Tough Crowd: How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy Hardcover

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

‘A must-read. Funny and utterly compelling’ – Jonathan Ross

Graham Linehan, after beginning his career in music journalism, emerged as the finest sitcom writer of his generation. He captured the comedy zeitgeist as the co-creator of Father Ted, The IT Crowd, and Black Books, earning five Baftas and a lifetime achievement award.

However, his life took an unexpected turn. Championing an unfashionable cause led to TV commissioners no longer returning his emails, showbiz friends losing his number, and the collapse of his marriage.

In this emotionally charged memoir, which alternates between hilarious and harrowing, Linehan:

• Reveals the secrets of the writing room.
• Vividly describes the high-octane atmosphere of a sitcom set.
• Critiques an industry that failed to support him when he needed help.

Bruised but not beaten, he explains why he chose to stand firmly for women’s and girls’ rights, despite the hardships of cancellation. And he makes it clear why he’s not stepping down from that hill any time soon.