Season 2 - Episode Guide

Hot on the heels of the US presidential inauguration, Mary talks to Armando Iannucci and David Olusoga, asking how comedians and satirists adjust to new regimes.

Mary is examining our rapidly changing language: what is it and why do we fight about it? She meets deaf musician Dame Evelyn Glennie, who discusses how her life has been affected by the pandemic.

Do audiences matter, and what is their role? Mary talks to sports stars about how the loss of the crowd affects their performance, as well as attending her first Twitter listening party.

Why is there such a fuss about the difference between fact and fiction? Mary talks to actor Jason Watkins about the difference between playing real and fictional characters.

Mary Beard talks to cultural creatives who make other worlds for our exploration and delight, including Booker Prize winner Marlon James and the Lyceum's artistic director, David Greig.

In a special programme to end this series, Mary is in conversation with British writer Jed Mercurio, the mastermind behind hit show Line of Duty.