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.
The podcast’s success has been matched by critical recognition.
