Britain's Panel People...

Over the past couple of years I have made a lot of new friends. They are a group of people most of my loved ones know very little about. Amongst them are Noel, Jimmy, Lee, Sarah, and my bestie - David. The sad truth however, is that I only know them through the glory of YouTube - as they are all regulars on British panel shows.

I love British comedy, but I love British panel shows even more. I must admit that there are many reasons not to like them. They can be very crude (even offensive), I probably have very different views than the guests on them, and you often see the same people over  and over again on the shows anyway. But inspite of all that - I love them.
I have tried to analyse why this might be and have come up with a few plausible reasons:

• Perhaps it is because I can just have them playing in the background while I'm making dinner as they don't require too much attention.
• Perhaps it is because the humour can be biting, silly, sarcastic and intelligent. (Like me!)
• Perhaps it helps me keep in touch with what is going on in Britain, because I am a fan of most things Brit and hope to go back there one day - even if it is to retire.
• Perhaps because each panel show can stand on its own. I don't need to have seen last week's episode and it doesn't end with a cliffhanger leaving me desperate to find out what happens next week. (I stopped watching shows like that after the first season of Lost.)

But the simple fact is that I love these shows because the people on them are very, very funny, which makes them very, very likeable.

Through YouTube, I have been introduced to so many comedians at their best. Some of my favourite panel show moments are not when questions are being answered but when the guests are free to banter amongst themselves. You could argue that the banter is the whole point of these shows, not the questions.

I read an article a while ago declaring that it was time to put a stop to the numerous panel shows. But when I read this week that we will soon have a brand new show hosted by my all-time favourite panel show regular - David Mitchell - called 'Was it Something I Said' I could not help but feel a sense of excitement at the thought of another panel show to add to my YouTube viewing. Yet I am very aware that so many people do not know the joy of the panel show, so here are my top five to get you started:

1. Would I Lie To You
I am starting with my absolute favourite. Would I Lie To You is hosted by Rob Brydon. There are two teams - one led by Lee Mack and the other by David Mitchell. The reason this show in particular stands above the rest in my mind is largely due to the chemistry between these three, but also their individual moments of brilliance.  (Which is why I avoid the first two seasons as they were hosted by Angus Deaton. Not a fan.) 
The premise is simple - someone in the opposing team will read a statement and the other team asks them questions to determine whether the person is telling the truth or a lie.
It has a broad appeal as it is 'PG', as opposed to the 'AO' shows further down the list.
I have so many favourite moments that I was tempted to give you a whole episode. But this is probably my favourite moment from all seven series so far. If you only check out one show on my list make it this one. So here you go. You're welcome: Would I Lie to You - Kevin Bridges

 

2. Never Mind the Buzzcocks

The title of this musical panel show is inspired by the Sex Pistols album Never Mind the Bullocks. 26 seasons have aired in 17 years. I first started watching it when it was hosted by Mark Lemarr, who was replaced with guest hosts for a season before Simon Amstell took the helm for four seasons. Since his departure a new guest host is featured each week. Hosts have varied from David Hasselhoff, Martin Freeman, Neyo and a plethora of Brits. However, in my opinion the addition of Noel Fielding as a Team Captain has made this show must-see YouTube viewing.
Although there are set rounds - including the Intros Round, the Identity Parade and Next Lines - the show often reflects the anarchy of its namesake.
No musician is safe from the jibes of the hosts and guests - even if they are on the show at the time. The opportunity to mock the B and C list guests is embraced, which surprisingly has only led to one walk-off.

Here is a clip of Josh Groban appearing in series 22. It is a great example of how this show combines music and humour, and provides an opportunity to see some celebs in a new light. (By the way, if you like Josh Groban as a guest, be sure to check him out as a host. He is surprisingly great.)

 

3. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year

The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2011

This show does what it says on the tin  - it is an annual quiz, shown every December celebrating the year's events, and is hosted by the funny and controversial Jimmy Carr. There have been some specials (the Big Fat Quizes of the 80s, 90s and Noughties) but usually we have to wait for the end of the year to enjoy this hour and a half quiz.
Three pairs of Brit celebs and comedians make up the teams. Once again, it is the chemistry and banter between everyone that makes this show great.  Frequent guests have included David Walliams, David Mitchell, Jonathan Ross, Noel Fielding and Russell Brand. This snippet is from last year's Big Fat Quiz of the Noughties.

4. Room 101

The title of this show is inspired by the torture room in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. It is the perfect show for a grumpy raver like me. Celebrity guests are invited to discuss their pet hates and try to convince the host to consign them to 'Room 101'.

Originally this show was a one-on-one interview but was revamped to the panel show format in 2012. Obviously as a panel show fan, I believe that it is all the better for it. Check this out to get a small taste of Room 101.

5. 8 Out of 10 Cats
Another Jimmy Carr hosted show - this time one that usually starts with looking at the events of the week, not the year. To be honest, my favourite episodes of this show are actually when they have been mashed together with another classic British show - Countdown, for their 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Specials.
Normally however the show uses statistics and opinion polls as the basis of its questions. This show is full of moments when you'll laugh and then say to yourself, "I probably shouldn't laugh at that!" (Not surprising, with Jimmy Carr leading the charge.)
They do not shy away when even the host is the subject of one of the weeks main talking points either. Jimmy Carr got himself into a bit of trouble in 2012 when it was discovered that he was using a legal loop-hole to pay only 1% tax. Gary Barlow from Take That was criticised as well, but as Jimmy Carr has taken the piss out of the government a lot (although to be fair - he takes the piss out of everyone), he got most of the attention. Including, as you'll see in this clip, from his panel show team captains.

 

So that's my top five - and it doesn't even include the great classic panel shows; such as QI, Have I Got News for You or the inspiration behind 7 Days - Mock the Week. Although they have all been known to make me giggle every now and then as well. So if my top five don't do it for you, try those ones out, and keep looking because no matter what your humour - there is a UK panel show to suit everyone.