What is the premise of Have I Got News for You?
It’s a panel show that uses the week’s news stories as the basis for comedy and debate. Two captains and a guest host answer quick‑fire questions and riff on headlines.
How many series and episodes have aired?
Over 700 episodes have been broadcast across more than 70 series since its 1990 debut.
Who are the regular team captains?
Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye, and Paul Merton, a long‑time comedian, have led the teams since the show began.
What does the host do on the show?
After the opening monologue, the host delivers closing sketches, announces the rounds, and occasionally participates in jokes.
What are the main rounds of the show?
The key rounds are "The Bigger News Stories", "Odd One Out", "Missing Words" headlines, and the "Caption Competition".
How is scoring handled?
Points are awarded for correct answers, but the score often ends up being a joke itself and is usually announced at the end.
Why do some episodes feature a guest host?
The original host was removed in 2002; since then a different celebrity has taken the chair each week.
Are there any controversies associated with the show?
Yes, the show has faced defamation lawsuits and complaints about political bias, but it remains a staple of British comedy.
What is the Missing Words round?
Panelists fill in missing words in a headline, often from a quirky, fictional publication, to create humorous alternatives.
Is the show live?
Episodes are filmed live with an audience, but the final broadcast is usually edited for a 29‑minute runtime.
Where is the show filmed?
Production moved from the London Studios to Riverside Studios in 2020, and some recent episodes were recorded virtually.
Can I watch episodes online?
Yes, most recent episodes are available on BBC iPlayer for viewers in the UK; international streaming is limited.
What is the Odd One Out round?
Teams see four images or clues and must identify which one does not belong with the other three.
How does the show pick news items?
The production team selects high‑profile stories from the previous week that lend themselves to humor and debate.
Who are some notable guest hosts?
Past hosts include Jeremy Clarkson, Alexander Armstrong, Boris Johnson, and many others from comedy and politics.
What is the Caption Competition?
After the main game, panelists write captions for still images, creating quick, punchy jokes.
Is there a laugh track?
Yes, a laugh track is used to enhance audience reactions during the broadcast.
How often does the show air?
The regular series airs every Friday, with a repeat or extended version the following Monday.
What type of language is used?
Strong language and crude jokes are common, but the overall tone remains light and playful.
Are there any spin‑offs?
Extended versions like "Have I Got a Bit More News for You" provide extra sketches and outtakes.
How does the show handle defamation?
The BBC’s legal team reviews footage to remove or edit potentially libellous content before transmission.
What is the show's typical audience size?
The live studio audience usually seats around 300–500 people, with additional viewers at home.
Can viewers submit jokes or questions?
While there’s no official submission portal, fan communities often share jokes online, but they are not used on the show.
What are the most common targets in the jokes?
Politicians, media personalities and public figures are frequent targets, with the show often taking a tongue‑in‑cheek approach.
Does the show feature a scorekeeper?
A studio presenter announces points, but the score is rarely decisive and is mostly for comedic effect.