WARNING: This article contains spoilers for the finale of Last One Laughing season 2.
The finale of Last One Laughing season two has caused quite the debate among comedy fans after it premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Thursday.
David Mitchell was crowned the winner of the latest series, claiming victory through a tiebreaker after neither he nor fellow finalist Sam Campbell cracked a smile in the closing moments.
The Peep Show star triumphed over Mr Campbell, defending champion Bob Mortimer, and former Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc in the concluding episode.
With just 60 seconds remaining and both Mr Mitchell and Mr Campbell maintaining their composure, host Jimmy Carr announced the title would be decided by which comedian had caused the most laughter throughout the competition.
Last One Laughing: David Mitchell
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Mr Mitchell emerged victorious under this countback system.
The finale saw Ms Giedroyc depart in fourth place after she was unable to suppress her laughter during a head-to-head encounter with Mr Mortimer, who deployed an impression of what was described as a "randy dolphin" to make her chuckle.
Mr Mortimer himself, who took the inaugural series title last year, was subsequently eliminated after laughing at Mr Mitchell's exclamation: "I was just chadwicking!"
Speaking after his win, Mr Mitchell reflected on the unusual nature of the contest's conclusion: "That was quite insane because I think we disappeared into a place where there was no laughter.
Last One Laughing: David Mitchell and Sam Campbell were the two finalists
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"I have to say, for all the bleakness at the end, I am delighted to win, and I think that shows a want of character in me, but I was very pleased."
However, the way in which Mr Mitchell emerged victorious left plenty to be desired among comedy fans watching at home.
Complaints have poured in following the finale, with gripes ranging from the tie-breaker that determined the winner to an apparent leniency towards certain comics over others.
Taking to X, one viewer suggested: "For season 3 they got to think of a better tiebreaker that ending was so anti climatic it stank #lastonelaughing." (sic)
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Last One Laughing: Sam Campbell narrowly missed out on victory
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"Just watched #lastonelaughing final and although I love David the correct winner was Sam," a second hit out. "Dave smiled SO many times, Sam never broke once. Plus, they have Dave a point for making Dianne laugh when in fact it was Bob jointly involved (arm wrestle). Really harsh on Sam Campbell."
Elsewhere, a third claimed: "Feel as though the producers/Jimmy just wanted to invite David back next year because Sam was the clear winner. It’s also called last one laughing, not who made the most laugh #justiceforsam #LastOneLaughing."
"David Mitchell CLEARLY laughed when him & Sam were Lady & Tramping the Eclair #LastOneLaughing," a fourth fumed, while a fifth complained: "What a lame way to end the second series of #LastOneLaughing. A house full of comedians and you're really telling me they couldn't come up with a better ending between them?"
"Bit of an anticlimax. Was good in parts but not a patch on 1st series #lastonelaughing," a sixth slammed, while another echoed: "Justice for Sam Campbell! Never remotely broke, yet robbed in the tie break. #LastOneLaughing #LOLUK." (sic)
Last One Laughing fans weren't best pleased with the ending
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However, there were plenty of comedy fans who shared their delight at seeing Mr Mitchell emerge victorious.
"Another great season," one fan argued. "I knew Sam Campbell would be the guy to beat, he’s got such a serious face & deadpan humour. Congrats to David Mitchell - a more than worthy winner. That head to head with the food was brilliant. #LastOneLaughing #LastOneLaughingUK." (sic)
Despite the debate, fans can look forward to more episodes, with Prime Video confirming the show's future beyond this series.
A Halloween special has been announced for the first time in the programme's history, expected to arrive in October.
Beyond that, a third full series has been confirmed for release in 2027.
Mr Carr will return to present both the spooky special and the upcoming third run, with Roisin Conaty continuing in her role as his deputy.
The pair will once again challenge a new group of comedians to keep straight faces while their fellow performers attempt to make them crack.
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