December 14th 2024.
In the UK, there are a few things that we hold dear as a nation. We take our queueing etiquette very seriously, a good cup of tea is the solution to most problems, and we absolutely love our panel shows. Our TV schedule is jam-packed with these types of shows and on any given night, you can easily find one to watch. From Would I Lie To You? to Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, or 8 out of 10 Cats, there's always something to tune into.
The general concept of a panel show involves a group of comedians and a few celebrity guests competing in a fun question and answer game. While points are awarded and a winner is declared at the end, we all know that the real prize goes to whoever makes us laugh the most throughout the entire episode. It's a formula that has been around since 1938, when the first panel show called Information Please aired. It started in the US, but we quickly adopted it in 1951 with What's My Line?, and it has become a staple in our TV culture.
The panel show has become so ingrained in our entertainment that we hardly even notice how prevalent it is. However, this is not the case for people outside of the UK. Our love for panel shows has been a topic of discussion on multiple Reddit threads, with many non-Brits wondering, "What's the deal with panel shows in the UK?" Some have even expressed their surprise at the sheer number of shows with different premises, but featuring the same group of comedians.
So, why do we love panel shows so much? Well, there are several reasons why they are constantly churned out by TV executives in Britain, and why they haven't quite caught on in America. Firstly, they fill a gap in our TV programming. In the US, if people want to stay updated on current events, they can watch the news. But when it's been a long day and they just want to unwind, they usually turn to something more lighthearted. This is where panel shows come in, providing a perfect blend of information and humor. In America, they have a different format that fills this gap - late night talk shows. These shows feature hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Myers who deliver monologues and jokes about current events, making a panel show seem like an unnecessary addition to their evenings.
Another reason why panel shows are so popular in the UK is that they give comedians a chance to shine. It's a mutually beneficial relationship - producers get a funny show, and comedians get to showcase their talents. As Dr. Ian Goode, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, puts it, "The TV exposure helps public profile." And for new comedians, appearing on a panel show can be a career-changing opportunity. Established comedians are also drawn to panel shows as they provide a steady source of income outside of touring.
But it's not just about the money - panel shows are very British in their essence. They often feature quirky segments and challenges, like the infamous "carrot in a box" game from 8 out of 10 Cats. And for comedians, these shows are a chance to show off their quick wit and improvisation skills. As Dr. Goode points out, there is a certain beauty in the simplicity of panel shows.
In America, comedians may have more opportunities to work on individual projects like sketch shows or sitcoms. But in the UK, these opportunities are rare, making panel shows even more valuable for comedians. It's no wonder that they put in their best efforts to make these shows as entertaining as possible. So, while some may see panel shows as a limitation for comedians, for us, they are an integral part of our TV culture.
British panel shows are great, and there are a few reasons why. For one, in the UK, we have certain beliefs that we hold dear: the rules of queuing must always be followed, a good cup of tea can solve most problems, and panel shows make for excellent television.
Our TV schedules are full of panel show programming, so much so that on any given night, you can easily find one to tune into. Whether it's Would I Lie To You?, Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, or 8 out of 10 Cats, there is always a panel show to entertain us.
The general format of a panel show involves a group of comedians and a few celebrities competing in a question and answer game. While points are awarded, the real prize goes to whoever makes us laugh the most. This concept of panel shows originated in 1938 with Information Please, but it wasn't until 1951 that the UK adopted it with What's My Line? and made it a staple in our TV culture.
The popularity of panel shows in the UK is so ingrained that we often don't even realize how widespread they are. However, people from outside the UK have taken notice and have questioned our love for them. One American on Reddit even asked, "What's the deal with panel shows in the UK?" They noted that there are so many of them, with different premises, but often featuring the same comedians.
So why exactly do we love panel shows so much? Well, for one, they fill a specific gap in our TV programming. In the US, they value a different format more - late night talk shows, where hosts like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Myers deliver monologues about current events and joke about them throughout the show. This makes panel shows less necessary for American audiences, but for us, they provide a much-needed balance between staying informed and being entertained.
But it's not just the viewers who benefit from panel shows - the comedians do too. It's a platform for them to showcase their talent and gain exposure. As Dr. Ian Goode from the University of Glasgow points out, panel shows can help boost a comedian's public profile. And for new comedians, it's a way to be discovered and tested out. Even established comedians appreciate panel shows because they provide regular work and income.
Additionally, panel shows have become a part of British culture. They often incorporate elements of British humour and references that non-British viewers may not fully understand. But for us, these references and jokes are what make panel shows so uniquely British and endlessly funny. And while some may criticize the reliance on panel shows instead of pursuing individual projects, it's undeniable that they have become an integral part of British entertainment.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
