If you’re after a fresh hit of sketch comedy, Urzila on ABC iview is an absolute standout. Bold, chaotic, and genuinely laugh-out-loud in a way that feels both nostalgic and completely new.
Fronted by the razor-sharp Urzila Carlson, the show cleverly blends live stand-up with over-the-top sketches, creating a fast-paced, anything-goes format that keeps you on your toes. It’s that unpredictability that invites comparisons to Little Britain; both shows revel in big characters, heightened absurdity, and a willingness to push boundaries for comedy’s sake. Urzila is more contemporary and self-aware than other sketch comedy shows, with a sharper cultural edge and a warmer, more inclusive tone, putting the LGBTQIA+ characters to the forefront.
What really elevates the series is its all-star lineup. Alongside Carlson, the supporting cast, including the iconic Anisa Nandaula, and regulars, Andy Saunders, Carlo Ritchie and Bron Lewis, bring serious comedic firepower every episode.
The show’s delightfully unhinged energy is further emphasised by guest appearances from Australian comedy legends like Sam Pang, Julia Morris, Glenn Butcher, Tom Gleisner, Nazeem Hussain, and many more.
The chemistry is obvious, and it makes even the most ridiculous sketches land with confidence.
Visually and structurally, the show also benefits from the freedom of streaming ABC iview’s ad-free, on-demand format, which lets the comedy breathe without interruption, giving it a slick, modern feel. Produced by Warner Bros its also airing Wednesdays at 9.25pm on ABCTV.
Overall, Urzila is a fearless addition to the sketch comedy landscape: part throwback, part reinvention. If you loved the anarchic spirit of Little Britain but want something fresher and more in tune with today’s humour, this is well worth your time. Further series could tighten the joins between the stand up section and the sketch as to not ruin key joke points, but thats kinda the point – its easy watching comedy, you know the topic before the sketch expands upon it in hilarious ways.
Its a great format, with a lots of potential, lets hope its gets picked up for more seasons as Australia is sorely lacking sketch comedy on TV these days.
Urzila premieres April 29 on the ABC and ABC iview.
Rob is the founder of GTG. Launching the GTG-Sydney brand in 1995, it has gone from a VHS tourist guide for Sydney to a global phenomenon, partnering with Pride events and special events and charities all over the world, raising millions of dollars for the LGBTQIA+ communities and showcasing our big gay world to anyone who wants to join in the fun.
Rob is a trained marketer and journalist. An Emmy award winner, a NIDA-trained TV Presenter who has been on digital channels, cable and terrestrial broadcast television globally as a presenter, producer and creative.
He is currently editor-in-chief and producer of GTG and the co-host of The Unfashionably Late Podcast.