8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

I don't watch the original Countdown as I'm not really into quiz shows. But this is a little bit different. It's a panel show comedy blended with the Countdown quiz format.

Jimmy Carr is the host. Well, he hosts everything doesn't he? He's a terrific comedian. I've been to see him at a few live shows and he is just a good, old fashioned, joke teller. He does that on this show and he throws in some mockery as well. The 2 teams get mocked and the show's resident maths and English experts get it too. Rachel Riley and Suzie Dent take the mocking in good jest - considering that straight-laced Suzie Dent is frequently mocked for being a nymphomaniac and a terrible author. She's not, of course, but Jimmy Carr ensures it's all lighthearted fun.

Sean Lock is great as one of the team leaders. Often portrayed is a miserable old git. He plays the role well. Another comedian who is terrific live.

Anyway, I rarely participate in the quiz aspect and just wait for the jokes to arrive. Highly recommended.

I absolutely love Jimmy Carr and he is well suited to hosting this show. Jon Richardson is just the icing on the cake, with his nerdy weirdness.

You really never know what to expect each episode. But I do love how Jimmy loves to try and distract the celebrities from doing the words or numbers by doing stupid antics as the countdown clock is ticking down.

Sometimes I remember to give the word puzzles a go and I have been trying the sums as well. But most of the time I just watch it for a laugh. I think the good thing about this cross over show is that it has brought Countdown over to a crowd that possibly would not have bothered to watch it before.

As far as comedy gameshows go, this is one of the best out there. The rules of Countdown are stretched enough if not broken for some of the comedians playing the game. The regular panelists are always quick witted and hilarious, whether it's outright jokes or some skits. It's bound to get a few laughs, a highly amusing way to spend a Friday night. Jimmy Carr has some of the best panelist intros in British comedy, especially when the other panelists can dish out some of the most savage comebacks and put downs. They manage to maintain a consistent level of back and forth so it never becomes tiring or overdone.

What is there more to say than what was written in the title? The show's host Jimmy Carr is a quick thinker, which allows him to make incredibly funny jokes all while retaining the edgy, dark humour he is known for. The scripted skits that take place while participants are writing down their answers are crazily ridiculous. Resident team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson have such strong chemistry with each other that I'd have a hard time imagining comedians that would be better in their place. All the while there is still the classic rounds of Countdown being played that many know and love, all starring the same lexicographer Suzie Dent, and presenter/mathematician Rachel Riley.

The entire show feels genuine, which is an important achievement that some panel shows have an issue with. In conclusion, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown lives up to the hype as one of the pinnacles of British panel shows.

I like it when Jimmy Carr laughs at his own jokes. Her her herrrrrrr