Ed Gamble takes the helm of the fresh comedy show “Unacceptable,” where he guides a group of comedians as they compete to persuade the studio audience to embrace their most outrageous opinions.
Gamble, known for his role as host of “The Traitors” companion podcast “Uncloaked,” is joined by well-known personalities such as Richard Ayoade, who argues in one episode that action movies represent the pinnacle of cinema, and Katherine Ryan, who tries to convince the audience that all men should undergo vasectomies at birth. Romesh Ranganathan, who produces the show through his company Ranga Bee, also makes occasional appearances.
“Unacceptable” is part of a new lineup of comedy content from the U.K.’s free-to-air network TLC, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. This lineup also features the revival of “Mock the Week,” previously aired on the BBC. TLC is so committed to “Unacceptable” that they renewed it for a second season even before the first episode aired, which launched on July 5.
Before the show premiered, Gamble spoke with Variety about the new series, the U.K. comedy scene, and the possibility of him participating as a contestant on “Celebrity Traitors.”
How did you get involved with “Unacceptable”?
The concept was essentially developed by Ranga Bee, and I believe Romesh suggested that I would be a good fit for the role. They approached me with the idea, mentioning that it was in collaboration with TLC. I was thrilled because TLC had just revived “Mock the Week,” and it was exciting to know they were interested in launching a new panel show as well.
I was drawn to the concept, and because it was linked to Romesh’s company, they had access to some outstanding comedians. We’ve had episodes featuring top-tier panel show comedians, which has been fantastic.
Did it get competitive with the panellists and the captains in terms of being funny? Are you allowed to be as funny as them?
As the host, you can participate in the discussions and make jokes, but you also need to monitor how much each person has spoken and ensure everyone gets a chance to contribute. Sometimes, comedians are eager to speak, and there might be someone more reserved trying to join in. You have to facilitate this interaction, keep the round on track, and manage instructions from the production team. Once everything is running smoothly, you can add your humor as well.
Panel shows have sometimes been criticized for being overly competitive, with comedians not giving each other space. However, that dynamic has shifted, and the comedy scene now feels more collaborative.
This show is unique because it allows each comedian to have their spotlight moment to present their “unacceptable” opinion. They have a dedicated space to do this, ensuring everyone gets their turn.
How edgy does it get?
The show approaches edginess, but the “unacceptable” opinions presented are topics that everyone can engage with and discuss. No one expresses views that are likely to cause widespread offense, and the aim is not to target anyone’s life choices or identities.
The audience gets a vote – how were they responding to the unacceptable opinions?
The format is playful and the audience responded well, quickly grasping the concept with mock gasps and reactions. Initially, 98% of them typically find the opinions unacceptable. The comedians then have an opportunity to elaborate on their views, and the audience votes again. The points awarded reflect how many people were convinced to change their minds.
Were there some quite big swings?
There were some surprising shifts in audience opinion. Some episodes saw no change, while others had more people finding the opinion unacceptable after the explanation. The comedian’s ability to argue their case and the counterarguments from the opposing team significantly influenced the outcome. It added a fun, debate-like atmosphere to the show.
In an era of polarization this feels like it’s almost more than just entertainment and that actually it could be quite important in showing people how to listen to other views.
The discussions on the show don’t aim to be profound; they’re light-hearted. A particularly amusing segment called the Switch Up involves comedians defending an opinion they haven’t seen before—often one they personally disagree with. Watching them navigate this unexpected challenge, like Harriet Kemsley defending the statement “all single mothers are lazy,” is both entertaining and impressive.
There has been discussion in recent years that it’s a difficult era to be a comedian because people are so worried about what they say. Is that something you’ve felt?
I don’t find being a comedian difficult. There are certainly tougher jobs out there. Intent is key for me; if a comedian’s intent is clear, even if they’re saying something outrageous, I can appreciate it. However, many comedians are fine with “punching down,” which often lacks charm. Charm is crucial in comedy, as many try to make points in a heavy-handed way.
With TLC investing in comedy plus “SNL U.K.” at Sky and “LOL: Last One Laughing U.K.” at Prime Video, does it feel like commissioners are open to comedy again or is it still difficult to get it on air?
It appears that more opportunities are emerging now.
I’ve consistently been able to work in television while also engaging in podcasting and online content. Comedians who have diversified early in their careers, embracing platforms like Patreon and podcasting, are now seeing the benefits as television opportunities re-emerge.
What else are you working on at the moment?
We have more “Traitors Uncloaked” episodes coming up, following the completion of “Celebrity Traitors” Season 2. I was in Scotland for some filming as contestants exited the castle. We’ll also be working on the London episodes of “Uncloaked” once “Celebrity Traitors” airs, and then the regular “Traitors” series will start. I’m also planning a tour in January.
Would you ever want to be a contestant on “The Traitors”?
I really enjoy hosting “Uncloaked.” Being on set feels like watching “Big Brother” in the 2000s, but with full audio access—I can hear everything. Competing on “Celebrity Traitors” would mean stepping away from “Uncloaked,” so I don’t think I would participate.
You’ve been quite open about having Type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes), which is probably not easy to deal with when hosting a panel show. How do you manage it during marathon recording sessions?
Having a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), specifically the Dexcom G7, has greatly simplified managing my diabetes. Previously, I relied on finger pricks to check blood sugar levels, which didn’t provide real-time trends. Now, I can easily check my phone for updates. Thankfully, I’m still aware of my symptoms, so if I feel off, I can quickly verify my levels. I also watch my diet, focusing on low-carb meals and minimal insulin use during work.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
