A wave of new comedy hits screens: From cursed pregnancies to feline existentialism

June 2026 is shaping up to be an eclectic month for comedy fans across the UK. With a diverse slate of releases ranging from unsettling dark horror-comedies to star-studded sports parodies and witty adult animations, viewers have a variety of unique projects to look forward to this summer.

Key takeaways

• The Fetus debuts on digital platforms on 6 July 2026, offering a gore-soaked take on parental anxiety.

• The Dink arrives on Apple TV+ on 24 July 2026, starring Jake Johnson in a high-stakes pickleball comedy.

• Ricky Gervais returns to Netflix with his new adult animated series, Alley Cats, premiering on 7 August 2026.

A dark turn with The fetus

For those who enjoy their humour with a side of horror, Miracle Media is set to release The Fetus on 6 July 2026. Directed by Joe Lam, the film stars genre favourites Lauren LaVera and Bill Moseley. The story follows a couple whose pregnancy takes a sinister, supernatural turn, blending the tension of classic horror with the dark, satirical bite of a modern comedy. It promises to be a visually striking and stomach-churning addition to the genre.

Sporty satire in The dink

On 24 July 2026, Apple TV+ will premiere The Dink, a sports-focused comedy directed by Josh Greenbaum. The film follows a former tennis prodigy, played by Jake Johnson, who finds himself begrudgingly drawn into the world of pickleball. With a stellar supporting cast including Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Patton Oswalt, and featuring cameos from real-world tennis star Andy Roddick and producer Ben Stiller, the film explores the obsession and absurdity surrounding the world's fastest-growing court sport.

Finding feline philosophy in Alley cats

Rounding out the summer releases is Ricky Gervais's highly anticipated adult animated series, Alley Cats, which debuts on Netflix on 7 August 2026. The series, consisting of six 15-minute episodes, follows a group of feral cats navigating the complexities, hardships, and existential dread of life in a human-dominated world. Produced by Blink Industries, the show features a familiar ensemble of Gervais collaborators, including Diane Morgan, Kerry Godliman, and Tom Basden. Fans can expect the signature blend of sharp dialogue, social commentary, and heartfelt moments that have defined Gervais's previous work, all brought to life through a fresh 2D animation style.

Sources

• Black Comedy Horror THE FETUS Due on Digital in UK in July 2026, Horror Cult Films.

• The Dink trailer : Video 2026 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide, Chortle.

• Alley Cats trailer : Video 2026 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide, Chortle.

• Trailer - Alley Cats - British Comedy Guide, British Comedy Guide.

• Ricky Gervais’ ‘Alley Cats’ Trailer Introduces Netflix’s Feral Feline Comedy This August, Geektown.