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QI

QI

20038
ComedieTalk
Lansare
11 sept. 2003
Țară
Regatul Unit
Producții
Talkback ThamesFremantleMedia
Concurs de comedie plin de fapte ciudate, în care concurenții sunt recompensați mai mult dacă răspunsurile lor sunt "destul de interesante".

About

Quick guide

A light‑hearted quiz show where panellists answer obscure questions. Points go to clever, interesting answers, not just correct ones.

QI is a British comedy panel show that debuted in 2003. Hosted by Stephen Fry until 2016 and now by Sandi Toksvig, it features a regular panellist Alan Davies and rotating celebrity guests. Contestants answer obscure questions covering a theme letter, earning points for correct answers and more for ‘interesting’ responses. Wrong answers that are pathetically obvious result in forfeits, losing points and a klaxon. The show blends clever trivia, banter and occasional experiments, keeping viewers laughing while learning surprising facts. Each episode also showcases quirky visual gags and a distinctive soundtrack, reinforcing the show's playful tone. Each episode also showcases quirky visual gags and a distinctive soundtrack, reinforcing the show's playful tone.

What to know

  • Hosts: Stephen Fry (2003‑2016) then Sandi Toksvig.
  • Regular panellist: Alan Davies.
  • Episodes run ~30 min, aired on BBC Four/BBC Two.
  • Each series covers a letter of the alphabet, with themed topics.
  • Points awarded for correct answers; extra points for ‘interesting’ answers.
  • Incorrect but ‘obviously wrong’ answers (forfeits) lose points.
  • Shows include humorous experiments and a ‘General Ignorance’ round.
  • Spin‑off editions: QI XL, QI VG, QI XS.

Watch if

If you enjoy clever trivia blended with quick wit, love watching comedians riff on obscure facts, and appreciate a quiz show that rewards creativity over pure accuracy, QI’s light‑hearted format will keep you amused and learning.

Skip if

If you prefer high‑stakes, dramatic competition shows, or are uncomfortable with a panel format that often relies on banter and subjective scoring, QI’s informal and light‑hearted style may not be to your taste.

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Format and Scoring
Each episode opens with a theme letter, and panellists answer a series of questions designed to be obscure. Points are awarded for correct answers, but the main reward is for the most ‘interesting’ responses, regardless of accuracy. Incorrect but patently obvious answers incur forfeits and a loud klaxon.
Panelists and Guests
Alan Davies is the permanent panellist, while three rotating guests—typically comedians—join each show. The host, originally Stephen Fry and now Sandi Toksvig, introduces questions and keeps the banter flowing.
Broadcast History
QI first aired on BBC Four in 2003, moved to BBC One in 2008, and now broadcasts on BBC Two. Episodes last roughly 30 minutes, with extended 45‑minute versions called QI XL.
Forfeits and Klaxons
When a panellist gives an obviously wrong answer, a klaxon sounds, lights flash, and the contestant loses points. The visual and audio cues add theatrical humour.
General Ignorance Round
The final round asks ‘obviously wrong’ questions, testing whether panellists can spot common misconceptions without offering a point reward.
Themes and Letters
Each series covers a letter of the alphabet, with all topics for that episode beginning with that letter, from A to Z, plus special holiday episodes.
Spin‑Offs and Specials
QI has several spin‑offs: QI XL (extended editions), QI VG (compilations), QI XS (short 14‑minute episodes), and occasional specials for Comic Relief or charity events.

FAQ

22 Q&A
What does QI stand for?
QI stands for "Quite Interesting," reflecting the show’s focus on obscure but fascinating facts.
Who hosts QI?
Stephen Fry hosted from its start in 2003 until 2016, after which Sandi Toksvig took over.
Who is the permanent panellist?
Alan Davies has been the regular panellist in every episode since the first series.
How are points awarded?
Points go for correct answers and additional points for the most interesting responses, regardless of correctness.
What are forfeits?
A forfeit is an answer that is patently wrong; it incurs a penalty and triggers a loud klaxon.
What is the General Ignorance round?
The final round asks questions that are commonly believed to be true but are actually wrong, testing the panel’s knowledge of misconceptions.
How many episodes are in a series?
Series lengths vary, but early series had about 12 episodes, each roughly 30 minutes long.
Do episodes have themes?
Yes, each episode’s questions are based on a theme starting with a specific letter of the alphabet.
What is QI XL?
QI XL are extended, 45‑minute versions of regular episodes, often featuring additional experiments and commentary.
Is there a point for entertaining answers?
Yes, entertaining or highly interesting answers receive bonus points even if they aren’t correct.
Do panellists prepare for questions?
Research staff, called the QI elves, prepare the questions, but panellists are not given the answers beforehand.
Are there any recurring tasks?
Occasionally, panellists are asked to complete a task, such as drawing a quick illustration or spotting an item on screen.
What is the role of the host?
The host introduces questions, manages the score, announces forfeits, and keeps the show moving with banter.
Are the questions truly obscure?
Most questions are highly obscure; the point is to uncover the obscure rather than rely on common knowledge.
What is the length of a normal episode?
A standard episode runs about 30 minutes, with some episodes extended to 45 minutes under QI XL.
Can viewers watch QI online?
Yes, episodes are available on the BBC iPlayer, UKTV Play, and sometimes on streaming services like Acorn TV.
What makes QI different from other quiz shows?
QI rewards creative, interesting answers over strict correctness, and the panel’s banter is central to the format.
Do the panellists compete?
While there is a score, the show emphasizes humour and interesting facts more than serious competition.
Are there any spin‑off versions?
Yes, QI VG (compilation episodes) and QI XS (short 14‑minute episodes) are spin‑offs of the main series.
What kind of humour is used?
The humour is quick, witty, and often relies on clever wordplay, banter, and absurd facts.
How often is QI released?
Episodes are released weekly, typically during the series’ run, with a new episode each week.
Is there a point for humor?
Humor is rewarded indirectly through interestingness; entertaining answers often earn extra points.

Actori

Alan Davies
Alan Davies
Self - Panellist