Panel shows and quizzes that are really a vehicle for wit and satire are extremely popular on British television. One of the longest running of this genre is the BBC’s Have I Got New For You, now in its 19th year. This ‘quiz’ pits two teams against each other and questions are asked about the news and politics of the week. There are two regular contestants and two guests and the aim is to be as witty as possible. The score doesn’t really matter. Another similar show, which has only been running for a few years but is in a similar vein, is Mock The Week (BBC2). This has a much more aggressive and risqué format but is also extremely funny. One section is called “Things you would never expect an underground station announcer (or whatever category they choose) to say’. One comedian said, ‘We all know there’s going to be a bomb on the tube – but is it going to be today!” Young comedians vie to get their ‘jokes’ heard and it is certainly not a format for the faint hearted.
Another very popular panel show on the theme of pop music is Never Mind the Buzzcocks with its acerbic new host Simon Amstell. Along with the regular captains, there are always two guests on each team. These guests, usually minor pop star or soap stars, know they will be exposed to ridicule, but they go on the show hoping it will improve their ‘street cred’. When Kimberley Stewart was on the show, Amstell asked her, ‘When did you realise you had what it takes to be Rob Stewart’s daughter?’ Another time he said to Jermaine Jackson, ‘You used to be a Jehovah’s Witness, but now you’re a Muslim. But don’t worry, they’re both right.’ On hearing that Jermaine had children with his brother wife, Amstell, ‘How strange. Tell me, has Michael ever done anything peculiar?’
These games are merciless, often cruel but extremely funny (as long as you are not the butt of the jokes). And no doubt, people will continue to agree to appear on them – no matter what the danger. They can help to make a person’s career. And perhaps it says something about the British character, that as long as you can be witty and take a joke against yourself, you will be accepted into the fold.