Would I Lie to You?

Superb show always high on laugh factor. Can't fault the team captains either David Mitchell and the always on-point Lee Mack. Without doubt one of the greatest shows ever devised.

"Would I Lie to You" is an insanely funny British panel show that will have you laughing out loud every episode. It stars Rob Brydon as host and David Mitchell and Lee Mack as team captains who are joined by two contestants each, either comedians or other TV personalities. The contestants have to read out a statement they've never seen before and the opposing team has to decide if they're lying or telling the truth. There also comes a guest to the show and each member of one team claims to know him and the opposing team has to decide which one has the genuine connection to the guest.

While the show's format alone makes it funny, it's Rob, David and Lee that really make the show: David and Lee work very well together as their TV personalities are in contrast and their banter is just hilarious. David shines with his rants and his dry, pedantic logic while Lee is incredibly witty and imaginative. Rob is effortlessly charismatic, acting either as mediator, instigator or participant depending on what the situation demands.

What makes the show so great is the fact that while it may be fun to guess if the stories are the truth or a lie, a large enjoyment stems from the stories themselves: they're often so interesting and funny that their facticity becomes a side issue. This - of course - depends on the contestants. Some are more skilled than others at telling stories in a funny and engaging way, though generally comedians are better at this. Kevin Bridge's horse story is mostly regarded as the most funny story, followed by the stories of Bob Mortimer, Greg Davies, Rhod Gilbert and Henning Wehn.

The best panal show in Britain right now and has been for some time, maybe even ever. There's no political bias, preaching or agenda. It's just clean family fun, that everyone can enjoy (The swearing got toned down after the first 2 series).

I think replacing Angus Deaton with Rob Brydon was a master stroke, him, Lee and David bounce off each other so well. So even if your not a fan of the guests or don't know who they are, you can still enjoy it.

The only quibble is that it's too short, if they made an XL version like QI (i know there's usually an extra episode with unseen stories, but there must be so much more) then I doubt there would be any complaints.

Good, this. Two teams of celebrity guests try to figure out whether their opponents ridiculously far-fetched statements about themselves are true or, in fact, a lie.

"Would I Lie To You?" is a fairly new Quizcom that pokes fun at the recent boom of "truth game" formats. It only arrived on screens last year, but made an instant impact with me. A great selection of guests so far, and well-picked team captains in David Mitchell, whom I'd already established, and Lee Mack, new to me at the time but with a great, slightly Chandler-like comedy style.

It's also good to finally see Angus Deayton return to a quiz host's chair. He hasn't lost any of his wonderful deadpan wit since his HIGNFY days, and makes for an integral part of the show's success. The first truly entertaining new TV programme in a long time, and it's set to return for a second series. I look forward to it.

By far the best panel show going and has been for some time. Took a few series to get the right presenter and sort the format out a little. But this is one of the very few programmes on the BBC I actually bother with.