The show began as a pilot for "Comedy Lab", a Channel 4 show that showcases new comic talent, in 2006. After much popularity, it was given a six-part series in October 2006 which was initially intended for broadcast on E4 in April in the following year. It was also given a Christmas special that was broadcast on 25 December 2006 entitled "Fonejacker's Christmas Message" which was a five-minute short version of the pilot. The end of the show displayed "Fonejacker: Coming April 2007 – Don't Pick Up The Phone".