It launched last year in a blaze of publicity, only to initially falter in the face of high expectations – and, it must be said, some serious flaws in the programme. But 10 O'Clock Live did at least end its run more confidently than it began, and tonight Channel 4's answer to The Daily Show returns for a second series. Channel 4 clearly has faith in it, but what could make this season better than the last? Here are 10 ideas:

1: Launch it softly

Remember how annoying the pre-publicity for 10 O'Clock Live was last year? For months you couldn't turn on a TV, open a newspaper or walk down the street without seeing the giant faces of Jimmy Carr, David Mitchell, Charlie Brooker and Lauren Laverne aggressively looming out at you. It takes a lot to make you sick of a show before it even begins, but somehow 10 O'Clock Live managed it. This time, however, nobody even seems to know that it's back. This is progress. Well done, Channel 4.

2: Don't be a slave to the format

The first series leapt restlessly from segment to segment at a dizzying pace. It made for a propulsive programme, but the downside was that 10 O'Clock Live could feel quite airless. Stories that deserved more attention were usually trampled by the show's mad dash. We're promised that things will expand and contract with the agenda this time around, which sounds like a huge step forward.

3: Be more timely

Although 10 O'Clock Live has an entire week's worth of writing to fall back on, nothing will be fresher than jokes made about that day. Last year, Alan Johnson resigned right before broadcast, and the show's handling of it was probably the standout moment of the series. If the writers and performers can be mobilised this quickly more often – rather than fall back on another argument about, say, Sarah Palin being stupid – it'll be a show worth talking about.

4: Deploy Lauren Laverne more effectively

Outnumbered three to one by shouting male comedians, Laverne seemed unsure of her place in the show last year. As listeners of her radio show will know, Laverne is a naturally funny woman and more than deserves her place in the line-up. But surely she can be made to do more.

5: Don't schedule it against Question Time

There aren't many topical political programmes on British television, so when one of these shows scheduled itself up against another – as 10 O'Clock Live did last year – it seemed like an act of extraordinary self-sabotage. Especially when that other show happens to be the unstoppable Question Time, currently enjoying a huge Twitter-endorsed resurgence. 10 O'Clock Live could never compete. Tonight, though, its main competition is a repeat of Piers Morgan interviewing Joan Collins. This is progress. Well done Channel 4.

6: Make the discussions longer

Although David Mitchell's panel discussions showed promise, the relentless gallop of 10 O'Clock Live meant that as soon as they got going, they were usually forced to cut to a sketch about Jimmy Carr dressed up as a hilarious fat woman with a funny foreign accent. We won't get bored if a discussion goes on for too long. What are we going to switch over to? Piers Morgan?

7: Be less partisan

To say that 10 O'Clock Live skewed left would be an understatement. With the exception of the more politically ambiguous Jimmy Carr, its presenters were all unashamedly liberal. And while it's obviously brilliant to poke fun at conservatives and the Daily Mail, it's hardly very balanced. A bit of equal opportunities sniping never hurt anyone.

8: Where possible, ignore Twitter

Much was made about the vicious backlash that Twitter gleefully doled out to 10 O'Clock Live last year. This, in retrospect, was stupid. Have you seen Twitter? It gets its knickers in a twist about everything. If it's a barometer, it's the world's stroppiest one. The show should find its voice organically rather than chase its tail trying to satiate the trolls.

9: Go for broke

This is a golden age for satire, given that the whole world now permanently seems nanoseconds away from tipping over and falling into the sea. The worst thing that 10 O'Clock Live could do is pull its punches by underestimating the intelligence of its audience. Similar shows have been scuppered by editorial cowardice, so why not go for the jugular?

10: Pray that David Mitchell has shaved his beard off

Not essential, but it might stop me throwing coins at my TV every time he comes on screen.