James Acaster & Ed Gamble’s Off Menu Podcast Returns for Series 15 | Release Date & Details
The wildly popular comedy podcast Off Menu, hosted by British comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble, is officially back with Series 15, marking yet another major chapter in one of the UK’s most successful audio franchises.
Since its debut in 2018, Off Menu has grown from a cult comedy podcast into a full-blown entertainment phenomenon — one that spans podcasting, live theatre, YouTube, and global streaming platforms. With its unique format, A-list guest lineup, and fiercely loyal fanbase, the show’s return is already creating significant buzz across the comedy and podcasting world.
What Is Off Menu? A Podcast With a Simple but Brilliant Concept
At the heart of Off Menu lies a deceptively simple idea.
Each week, guests are invited into the hosts’ fictional “dream restaurant,” where they are asked to select their ultimate:
Starter
Main course
Side dish
Drink
Dessert
However, what unfolds is far more than a food conversation.
The menu choices often spark:
Emotional memories
Cultural reflections
Unexpected confessions
Comedic tangents
Philosophical debates about food, pleasure, and nostalgia
James Acaster plays the role of a whimsical, unpredictable maître d’, while Ed Gamble acts as the restaurant’s self-appointed food critic and authority. The contrast between their personalities fuels much of the show’s humour and charm.
Series 15: What Listeners Can Expect This Time
According to early details, Series 15 will continue the winning formula that has made Off Menu a chart-topping success — but with fresh guests, new stories, and increasingly surreal dream menus.
Highlights of the New Season:
A new lineup of celebrity guests from film, TV, music, comedy, and broadcasting
Even more unexpected food choices and strong opinions
Deeper dives into guests’ personal histories and cultural influences
Classic recurring bits beloved by longtime fans
Enhanced visual episodes on YouTube
The new series launches on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, with:
Audio episodes released every Wednesday
Video versions published on YouTube every Thursday
A Who’s Who of Past Off Menu Guests
Over the years, Off Menu has attracted an extraordinary list of guests, helping elevate it beyond the typical comedy podcast format.
Notable Past Guests Include:
Kate Winslet – Oscar-winning actor
Gillian Anderson – Film and TV icon
Elle Fanning – Hollywood star
Will Sharpe – Actor and writer
Joy Crookes – Acclaimed singer-songwriter
Greg James – BBC Radio 1 presenter
Chris McCausland – Award-winning comedian
Each episode balances celebrity appeal with authenticity, allowing guests to drop their public personas and talk candidly about comfort food, indulgence, and guilty pleasures.
From Podcast to Cultural Brand: The Rise of Off Menu
Launch and Early Growth
Off Menu launched in December 2018, entering a rapidly growing podcast market. While comedy podcasts were already popular, few achieved the level of mainstream crossover success that Off Menu would soon enjoy.
Within months, the show:
Climbed UK podcast charts
Built a devoted online fanbase
Became a regular fixture in podcast award discussions
Downloads and Reach
As of 2026, Off Menu has:
Surpassed 230 million downloads
Ranked consistently among the UK’s most-streamed podcasts
Developed a global audience across Europe, North America, and beyond
Awards, Recognition and Industry Impact
The podcast’s success has been matched by critical recognition.
Awards and Nominations:
British Podcast Awards nominations for Best Comedy Podcast (2019 & 2020)
Regular inclusions in “Best Podcast” lists by media outlets
Praised for originality, chemistry, and format longevity
More importantly, Off Menu has influenced:
The rise of concept-driven podcasts
The blending of comedy and lifestyle genres
The expansion of podcasts into live theatrical experiences
Off Menu Live: From Headphones to Theatre Seats
One of the most remarkable aspects of Off Menu’s evolution is its success on stage.
UK and Ireland Tour
In 2023, James Acaster and Ed Gamble embarked on a sold-out UK and Ireland tour, proving the podcast’s appeal extended far beyond audio platforms.
London Palladium Success
The duo returned with:
Off Menu: Live in London
A sold-out run at the London Palladium
A show that combined podcast recording with theatrical spectacle
This marked a major milestone, placing Off Menu among the rare podcasts capable of filling iconic venues.
Royal Albert Hall 2026: The Next Live Chapter
In March 2026, Off Menu returns to the stage with:
Off Menu Live: The Tasting Menus
Venue: Royal Albert Hall
Limited run of six shows
Five shows already sold out
One additional date added due to overwhelming demand
The scale of these performances underscores the podcast’s transformation into a live entertainment powerhouse.
Why Off Menu Continues to Work in a Crowded Podcast Market
In an era of thousands of podcasts competing for attention, Off Menu has managed to remain relevant for over seven years.
Key Reasons for Its Longevity:
Timeless concept that doesn’t rely on trends
Hosts with genuine chemistry
Guests who feel relaxed and authentic
Balance of humour, warmth, and structure
Willingness to evolve across platforms
Rather than reinventing itself each season, the show has focused on refining what already works.
The Power of Food as Storytelling
One of Off Menu’s greatest strengths is its use of food as an entry point into storytelling.
Food becomes:
A memory trigger
A cultural identifier
A source of comfort
A comedic weapon
Listeners don’t tune in for recipes — they tune in for human stories, delivered with humour and honesty.
Visual Expansion: YouTube and the Future of Podcasting
The addition of a visual version on YouTube has helped Off Menu reach a younger and more global audience.
Benefits of the visual format include:
Viral clips on social media
Greater accessibility for new listeners
Enhanced engagement with guest reactions
Cross-platform discoverability
This strategy aligns perfectly with broader industry trends, where podcasts increasingly exist as multi-format media brands.
Release Schedule: When and Where to Listen
📅 Audio Release: Every Wednesday on all major podcast platforms
📺 Video Release: Every Thursday on YouTube
🎧 Platforms Include:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
Google Podcasts
YouTube
Final Thoughts: Why Series 15 Matters
The return of Off Menu for Series 15 isn’t just another season launch — it’s a reminder of how far podcasting has come as a medium.
From intimate conversations to sold-out arenas, James Acaster and Ed Gamble have helped redefine what a comedy podcast can be. As the new series begins, fans old and new can expect more laughs, more indulgence, and more unforgettable dream menus.
