Series 13 to Series 14 (8 June to 13 July 2021), attributed to programming decisions. These gaps reflected broader scheduling constraints at the broadcaster, with production resuming periodically. The series returned with Series 15 from 13 July to 17 August 2023, and continued with Series 16 airing from 30 June to 4 August 2025 on , now typically broadcast on Monday afternoons. All episodes become available on immediately after broadcast, allowing on-demand listening. Internationally, Ed Reardon's Week has seen limited traditional syndication but has gained wider accessibility through digital platforms since its early years. Episodes are available globally via and podcast services like Fourble and , while Penguin Audio has released audiobook collections starting with Series 1-4 in 2022, covering all 16 series to date.

Style and Themes

Humour and Satire

The in Ed Reardon's Week is rooted in dry British wit and irony, exemplified by the Ed Reardon's self-deluded rants against perceived injustices in his life as a struggling . These monologues, often delivered in the style of entries, showcase impeccable timing and , such as Ed's exasperated complaints about "the pitiful decline of the " or his failed pitches to publishers that spiral into absurd tirades. The series employs exaggerated of literary figures—like pompous authors and bumbling agents—without descending into outright malice, instead highlighting the of Ed's outdated worldview through subtle and ironic asides. Satire forms the backbone of the , targeting the pretentiousness of the literary world and the ineptitude of the media industry, where Ed navigates a dominated by "charlatans" and "half-wits." Absurd situations amplify this mockery, such as Ed's attempts to steal or dodge train fares while pitching improbable projects, underscoring the ridiculousness of survival in creative fields. The show also lampoons aging in , portraying Ed's generational clashes with young, trend-obsessed executives who dismiss his pipe-smoking persona in favour of coffee-shop and buzzwords. Early series focus on traditional print media woes, like literary festivals and agent incompetence, drawing from the frustrations of fringe writers. Over time, the satire evolves to address digital disruption and contemporary media trends, particularly in later series such as 14 through 16, where Ed grapples with social media's influence and "" cultural shifts. Episodes feature his bewildered encounters with online campaigns and viral outrage, satirizing through Ed's profane email responses and resistance to digital adaptation, such as promoting his work on platforms he derides as "textspeak nonsense." This progression reflects the show's adaptability, maintaining its core ironic edge while commenting on how exacerbates the obsolescence felt by veteran creatives.

Cultural Commentary

Ed Reardon's Week offers a pointed of technological and generational divides through its protagonist's stubborn resistance to digital innovations. Ed Reardon, a middle-aged writer clinging to outdated practices like pipe-smoking and typewriters, embodies the frustration of older generations navigating a youth-dominated media landscape. In early series, his mastery of "abusive " highlights a reluctant to email technology, using it not for collaboration but for venting spleen against perceived idiocies in the world. This evolves into broader commentary on how rapid technological shifts marginalize traditional creators, as seen in Ed's disdain for platforms like Amazon sales rankings and trends that prioritize viral content over literary merit. The series mirrors real societal tensions, where "12-year-olds" in the industry wield power through digital savvy, leaving veterans like Ed scrambling to remain relevant. The show incisively satirizes class dynamics and economic precarity, particularly the freelance writer's existence in post-2008 Britain. Ed's hand-to-mouth lifestyle—renting a rundown flat in , dodging bills, and relying on meager commissions—captures the instability of work amid measures. In series 7, Ed collaborates on a about with a young writer, underscoring how economic downturns exacerbate inequalities for aging artists who lack financial safety nets. This reflects broader critiques of London's and the erosion of middle-class stability, where creative professionals face eviction threats and exploitative contracts from agents and publishers. As one review notes, the series stands as a modern echo of George Gissing's New Grub Street, portraying the relentless grind of literary freelancing in an unforgiving market. Gender and diversity issues receive subtle treatment through jabs at industry biases, evolving across the series to reflect changing cultural norms. Ed's interactions with his shrewd agent, Ping, often highlight patriarchal assumptions in , where women navigate male-dominated networks with sharp . Later episodes touch on the of voices in critical forums and media panels, aligning with broader discussions of underrepresentation. While not overtly didactic, these elements critique systemic imbalances without preachiness, using Ed's obliviousness to underscore persistent barriers for women in creative fields. Beyond individual struggles, the series provides incisive commentary on British cultural institutions like the and publishing sector, portraying them as bureaucratic mazes run by "idiots and charlatans." Ed's dealings with producers expose the tensions between artistic integrity and institutional demands for commercial viability, while his battles with publishers lampoon the shift from substantive literature to formulaic bestsellers. This non-preachy satire highlights how these pillars of British culture adapt—or fail to adapt—to economic pressures and digital disruption, offering a lens on the fragility of and the of .

Reception

Awards and Recognition

Ed Reardon's Week has earned recognition from several prestigious broadcasting organizations for its comedic excellence. The series won the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Radio Programme at the 32nd Annual Television and Radio Awards in 2006. It secured the same honor again at the 37th Annual Awards in 2011. The show was shortlisted for the Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2016, acknowledging the writing by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas. In recent years, Ed Reardon's Week received a for the Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting in 2023. It has also been nominated multiple times in the Awards for Best Radio Sitcom, including in 2020 and 2023, reflecting ongoing fan and critical acclaim despite no major wins after 2011.

Critical Response

Upon its debut in 2005, Ed Reardon's Week was hailed as a fresh and witty addition to 4's lineup, with early reviewers praising its character-driven on the literary world. The series quickly established itself as a critical favorite, earning descriptions as one of the standout radio comedies of the year for its sharp writing and Douglas's nuanced portrayal of the beleaguered writer. The show has maintained consistent acclaim across its run, averaging high user ratings such as 4.6 out of 5 stars on platforms like Amazon for its releases, reflecting broad appreciation for its relevance and Douglas's performance, often lauded as a "triumph" that makes the curmudgeonly Reardon sympathetic despite his flaws. The Radio Times has repeatedly endorsed it, calling the series "comic genius" for its clever humor and enduring appeal. However, some critics have offered minor reservations, noting occasional repetition in mid-series episodes and finding Reardon's irritability more annoying than amusing at times. In later seasons, particularly the revivals from series 12 onward, reception has emphasized the show's timeliness in critiquing contemporary media and cultural shifts. A 2025 Telegraph review of series 16 praised its "witty and sharply written" episodes for satirizing modern absurdities like podcast culture and institutional , while noting its remarkable longevity as a "survivor" in radio comedy. Feedback from 2023–2025 has highlighted how the series' themes of aging, , and grumpy resilience resonate more deeply with an evolving audience, addressing gaps in earlier coverage by underscoring its growing cultural . Overall, Ed Reardon's Week has cultivated a among listeners, evidenced by its sustained high appreciation scores—such as 5.0 out of 5 on Audible for recent series—and its status as a beloved staple of British radio .

Adaptations and Media

Stage Version

In 2011, creators Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds adapted their sitcom Ed Reardon's Week into a live stage production titled Ed Reardon: A Writer's Burden. The show premiered at the from 3 to 29 August at the Pleasance Courtyard, marking the character's first transition from audio to theatre. It subsequently embarked on a limited tour, including performances at venues such as the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield and the Buxton Fringe. The stage adaptation introduced visual and performative elements absent in the radio format, such as live reconstructions of key scenes from Ed's life, including his early writing struggles and family dynamics, enacted by supporting . These additions allowed for and visual gags, like exaggerated portrayals of Ed's theatrical influences (e.g., references to Tenko and Bert Kwouk), while condensing narrative threads from the radio series into a 60-minute structure focused on Ed's "burden" as a failed . interaction was enhanced through Douglas's direct address and off-stage voiceovers simulating Ed's tardiness, creating a more immediate, buffoonish tone compared to the radio's subtler satire. Christopher Douglas reprised his role as the curmudgeonly Ed Reardon, delivering the character's signature monologues and pipe-smoking persona live on . The ensemble was played by two versatile actors who portrayed multiple characters, such as Ed's parents and colleagues, doubling as stagehands to facilitate scene changes and heighten the production's DIY aesthetic. Directed by Adrian Lloyd-James, the show emphasized Douglas's while integrating these supporting elements for comedic effect. Critics praised the production's energetic delivery and fidelity to Ed's world-weary charm, appealing strongly to radio fans through familiar catchphrases and scenarios, though some noted its broader, less nuanced approach made it feel like an affable extension rather than a reinvention of the original series. Reviews highlighted its suitability as a live supplement to the audio format, with audiences enjoying the visual insights into Ed's misadventures, but it received mixed marks for originality, often rated around three out of five stars. No additional tours or revivals followed the run.

Tie-in Publications

A novelisation of the first series of Ed Reardon's Week was published in 2005 by , adapting the radio scripts into a by writers Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. This 261-page book captures the curmudgeonly writer's struggles in a format accessible beyond radio listeners. No additional official novels or printed script collections have been released. Audiobook compilations, featuring the original full-cast recordings from BBC Radio 4, form the primary tie-in media, initially distributed on CD by BBC Audio and later in digital formats by Penguin Audio and platforms like Audible. Early releases included Penguin editions covering Series 1–4 (broadcast 2005–2007, published 2007–2009) and subsequent volumes up to Series 10 (broadcast through 2014). Later compilations expanded accessibility, such as Series 5–8 (2008–2011, reissued 2022), Series 9–12 (2013–2017, reissued 2022), and individual series volumes for 13–16 (2019–2025). The 2025 release of Series 16, including the 100th episode, marks the most recent addition, narrated by the cast including Christopher Douglas as Ed Reardon. Merchandise remains limited to these audio products, transitioning from physical CDs in the late to streaming and downloads by the 2020s, with no official apparel, posters, or other items produced. Fan-created transcripts of episodes appear online but are unofficial and not endorsed by the or publishers.

Episodes

Series 1 (2005)

Series 1 of Ed Reardon's Week aired on from 7 January to 11 February 2005, consisting of six 30-minute episodes broadcast weekly on Fridays at 11:30am. This debut series introduced the central character, the curmudgeonly writer Ed Reardon, as he navigates his impoverished life in , dealing with literary ambitions, financial woes, and interpersonal conflicts. Key arcs include Ed's initial encounters with his ineffective agent Jaz Milvane and his new agent Ping, highlighting early clashes over book pitches and professional setbacks that set the tone for his ongoing struggles. The series established the show's satirical take on the world and media pretensions through Ed's misadventures. The episodes focus on Ed's attempts to revive his career, from pitching celebrity pet books to auditioning for television scripts, often undermined by his own stubbornness and bad luck. These narratives introduce recurring themes of rejection and resilience, with Ed's interactions with supporting characters underscoring his isolation and frustration. The strong initial reception contributed to the show's renewal for subsequent series.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Swim7 January 2005Ed Reardon meets his new agent Ping and agrees to write Pet Peeves, a on pets. He tries to dodge buying a round at the by tossing his coat into the , but the scheme fails spectacularly.
2Pulp Non-Fiction14 January 2005Ed steals a from the after spotting a of Pet Peeves in Caravan and Camper, leading to a fine he can't pay and a brief jail stint. He also battles from obsessively checking Amazon rankings and botches a Radio interview.
3Holby City21 January 2005Desperate for funds to repair his roof, Ed is set up by Ping for an interview to write episodes for a TV hospital drama, thrusting him into the world of scripting.
4The Old Lock-Keeper28 January 2005Ed's week unravels with a friend's , misleading junk mail scams, and encounters with oversized egos, but a potential breakthrough arises when he inherits The Old Lock-Keeper column.
5The Winona Defence4 February 2005Ed falls in love, only for his to become an unexpected barrier to romance, complicating his personal and professional aspirations.
6King of the Road11 February 2005Ed's past resurfaces in an unforeseen positive way during a confrontation with an old rival at a event, sparking a revival in his career prospects.

Series 2 (2005–2006)

The second series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on BBC Radio 4 over six episodes from December 2005 to January 2006, building on the established characters from the first series by expanding Ed's ensemble interactions amid ongoing financial desperation. This run delves deeper into Jaz's betrayal of Ed's trust, particularly regarding professional opportunities, while introducing sharper satire on the literary world through scenarios like literary festivals and ghostwriting gigs. Themes prominently feature Ed's futile attempts to secure a TV adaptation of his work and strained family visits, highlighting his curmudgeonly navigation of personal and professional humiliations. The episodes are as follows:
  • Rogue Mail (21 December 2005): After a brief windfall, Ed retreats to a remote to write about royalty, only to face mounting betrayals and expenses that exacerbate his woes.
  • The Speech (28 December 2005): Ed takes on ghostwriting a speech to fund his daughter's , leading to tensions and satirical jabs at .
  • The Last Laugh (4 January 2006): Confronted by a dire , Ed schemes for quick , underscoring his resentment toward modern media adaptations of literature.
  • Our Man in Berkhamsted (11 January 2006): Ed grapples with a while ranting about a pretentious literary festival, amplifying the series' critique of the publishing industry.
  • A Hint of Calvados (18 January 2006): Following complaints to the , Ed receives an unexpected job offer, blending hope with his characteristic cynicism toward broadcasting hierarchies.
  • The Operation (25 January 2006): Hospitalized and in pain, Ed attempts to pen his from his bed, questioning whether discomfort will fuel or just more complaints.

Series 3 (2007)

The third series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on from December 2006 to 2007, comprising six 30-minute episodes that emphasize Ed's misadventures in securing radio commissions and navigating his agent Jaz Milvane's increasingly outlandish schemes for literary success. Building on prior seasons, this run heightens the absurdity of Ed's professional humiliations, such as undercover gigs and writing, while satirizing the precarious world of freelance broadcasting. As part of the award-winning , the series contributed to the programme's growing acclaim for its sharp wit and character-driven . The episodes are as follows:
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Name-check15 December 2006A new commission inspires the writer, but his finances remain stagnant.
2Dad22 December 2006A visit from his father sparks inheritance ideas in the mind of misanthropic Ed Reardon.
3Undercover29 December 2006Ed Reardon, a grumpy writer, shaves his beard to work incognito as a mystery shopper.
4The Dig5 January 2007Curmudgeonly hack Ed Reardon discovers rich pickings and a hint of romance in the world of archaeology.
5Murder Most Rewritten12 January 2007After sending abusive emails, Ed Reardon, a hack writer, expresses frustration with corporate scriptwriting.
6The Libel Action19 January 2007Grumpy writer Ed Reardon updates obituaries and writes a savage profile of an old friend.

Series 4 (2007–2008)

The fourth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on from 16 November to 21 December 2007, consisting of six episodes that emphasize Ed Reardon's deepening financial desperation and disastrous attempts at professional partnerships, such as ghostwriting commissions and reconciliations gone awry. This installment builds on the satirical portrayal of literary pretensions from previous series, with Ed's schemes often unraveling due to his own curmudgeonly nature and bad luck. The episodes are as follows:
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1January 3116 2007With his deadline approaching, the beleaguered Ed Reardon shocks his agent with an unexpected proposal amid his ongoing money troubles.
2Ruth and Reconciliation23 2007Ed's attempt to mend fences with his ex-wife Ruth leads to an unintended slight against a survivor, sparking a chain of awkward romantic pursuits.
3The Wrong Fleece30 2007Ed experiences a rare flash of inspiration for a potentially groundbreaking writing project, only to forget the crucial details, exacerbating his creative and financial blocks.
4The Old Boys Network7 December 2007Ed's luck briefly turns when an affluent former schoolmate hires him to chronicle the history of a lavish French property, but old rivalries and complications soon emerge.
514 December 2007After a scare, Ed turns the tables by interviewing his own cardiologist for a writing gig, leading to heartfelt but hilariously misguided revelations.
6Trimarans That Pass in the Night21 December 2007Ed becomes entangled in a high-profile romantic during a seaside holiday scheme, blending his pursuit of love with yet another botched opportunity for stability.

Series 5 (2008)

The fifth series of Ed Reardon's Week, written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, was broadcast on on Monday afternoons at 11:30, consisting of six 30-minute episodes from 6 October to 10 November 2008. This series depicts Ed Reardon's ongoing struggles in the literary world, including a challenging book tour, professional humiliations, and personal entanglements, such as his faltering romance with Mary Potter. The episodes are: 1. "The Last Miaow" (6 October 2008)
Ed enjoys a rare second month of domestic bliss with Mary Potter, but irritations over her toaster and other habits mount; meanwhile, his cat Elgar goes missing, sparking a frantic search that culminates in a canal discovery and the end of the relationship due to Ed's . 2. "The CV of Dorian Gray" (13 October 2008)
To impress a 12-year-old Head of Development at his agency, Ed overhauls his appearance with jeans and a while fabricating a youthful CV, shaving a decade off his age in a bid to stay relevant. 3. "Anger Management" (20 October 2008)
Following a heated clash with the Head of Stakeholder Communications Engagement at a local council meeting, Ed is compelled to attend classes, testing whether he can temper his irascible nature. 4. "Educating Peter" (27 October 2008)
At the suggestion of agent Jaz, Ed revives his long-forgotten 1970s stage show Educating Peter, staging a production that unexpectedly garners success and a measure of validation for his career. 5. "The Great Escape" (3 November 2008)
With the agency staff on holiday amid economic pressures, Ed secures freelance work writing for a local lifestyle magazine, raising hopes for stability and even a potential romantic getaway. 6. "Granddad" (10 November 2008)
A visit from Ed's newborn grandson, Smile, sparks inspiration for a children's book, though his daughter Pearl recoils at the squalor of his Clerkenwell flat, highlighting his precarious domestic life.

Series 6 (2010)

The sixth series of Ed Reardon's Week consists of six episodes broadcast on , focusing on the protagonist Ed Reardon's experiences with aging, retirement, and his reluctance to embrace new technology while attempting to rekindle his writing ambitions. Set initially in a , the series satirizes the challenges of later life, financial struggles, and encounters with digital culture through Ed's curmudgeonly perspective.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Charterhouse Redemption11 January 2010Ed enjoys a contented at , a accommodation for the financially strained, engaging in jigsaw puzzles and battling on the communal computer, until circumstances force him back into writing for income.
2Charity Begins Next Door18 January 2010A new student, , joins Ed's writing class and becomes his admirer and protégé, helping him craft a speech on African water shortages for a charity auction organized by an agency.
3The Cruise25 January 2010Inspired by a promising book idea endorsed by Ping, Ed joins his son Jaz and on a cruise in search of creative renewal at sea.
4Cheese Cricket1 February 2010Despite his skepticism, Ed unexpectedly excels on a new topical quiz show featuring a culinary twist, while musing on potential household accidents from tuning in.
5A Bottle of Ulterio Motivo8 February 2010Ed profits by selling his belongings to a themed wine bar run by the appealing , providing a temporary financial boost.
6Elgar Writes15 February 2010Ed tutors grammar to inept online scammers plagued by poor punctuation, as his cat Elgar unexpectedly becomes an internet sensation through a .

An Audience with Ed Reardon (2010)

"An Audience with Ed Reardon" is a one-off special episode of the comedy series Ed Reardon's Week, recorded live at the in August 2010 and first broadcast on 20 October 2010. In this 30-minute programme, the character Ed Reardon, portrayed by Christopher Douglas, appears before a live audience at the Pleasance venue to present extracts from what he describes as his favourite literature. However, the meta-humour lies in the revelation that all the featured works are Ed's own creations, including ghostwritten books, unpublished novels, radio plays, and even a fictional episode of the 1980s TV series Tenko. The episode serves as a reflective showcase of Ed's long but largely unsuccessful career as a , highlighting his pretensions and frustrations through self-penned pieces such as Jane Seymour's Household Hints (a Tudor-era domestic guide he ghostwrote), the Shakespeare-inspired novel Who Would Fardels Bear, and his radio drama Pet Peeves. This format allows for comedic interplay with recurring characters, including his agent Hermione (voiced by ) and neighbour Campbell (voiced by ), who provide interruptions and commentary that underscore Ed's delusions of grandeur. The live audience setting amplifies the show's signature style of observational on the literary world, with Ed railing against modern publishing while promoting his own "masterpieces." Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, and produced by Dawn Ellis, the special deviates from the standard weekly narrative structure of the series by embracing a performative, audience-facing approach reminiscent of celebrity "An Audience With..." events. It was repeated on on 3 January 2011, offering listeners a standalone glimpse into Ed's self-aggrandizing worldview without advancing the ongoing plotlines. The episode's unique blend of archival-style presentation and character-driven banter exemplifies the series' enduring appeal in mocking the pretensions of faded artistic talent.

Series 7 (2011)

The seventh series of Ed Reardon's Week consists of six episodes broadcast on , marking a return to the weekly format following the 2010 special An Audience with Ed Reardon. Airing amid the early impacts of the , the series explores Ed's ongoing struggles with austerity measures, digital adaptation, and strained family ties, including tentative reconciliations with his daughter Jaz and encounters via online platforms. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, it features returning cast members such as as Olive, as Felix, and as Ping, with guest appearances highlighting Ed's misadventures in contemporary writing and media. The episodes emphasize Ed's introduction to social media, such as online networking that leads to awkward reunions, and efforts toward family reconciliation, including assistance from his daughter in securing professional opportunities. These elements underscore the series' blend of on economic hardship and personal growth, without delving into broader cultural commentary on digital themes.

Episode List

  • Episode 1: In the Current Climate (10 January 2011)
    Ed collaborates with the unsettlingly charismatic writer Ben Herbert on a book addressing , highlighting the economic pressures on freelance creatives.
  • Episode 2: From Bean to Cup (17 January 2011)
    Ed secures a more comfortable living situation, complete with a coffee machine and steady work, but his optimism is short-lived amid typical setbacks.
  • Episode 3: Become a Successful (24 2011)
    Enrolling in a course aimed at "successful" writing techniques, Ed dismisses the lessons as redundant given his self-perceived expertise, as evidenced by his My New Novel, but emerges as an unlikely script consultant.
  • Episode 4: Parsnip Junction (31 2011)
    Caught in between Ping and her sister Py during Py's work experience at the agency, Ed revives the beloved children's TV series Parsnip Junction, reimagining its whimsical railway station setting.
  • Episode 5: Writer in Residence (7 February 2011)
    With help from his daughter Jaz following an unexpected opportunity, Ed lands a position as writer-in-residence at a university-like institution after immersing himself in to appear relevant.
  • Episode 6: Summer of '76 (14 February 2011)
    Ed connects online with his former flame Fiona from 1976, prompting a social media-fueled reconnection that tests whether revisiting the past is advisable amid his current instabilities.

Series 8 (2011)

The eighth series of Ed Reardon's Week was broadcast on , comprising six half-hour episodes that aired weekly on Tuesday evenings from 3 April to 8 May 2012. This series explores Ed Reardon's persistent efforts to revive his writing career through television-related opportunities, such as collaborative factutainment projects and film tributes, while navigating personal upheavals including family visits and housing instability ahead of the London Olympics. The episodes highlight Ed's characteristic grumpiness and failed ambitions in a media landscape dominated by younger creators and commercial pressures, building on prior themes of professional marginalization. The series episodes are detailed below:
EpisodeTitleOriginal Air DateSynopsis
1Have a Great Weekend3 April 2012Ed Reardon finds himself unusually upbeat despite lacking work, embracing his landlady Ping's advice to enjoy the weekend through simple pleasures like bathing and whistling, though his fare-dodging habits and tendency for abusive emails persist.
2Original British Drama10 April 2012Ed collaborates with his son Jake on a 'genuine' factutainment television project, unexpectedly harmonizing with a group of 12-year-olds both on-screen and behind the scenes, producing content aimed at sparking water-cooler discussions.
3It's a Nude Nude Nude Nude World17 April 2012Producer Jaz Milvain enlists Ed to curate a tribute to his film career for a surprise 60th birthday party, leading Ed to feature Jaz's early work It's a Nude Nude Nude Nude World—unaware that Ed's girlfriend Fiona had a role in it—shifting from a planned roast to a more sentimental event.
4Making a Difference24 April 2012To impress girlfriend Fiona, Ed joins a rail network campaign and becomes an unlikely local radio personality, leveraging his irritable persona to earn the moniker 'Captain Grumblebum' as a voice for public grievances.
5Rosicrucian Armageddon 21 May 2012Ed contributes authentic archaic language ('oldenspeak') to the sequel of video game Rosicrucian Armageddon, grappling with elements like non-player characters and quests, while his daughter arrives unannounced with her son, bringing items like a Japanese tea infuser and dream catcher to 'cleanse' his flat.
6Keeping the Flame Alive8 May 2012Landlord Stan plans to rent Ed's flat for £3,000 per week during the Olympics—despite its remote location—forcing Ed to pack his clutter-filled belongings, including old newspapers and takeaway containers, and scramble for alternative accommodation.

Ed Reardon's Christmas Week (2012)

"Ed Reardon's Christmas Week" is a holiday special episode of the Ed Reardon's Week, originally broadcast on 25 December 2012. The episode, subtitled "It Started in ," follows the protagonist Ed Reardon, a struggling , as he attempts to capitalize on the book market by crafting a festive . Beginning in , Ed pitches his yuletide-themed project amid skepticism from his class, highlighting the challenges of seasonal deadlines and commercial pressures in the literary world. The narrative builds to Christmas Day, emphasizing festive chaos through Ed's misadventures in securing accommodation and navigating interpersonal tensions. Desperate for a place to stay, Ed seeks refuge at the Lock Keeper's Arms pub, but must first negotiate with his reluctant landlady, underscoring his perpetual financial woes and resourcefulness. Holiday themes are amplified by Ed's reluctant involvement in family gatherings, where strained relationships with relatives add layers of comedic discomfort and reflection on solitude versus obligation during the season. Throughout the special, recurring motifs of Ed's curmudgeonly outlook contrast with the forced merriment of , as his ambitious pitches for content falter amid real-life disruptions like unreliable support from agent Jaz Milvain and interactions with his Elgar. The episode culminates in a poignant yet humorous of Ed's isolation, questioning whether he will spend the day with or in quiet with minimal comforts. This standalone installment maintains the series' semi-naturalistic style, blending , phone calls, and to capture the absurdity of yuletide expectations.

Series 9 (2013)

The ninth series of Ed Reardon's Week consists of six episodes broadcast on from 11 November to 16 December 2013, following the curmudgeonly writer Ed Reardon as he navigates attempts at professional revival amid personal setbacks, including job applications, interning, scriptwriting, health issues, a writing retreat, and a show appearance. The first episode, "The Personal Statement", aired on 11 November 2013. In it, Ed applies for legitimate jobs in an effort to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend and demonstrate reliability. The second episode, "The Intern", aired on 18 November 2013. Ed secures an unpaid internship to evade taxes, finding himself as the oldest intern while sharing a workspace with the young Ping. The third episode, "The Berkhamstead Job", aired on 25 November 2013. After a damages his home, Ed collaborates on a script—an action-adventure tale with elements—while staying with his rival . The fourth episode, "Blood of the Reardons", aired on 2 December 2013. Diagnosed with , Ed contends with his daughter Eli's overzealous healthy cooking, prompting him to join a for escape. The fifth episode, "Intellectual Fireworks", aired on 9 December 2013. Ed accepts a professorial role at an elite writing retreat, immersing himself in literary discussions and networking opportunities. The sixth episode, "The Bride of Auntie", aired on 16 December 2013. Ed leverages his trivia knowledge on Radio 4's quiz show What Do You Know?, winning a modest £43 fee that hints at improving fortunes.

Series 10 (2015)

The tenth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on BBC Radio 4 from 13 May to 17 June 2015, comprising six episodes. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, the series follows Ed as he deals with homelessness, temporary caretaking, family tensions, and new writing opportunities in a post-financial crisis world. The episodes are summarized in the following table:
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Go-To Destination13 May 2015Ed and his producer girlfriend Laura enjoy a state of bliss, but good things do not last for Ed.
2One Man, Two Charlies20 May 2015Newly homeless, Ed caretakes a warehouse and agrees to look after two Charlie Bears for money.
3My Companion27 May 2015Ed plans to attend a with his ex-wife, upsetting his children and .
4Joan of the Junction3 2015Ed searches for shelter along the and finds a home with the colorful Joan.
5Moby Dave10 2015Ed receives an advance to write a night TV series about Moby Dave.
6The New Thirty17 2015Approaching 60, Ed reflects on his life and finds some positives.

Ed Reardon at Christmas (2013)

"Ed Reardon at Christmas" is a Christmas special episode of the sitcom Ed Reardon's Week, originally produced in 2012 but broadcast on 25 December 2013 at 16:30. The episode, written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds and produced by Dawn Ellis, runs for 30 minutes and stars Christopher Douglas as the titular curmudgeonly writer Ed Reardon. The plot centers on Ed's dilemma over how to spend Christmas Day, highlighting tensions in his personal relationships and his characteristic reluctance to embrace festive traditions. It begins in when Ed's class expresses skepticism about his plans for a solitary , prompting him to send a humorous round-robin to his . This leads to an unexpected invitation from a relative, forcing Ed to weigh the prospect of gatherings—complete with minimal expectations, enforced merriment, and his preferred television lineup—against a quiet day alone with his Elgar, an Oxo cube, and a stick. The narrative underscores Ed's strained dynamic with his girlfriend Eli, who sends a particularly chilly , amplifying his sense of isolation amid the season. Key supporting characters include as Olive, Philip Jackson as Jaz Milvain, as Ping, as Stan, Rita May as Pearl, as Fiona, and Martin Hyder in ensemble roles, contributing to the episode's semi-naturalistic style blending narration and . The special explores themes of familial disconnection and the comedic absurdities of holiday obligations, portraying Ed's misanthropic worldview as he navigates reluctant social ties and the pressure of seasonal cheer. While not introducing new professional pursuits, the episode reflects Ed's ongoing struggles as a faded literary figure, echoing broader arcs of professional frustration from prior series.

Series 11 (2016)

The eleventh series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on over six weeks in autumn 2016, marking a return after a three-year hiatus following the previous special. This series centers on protagonist unexpected enrollment as a mature at a local , highlighting themes of generational clashes, the challenges of aging in a youth-dominated environment, and his persistent efforts to revive his writing career amid academic and modern life. The episodes explore Ed's curmudgeonly navigation of lectures, , and personal finances, with recurring motifs of his disdain for contemporary and for his past literary ambitions. The series features no major celebrity guest stars but includes ensemble performances that emphasize Ed's interactions with younger characters, underscoring plots about and reinvention. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, it was produced by Dawn Ellis and directed by .
EpisodeAir DateSynopsis
1The 4 October 2016Ed Reardon returns to as a full-time student, entering unfamiliar academic territory after years of freelance struggles.
211 October 2016As editor of the student magazine, Ed attempts to ignite anti-authoritarian sentiment among apathetic undergraduates.
3Generation Why Bother18 October 2016A fortuitous meeting with an prompts Ed to reassess his precarious finances and potential tax rebate claims.
4The Rectifier25 October 2016Embracing freedoms, Ed begins composing a and family memoir on topics of personal interest.
5Poetry? No Thanks1 November 2016Ed gets drawn into a project to commemorate a wartime entertainer, Beryl Bassett, through a proposed and inscription.
6The Fourth Sausage8 November 2016The discovery of one of Ed's long-forgotten films raises hopes of a resurgence and financial windfall.

Series 12 (2017)

Series 12 of Ed Reardon's Week marked the return of the after a three-year broadcast gap following Series 11 in 2014, airing six episodes from October to November 2017. The series maintained its signature of the literary and media industries, updating Ed Reardon's misadventures to reflect contemporary developments such as the rise of creation and roles in writing. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, the season starred Christopher Douglas as the curmudgeonly protagonist Ed Reardon, with supporting performances from Lisa Coleman as , Philip Jackson as Jaz Milvain, as Ping, and as Olive. The episodes centered on Ed's ongoing struggles with , failed ambitions, and absurd entanglements in modern media landscapes, including freelance gigs and local . This season highlighted Ed's precarious living situations and professional humiliations, often amplified by technological and cultural shifts in .
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Writer in the Van24 October 2017Ed Reardon returns with a new idea for a and an exciting new home after being dismissed from his position; his agent Ping leaves his affairs to assistant Maggie, leading to Ed's relocation to a .
2Diabetes Day31 October 2017It's time for Ed's annual health check, complicating his efforts to secure writing work while dealing with his unstable living arrangements.
3The Legacy7 November 2017Ed may be in line for an inheritance, but only if he can prove his identity amid bureaucratic hurdles and family complications.
4An Enemy of the People14 November 2017Following an encounter with refuse collector Jack at the centre, Ed is persuaded to enter local politics, satirizing community and .
5How Did I Do?21 November 2017Ed teams up with a contact to launch a delivery company, navigating a where perks replace pay and performance reviews dominate.
6A Different Direction28 November 2017Ed resolves to introduce his partner Maggie to his children, while pursuing a column in Your Motorhome that provides both income and new accommodations.

Series 13 (2019)

The thirteenth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on in 2019, consisting of six episodes broadcast weekly from late April to early June. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, the series follows the curmudgeonly author Ed Reardon (voiced by Douglas) as he and his cat Elgar return to after a failed rural in a , grappling with financial woes, opportunistic schemes, and the absurdities of modern life. This installment incorporates Brexit-era , with Ed's rants touching on political uncertainties and their impact on everyday struggles like and , while providing updates on his strained family ties, including interactions with his son Jaz and old acquaintance Ping. Produced by Simon Nicholls for , the episodes maintain the show's signature blend of diary-style narration and semi-naturalistic audio . The series emphasizes Ed's attempts to monetize his past experiences amid a changing cultural landscape, with recurring themes of familial reconciliation and commentary on 2010s British society, including the and media fads. Guest stars such as and Sarah Ovens add layers to Ed's misadventures, highlighting his perpetual underdog status. Below is a table summarizing the episodes, including titles, original air dates, and brief synopses.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1The Wooden Spoon30 April 2019Ed and Elgar arrive back in destitute and in need of accommodation; a bag of wooden spoons from their rural stint unexpectedly aids in resolving their , while Ed navigates initial family outreach.
2The Ed Talk7 May 2019Ed reunites with school acquaintance Geoff Daytona, a , who commissions him to ghostwrite a titled The Geoff Daytona Method, offering a glimmer of financial stability amid Brexit-induced economic anxieties.
3Bezzies14 May 2019Ed dips into , leveraging his rudimentary skills from the countryside to audition as a contestant, satirizing the superficiality of TV fame while touching on dynamics through Jaz's involvement.
4Planned Parenthood21 May 2019Ed lands a gig writing "New-Mum lit" books, forcing him to confront modern childcare trends and reflect on his own parenting lapses, with updates on his relationships with ex-wife Sue and son Jaz.
5Punk Rock Vampires28 May 2019Ed's long-forgotten 1970s script for a British , Vampires, resurfaces, providing an opportunity for royalties and a nostalgic look at his career, intertwined with wry observations on cultural shifts post-Brexit referendum.
6The Bed Blocker4 June 2019After a mishap with a , Ed ends up in alongside his friend Ping, leading to reflections on aging, services strained by political turmoil, and tentative reconciliations.

Series 14 (2021)

The fourteenth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on from 8 June to 13 July 2021, comprising six episodes. Written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, the series follows Ed as he navigates post-lockdown life, financial recovery, family reunions, and new writing gigs, including a movie script and a series. Themes include renewal with ex-partner Maggie and challenges with his cat Elgar's health. The episodes are summarized in the following table:
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1 O'Clock8 June 2021On his uppers, Ed is offered projects: scripting for Jaz Milvain or a series.
2You're Cancelled15 June 2021Ed faces issues related to cancellation in his professional and personal life.
3The Jethro Tree22 June 2021An unexpected meeting leads to renewal with ex-partner ; Jake seeks help for his .
4Battleaxe29 June 2021Ed encounters formidable characters in his pursuits.
5Elgar's Nose6 July 2021Elgar develops a , complicating Ed's life further.
6Platinum Writer13 July 2021Ed achieves a platinum writing status amid ongoing crises.

Series 15 (2023)

The fifteenth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on from 13 July to 17 August 2023, comprising six episodes broadcast weekly on evenings at 18:30. This run represented the show's revival after a four-year absence since Series 14 concluded in 2019, a gap attributed to disruptions from the that halted regular productions. The series delves into Ed Reardon's ongoing misadventures amid post-pandemic adjustments, including grief over his cat Elgar's death, tentative creative reinventions, and satirical jabs at contemporary cultural trends like online quizzes and literary reissues. Written by Christopher Douglas and the late Andrew Nickolds, with production by Dawn Ellis and sound design by Jon Calver, the episodes maintain the semi-naturalistic style blending monologue and dialogue. 1. The Storyteller (13 July 2023)
Ed Reardon returns, grappling with financial woes in his cramped "capsule urban living unit" while supporting his daughter Eli's pivot to a career as a corporate "Storyteller." His agent Ping offers no viable work, leading Ed to consider ghostwriting Jaz Milvane's memoir I, Jaz, though he prioritizes a self-taped audition for a local radio rant against modern storytelling. Meanwhile, daughter Pearl has become a store detective, and Ed tutors a University of the Third Age class on his vintage TV script for Tenko. The episode is dedicated to producer Andrew Nickolds, who died during scripting. 2. Pallet Wood Inspirations (20 July 2023)
Six weeks after Elgar's passing, urges Ed to reconnect with the world beyond his , introducing him to pallet wood crafting as a therapeutic outlet. Ed dusts off his dormant skills from his youth, pondering if this hobby could spark a writing commission via Ping, potentially birthing a new career path amid his stalled literary ambitions. 3. The Bromance (27 July 2023)
Ed encounters Derek, a kindred spirit and fellow writer, at the local , igniting talk of a collaborative project—Ed's first since the , despite Ping's cautions about such partnerships. His "Soapbox Corner" radio segment thrives with listener complaints, often inspired by poolside observations where Ed hangs his laundry to dry on heaters. 4. Ed in Paris (3 August 2023)
Ed travels to for a YouTube interview with a French publisher reissuing his Who Would Fardels Bear, positioning it as a socialist realist unmarred by Jaz Milvane's infamous Sister Mom. He invites Maggie for a romantic city break, while Jaz anticipates a , eyeing the title "Jaz Milvane of Tinsletown" to bolster his ego. 5. Ed Reardon is on Fire! (10 August 2023)
Sixteen weeks after Elgar's death, Ed seeks diversion by reviving his quiz-hosting past at son Jake's suggestion, launching an online trivia night with a £10 entry fee. Ping secures a related gig writing Fess Your Chew, a quiz on 2000s snacks, but Ed's focus wavers upon meeting Jake's new girlfriend Quizzy, who evokes a 1998 flame. 6. The Mousetrap (17 August 2023)
Ed lands an interview for "Assistant Deputy Acting Head of Development for Made Content" at an indie production firm via a "blind recruiting" scheme, promising steady pay, sleep coaching perks, and £250 ski vouchers with little actual labor. Complications arise from a mouse infestation—sparked by the death of neighbor Queenie's cat alongside Elgar—and an unexpected visit from Jake.

Series 16 (2025)

The sixteenth series of Ed Reardon's Week aired on BBC Radio 4 from 30 June to 4 August 2025, consisting of six half-hour episodes broadcast weekly on Mondays at 18:30 BST. This season marked a significant milestone for the long-running sitcom, culminating in the 100th episode overall and reflecting on two decades of the programme since its debut in 2005. Amid the evolving 2025 media landscape, where independent publishing and digital disruptions continued to challenge traditional writers, the series delved into themes of retirement, aging, and literary legacy, with Ed Reardon confronting his mortality through unwanted retirement home solicitations and decisions about his creative future. A plot element in the premiere episode referenced the UK's ongoing RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) building safety scandal, highlighting Ed's precarious living situation in a crumbling modernist flat. The series maintained its signature blend of observational and , focusing on Ed's futile schemes to sustain his freelance career while navigating personal losses, such as the ongoing grief over his late cat Elgar. Episodes explored contemporary issues like generational divides, in , and environmental concerns, all filtered through Ed's curmudgeonly perspective. Guest appearances included notable figures like in the finale, underscoring reflections on enduring artistic relevance.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1A Crumbling Edifice30 June 2025Still mourning his cat Elgar and besieged by retirement home brochures, Ed desperately clears his cluttered cupboard to illegally sub-let it as "boutique capsule living" space and applies for an ostler's job at The Countrywoman magazine after losing his writing class students to Dubai's property boom; he stores his life's work on his unstable RAAC-built balcony.
2A Pigeon in Sainsbury's7 July 2025Ed rediscovers an old radio play script and gets entangled in a historical battle re-enactment society, while facing the weighty choice of naming a new cat amid his ongoing quest for companionship and income.
3Gen Ed14 July 2025Embracing his new position as theatre critic for The Countrywoman, Ed wrestles with modern generational labels like "Gen X" and reunites with an old friend, only to encounter professional quandaries that test his outdated worldview.
4Artificial Asininity21 July 2025Ed ventriles his fury at artificial intelligence's encroachment on writing when he collaborates on a project with the slick agent Jaz Milvain, involving a new job opportunity, a long-lost acquaintance, and an unexpected tortoise.
5For the Sake of the Planet28 July 2025With writing commissions scarce, Ed turns to eco-conscious ventures in a bid to align his hack work with environmental causes, further pondering his relevance in a sustainability-focused media era.
6Blocked!4 August 2025In the series' 100th episode, Ed declares an end to his writing career—potentially for good—unless persuaded otherwise by Zadie Smith, culminating in a poignant examination of his legacy after 20 years of professional setbacks and minor triumphs.

Additional Christmas Specials

In addition to the primary Christmas specials of 2012 and 2013, Ed Reardon's Week featured further holiday-themed episodes that highlighted the protagonist's characteristic grumpiness amid seasonal pressures. These specials often amplified Ed's financial woes and interpersonal tensions, portraying as a time of reluctant compromises and exaggerated miserliness. The 2016 special, titled Ed Reardon at , aired on on 1 January 2016. In this episode, Ed faces the holiday alone after being separated from his Elgar, relying solely on a computer and a writing commission for companionship. The narrative exaggerates Ed's isolation and disdain for festive commercialism, as he navigates a solitary marked by minimal indulgences like a stick. Another notable entry is the 2020 Christmas special, Ed Reardon's Christmas Week: Upstairs Room at the Inn, broadcast on 22 December 2020. Here, Ed seeks shelter at the Lock Keeper's Arms pub during the holidays but encounters obstacles, including a Scrooge-like landlord, underscoring his perpetual bad luck and frugal schemes to secure basic comforts. This installment reinforces the series' themes of and economic hardship, with Ed's attempts at holiday survival clashing against pandemic-era restrictions. These episodes maintain the show's semi-naturalistic style, blending Ed's diary entries with absurd encounters that satirize literary pretensions and modern life. While not part of the main series arcs, they provide standalone festive vignettes that echo recurring motifs of strained relationships, such as Ed's fraught dynamics with his Jack.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

The main cast of Ed Reardon's Week features a core ensemble of voice actors who bring the central characters to life through semi-naturalistic performances that blend scripted dialogue with a style. Christopher Douglas portrays Ed Reardon, the protagonist and a struggling, curmudgeonly writer, in a central performance that includes ad-libbed elements and defines the show's tone of grumpy resilience mixed with faint optimism. Philip Jackson plays Jaz Milvane, Ed's slick and opportunistic literary agent, infusing the role with oily charm that highlights the character's scheming success. Stephanie Cole voices Olive, Ed's sharp-tongued ex-wife and former writing class student, delivering lines with dry wit that underscores her no-nonsense demeanor. Barunka O'Shaughnessy assumes the role of Ping (Pandora Ingleby-Thomas), Ed's hapless adult daughter and agent—originally played by in series 1—bringing hapless energy and comedic timing to the character's chaotic enthusiasm across most series. Jenny Agutter provides the voice for Fiona, Ed's occasional romantic interest in later episodes, with an exasperated tone that captures the character's frustration amid Ed's misadventures.

Recurring Guest Roles

played the role of Felix, Ed Reardon's hapless literary agent, appearing in every episode of the first seven series from 2005 to 2011. provided voices for multiple supporting characters across 26 episodes spanning series 2 to 16 (2006–2025), most notably as Dave, the opportunistic publisher who frequently exploits Ed's misfortunes, with appearances concentrated from 2007 to 2018. Following the hiatus after series 8 in 2012, some recurring supporting roles saw casting updates to maintain continuity, such as Nicola Sanderson taking over duties in later series.

References

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