May 8th 2024.
Since 2012, the beloved comedy game show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has been gracing our screens with its hilarious mix of word games and mathematical challenges. However, fans of the show may be disappointed to hear that there are no plans to record new episodes this year.
The show, which airs on Channel 4, has reportedly been impacted by the network's recent slowdown. Starring Rachel Riley and Susie Dent as experts, along with host Jimmy Carr and regular captain Jon Richardson, the show has become a fan favorite over the years. Since the passing of Sean Lock in 2021, the other captain role has been filled by rotating guests.
Earlier this year, the last episodes of the show aired, featuring celebrity guests such as Lee Mack, Rob Beckett, and Judi Love. According to Deadline, these episodes were actually delivered last year, but Channel 4 has been holding onto them.
"We have already shot episodes which are ready to air," a spokesperson for the broadcaster shared. However, in order to keep the show current, they plan to shoot more episodes closer to their intended air date.
Channel 4 did not disclose when the episodes were recorded, but the show's "anarchic game show mash-up" format has been a hit with viewers since its inception in 2012. With 20 seasons under its belt, it is one of the network's longest-running shows.
The show's popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of traditional word and math challenges, combined with the comedic talents of its hosts and guests. Rachel Riley, who also stars in the original version of the show, has become a household name for her role in putting letters on the board and providing answers to mathematical questions.
It is understood that talent availability plays a role in determining when new episodes can be filmed, as they have historically been ordered ad hoc. However, a source revealed that the delay may also be due to Channel 4's overall slowdown in programming, as they strive to spread out their shows across the schedule.
Earlier this year, Channel 4 announced their ambitious five-year plan to become a digital-first public service streamer by 2030. This plan, called "Fast Forward," includes a focus on creating fewer, but stronger titles with a larger impact, increasing YouTube content, and reducing headcount by 18%.
This means that some shows, such as Hunted and 24 Hours in A&E, will not be getting new episodes this year. Only Paddy McGuinness' series Tempting Fortune has been recommissioned for 2023. Other shows, such as Alone, Rise & Fall, Scared of the Dark, and The Big Celebrity Detox, have been cancelled.
Channel 4 has also been on an "axe list" in the past year, with shows like The Big Interiors Battle, The Big Narstie Show, and Steph's Packed Lunch being cancelled. They have also reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming, after she faced backlash for a now-deleted tweet about a horrific incident in Sydney.
Countdown, the original version of the show, has been on the air since 1982 and has recorded over 8000 episodes. Rachel joined the show in 2009, taking over for Carol Vorderman. However, there has been speculation that she may be leaving the show due to the controversy surrounding her tweet.
When asked for comment about Rachel's remarks, a spokesperson for Channel 4 stated, "We have reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming." As of now, there are no plans for new episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, but previous episodes are available to watch on Channel 4.
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