Catch Phrase

Though it actually pioneered computer animation on television, there's nothing "important" or remotely cerebral about CATCHPHRASE, but the recent addition of CHALLENGE TV to UK Freeview channels has reminded me what an easy-going delight this show was and is to watch. It's a simple concept executed brilliantly. Roy Walker's jokes are corny and cringe-worthy, but that just adds to the charm of the show, and he is an excellent and lovable host. And who wouldn't love Mr. Chips?

Comparing this to DEAL OR NO DEAL is revealing; here the contestants are encouraged to have fun, there they are put into a constant position of frustration. CATCHPHRASE is a game the viewers at home can play and enjoy just as much as the contestants, DEAL OR NO DEAL is a game it's hard to see why people even find it interesting to watch. The prizes on CATCHPHRASE are varied, and no one goes away empty handed (well, unless they play a truly shocking game, which I've yet to see happen). Lest you think I'm looking through the Rose-Tinted glasses of nostalgia, catching an episode of the contemporary FAMILY FORTUNES after CATCHPHRASE on CHALLENGE TV also easily illustrates how much more entertaining CATCHPHRASE was and is than many other game shows.

CATCHPHRASE is a show I'm sure many people find easy to be cynical and sneery about, but I also dare say I think many people would find it hard not to enjoy its simple charms when stumbling upon an episode on TV.

It's good and it IS right!

I must have watched almost every episode of Catchphrase from 1986-1999 when the charismatic comedian Roy Walker presented it. It was a fantastic show with a fantastic host.

There would be two contestants in front of a big screen. On the screen, there would be animated pictures and the guests would have to guess the phrase. "Say what you see," were Roy Walker's words as the contestants played for money and a chance in the final. The prizes were very good as well.

Roy Walker left the show in 1999 and he was replaced a year later by Nick Weir and then Mark Curry, neither of which were as charismatic as him. Roy Walker is a genuinely nice bloke and very funny so it was hard to see him go so I wouldn't recommend the post-Roy Walker years.

Yes, Catchphrase is a classic game show and yes it's nice to have it back but surely when it's revival was discussed they could have thought of some ways to tweak or dare I say improve the format. The catchphrases are now in 3D - so what?! The tired format was the reason it got cancelled in the first place. That seems to be the way with television at the moment. Take something off, give it a couple of years and then bring it back instead of thinking of something new.

Stephen Mulhern is the only bright spot in the whole revised show. Funny and charming he may be that's not enough to entertain me in this show that feels very familiar.

You're better off watching the repeats of the show from the 80's. At least then you can have added fun looking at the old hair styles and outfits.

Energetic gameshow in which 2 contestants try to guess a well known phrase or title from what appears on the board to win a cash prize. The player with the most cash gets the Super Catchphrase, where they get to play for a luxury holiday.

Undoubtedly an entertaining show, if not for the animations but definitely for the light entertainment and wonderful atmosphere provided by the legendary Roy Walker.

When the show returned with a new look and a new presenter, it didn't feel the same but it was still a pretty decent gameshow with some surprisingly high-value prizes and cash to give away. Unfortunately, as time went on the show never gained the charm it once had, certainly not under its last daytime hail under former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry. It's unlikely to return, but it will be remembered fondly for a while yet.