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8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
20137
KomedieRealityTalk
Uitgebracht
12 apr 2013
Land
Verenigd Koninkrijk
Producties
ZeppotronITV Studios
Jimmy Carr presenteert het evenement terwijl de 8 Out of 10 Cats-crew de woord- en cijferquiz overneemt.
About
Quick guide
Comedy panel show blending Countdown with 8 Out of 10 Cats.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is a British comedy panel format that combines the classic word and numbers rounds of Countdown with the light‑hearted, quick‑wit banter of 8 Out of 10 Cats. Hosted by Jimmy Carr, the show features regular team captains Jon Richardson and (until 2021) Sean Lock, and a rotating roster of guest panellists such as Rob Beckett, Joe Wilkinson, and Judi Love. Episodes run about 45‑minutes and include playful segments like Teatime Teasers and mascot challenges. The show has aired regularly since 2012, including specials such as an all‑female edition and a Christmas themed episode. It remains popular for its blend of quiz competition and comedy.
What to know
- Hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr.
- Blends Countdown’s word and numbers rounds with 8 Out of 10 Cats humour.
- Regular captains: Jon Richardson and (formerly) Sean Lock.
- Episodes are ~45 minutes long and include Teatime Teasers and mascot challenges.
- Features frequent guest panellists like Rob Beckett, Joe Wilkinson, and Judi Love.
- All‑female special aired in 2018 and a Christmas special each year.
- Sean Lock passed away in 2021; rotating captains now fill the role.
- Available on Channel 4, BritBox, and Amazon Prime Video.
Watch if
If you enjoy quick‑witted banter, word‑play challenges, and a light‑hearted take on the classic Countdown format, this show will keep you laughing and guessing throughout.
Skip if
If you prefer serious quiz shows without comedic commentary, or if you dislike the fast‑paced, joke‑heavy style of 8 Out of 10 Cats, this program may not be for you.
light tonefast paceddialogue heavyfamily friendly
Format Overview
The show mirrors Countdown’s core structure but inserts humour between rounds. Each episode opens with a mascot segment, followed by a word and numbers round, interspersed with Teatime Teasers that offer quirky challenges. The final conundrum is a word puzzle that combines the teams’ best answers. Scores are tallied and a winner receives a playful prize.
Host and Panellists
Jimmy Carr, known for his sharp one‑liner delivery, hosts the programme. Regular team captains Jon Richardson and Sean Lock (until 2021) lead the two squads. Guest panellists include Rob Beckett, Joe Wilkinson, and Judi Love, who bring their own comedic styles to the competition.
Special Episodes
Annual Christmas specials feature themed rounds and a celebratory conundrum. In 2018, an all‑female special replaced male members with a new cast, offering fresh dynamics. The show also records occasional “best bits” compilations that highlight the funniest moments.
Where to Watch
Episodes are broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK and streamed on BritBox globally. In the United States, the series is available on Amazon Prime Video. The show also offers a free channel‑4 app where viewers can catch the latest episodes.
Audience Reception
The first crossover special attracted 2.49 million viewers, making it one of Channel 4’s top programmes that week. Subsequent series maintain strong ratings, with many episodes regularly exceeding 1.5 million viewers. Critics praise the blend of quiz precision and comedy.
Legacy and Impact
Running since 2012, the programme has become a staple of British comedy television. Its success inspired spin‑off specials and cross‑over events, cementing its place alongside other long‑running panel shows.
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FAQ
25 Q&A
What is 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown?
It’s a British comedy panel show that blends the classic word and numbers rounds of Countdown with the light‑hearted banter of 8 Out of 10 Cats. Hosted by Jimmy Carr, it features team captains Jon Richardson and, until 2021, Sean Lock.
Who hosts the show?
Jimmy Carr is the primary host, known for his quick wit and one‑liner humour. He guides the quiz and keeps the pacing lively.
Who are the regular panellists?
Jon Richardson is a long‑running team captain. Sean Lock appeared as a captain until his death in 2021; after that, rotating guest captains joined. Other frequent guests include Rob Beckett, Joe Wilkinson, and Judi Love.
How long is each episode?
Episodes run about 45–47 minutes, including advertising. The format allows for a full round of word and numbers challenges with added comedic segments.
What rounds are played?
The show follows the standard Countdown format: a word round, a numbers round, and a final conundrum. Between these, hosts add Teatime Teasers, mascot challenges, and other playful skits.
Are there any special editions?
Yes. Annual Christmas specials feature themed rounds. In 2018 an all‑female edition replaced the usual male panellists. The show also airs ‘best bits’ compilations.
When did Sean Lock pass away?
Sean Lock died in August 2021. The last episode featuring him aired in February 2022; his role has since been filled by rotating guest captains.
Where can I watch the show?
It airs on Channel 4 in the UK and is streamed on BritBox worldwide. In the US, episodes are available on Amazon Prime Video.
Is the show family‑friendly?
Yes. The humour is light‑hearted and avoids strong language or graphic content, making it suitable for most family audiences.
What makes it different from Countdown?
While it uses Countdown’s core rounds, it adds rapid‑fire comedic banter, Teatime Teasers, and mascot segments, giving it a distinct 8 Out of 10 Cats style.
How many episodes have aired?
As of 2024, the show has produced over 160 episodes across 27 series, plus several specials and compilations.
Is the show still running?
Yes. The programme continues to air new series, with the latest run in 2024. It remains a staple of Channel 4’s comedy lineup.
Does the show include any live audience?
Yes. Episodes are recorded before a live audience, which adds to the energy and spontaneous reactions during comedic segments.
Can I download episodes?
Episodes are available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video and can be streamed on BritBox. Some seasons may also be bought as digital downloads.
Is there a mobile app for the show?
Channel 4 offers a free app where viewers can watch the latest episodes, access clips, and stay updated on upcoming broadcasts.
What is a Teatime Teaser?
A Teatime Teaser is a short comedic segment that interrupts the main quiz, often involving a physical gag or a humorous challenge.
What was the all‑female special about?
In 2018, the programme aired a special where all male panellists and crew were replaced by female talent, providing a fresh dynamic and celebrating diversity.
Are there any recurring themes?
While each episode has its own theme, common motifs include wordplay, numbers, and absurd physical challenges. Guest panellists sometimes bring personal anecdotes or inside jokes.
Who provides the numbers for the numbers round?
A live computer system generates the numbers, and contestants must use arithmetic operations to reach a target within a time limit.
What is the conundrum?
The conundrum is the final word puzzle round where teams combine their best answers to create a long word or phrase, competing for the highest score.
How does scoring work?
Points are awarded for each correct word or number solution. Bonus points are given for creative mascot displays or successful Teatime Teasers. The team with the highest total wins.
Do I need to know the rules of Countdown?
No. The show explains each round briefly, so casual viewers can follow along without prior knowledge of Countdown.
What kind of humour can I expect?
The humour is quick‑witted, often self‑referential, and includes playful insults, absurd props, and light‑hearted banter between hosts and panellists.
Are there any recurring guests?
Guests such as Rob Beckett, Joe Wilkinson, and Judi Love appear regularly, often returning across multiple series for continuity.
Is there a soundtrack?
A jaunty theme by Alan Hawkshaw opens the show, and each round may have short musical cues to mark transitions.
