Having just watched the first two episodes, I have mixed feelings but there are some actual positives to this show.
I have always loved Skinner's brand of humour and he is always very good at interacting with his audiences. Here is no different. The format of the show is on one hand interesting and has some potential, but on the other maybe too lightweight. If you haven't seen the show, Skinner is joined by two 'celebrities' and amongst them and the audience they discuss topical current events - Just saying it makes it sound lame I know. It's all very light-hearted and easy to watch though.
My initial thoughts were that I really wasn't interested in the views of the general public on things they often don't actually know anything about ("Like.... I think this....and like it's really rubbish cos like.... ETC), but thankfully this isn't one of those morning chat shows with Jeremy Kyle & the 'like'. Often the person that speaks from the audience is somebody who is there for a reason. For example, discussion about the recent Volcano saw two Volcano experts (whilst looking a bit uncomfortable amongst the pleb's), offered some actual expertise on the matter. It's not all nerdy scientists though, and has a mix of experts, normal people 'in a position' to actually offer insight, and THEN the odd average Joe who wants to get involved. Skinner hosts this forum extremely well and offers up plenty of laughs.
Often these things do depend for me on the guests, and if I like somebody then it will make the show more enjoyable. There are some good people around the circuit who I feel can really produce some good episodes of this. Not necessarily the same faces who do the rounds (although that will be hard to avoid), but I have a few favourites who I would be very happy to see here. Unfortunately the standard so far has been a bit weak. Episode 1 had Al Murray who was a total bore, and Miranda Hart who I generally am not a fan of (although to be fair she was quite tolerable here). It improved in episode 2 with Dave Gorman who fitted in well and some girl who I don't really know but she was OK. They could do better though. There are some funny people out there who do actually have some intellect and ability to do the topical thing very well, so I wait and see who they use in the following episodes with interest.
Ultimately it seems a reasonable watch. I much preferred episode two and laughed quite a bit. I can see this getting some stick (not everybody likes Skinner for example), but in all fairness if you do like him or at least can tolerate him then there is far worse on TV than this to relax to. It's quite good fun, is very easy going and if they can have some strong guests on then it has some potential.
