LOL UK: Teamwork, but Funnier
Written by Tacita Small
Image: Courtesy of Amazon Prime
I’ll be honest - Amazon’s LOL: Last One Laughing UK might just be one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. It’s ridiculous, chaotic, and completely brilliant. But beyond the giggles and gags, there’s something surprisingly insightful in the show’s structure; particularly in how it brings together an unexpected mix of personalities and manages to make it all... work. Really well, in fact.
This got us thinking: what can creative teams learn from a show like LOL? And why does a seemingly random group of comedians from totally different corners of the comedy world create something so cohesive, engaging, and dare we say it - productive?
Unexpected Combinations Can Create Unexpected Gold
Let’s start with the cast. Richard Ayoade, Daisy May Cooper, Joe Wilkinson, Judi Love and even Bob bloody Mortimer - all in one room. On paper, it shouldn’t work. They have different styles, audiences, and comedic instincts. But in practice, that contrast is exactly what makes it so brilliant.
And the same goes for workplace teams. When you mix people who don’t usually cross paths - different disciplines, backgrounds and thinking styles, you often get a burst of unexpected creativity. There’s energy, challenge, friction (the good kind), and a chance to see things from a new angle.
Great teams aren’t always built on similarity–they’re built on complementary chaos, managed well.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon Prime
New Format, Familiar Framework
Here’s the other thing: LOL is a franchised format. There are versions from South Africa, Nigeria, Sweden, Canada–the list goes on. The structure of the show is always the same: put a bunch of comedians in a room, make them try not to laugh, eliminate them when they crack. Simple. But it works everywhere, because it’s flexible enough to adapt to each unique group.
There’s something in that for how we lead teams, too.
You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, having a clear, consistent framework–like how you structure meetings, feedback, or collaboration–actually gives teams more room to bring their personality and creativity to the table. The show succeeds because the format holds steady, even as the cast shifts. Your team can do the same.
The Takeaway for Leaders and Founders
So what can you take from Last One Laughing if you’re running a creative business?
Don’t shy away from unusual team combos. Bringing in someone who thinks totally differently might just shake things up in the best way.
Use structure as a launchpad, not a restriction. A simple, consistent framework can free people up to be their most creative selves.
Trust the mix. The magic often happens in the unpredictable moments, when personalities clash (lightly), ideas collide, and people are pushed outside their usual rhythm.
The bottom line? Whether you're running a production, a design sprint, or an HR workshop - there's real value in mixing things up while keeping the foundations strong.
Image: Courtesy of Amazon Prime
Want to build a team that works a bit more like LOL and a bit less like a group chat gone wrong?
We’d love to work with you on your next team building session; inspired by unexpected team pairings and creative thinking that actually brings people together. Think better team dynamics, from fresh frameworks to friction-friendly collaboration; and a bit of organised chaos to unlock creativity and connection.
If you're a creative agency or production company and want to explore a different kind of team session, click here to get in touch. We’d love to hear what you’re working on and how we can help bring your team together in a new way.