Would I Lie to You?

This simple game of anecdotes that may or may not be true is as entertaining as it is because of the trio of regulars: the host (Rob Brydon) and the team captains (David Mitchell and Lee Mack). Their shared chemistry and ability to bounce off of each other is what saves any episode with subpar guests.

There are certainly many guests who are great at the game and very entertaining to listen, but they alone couldn't have carried this show for the 15 years it's been on.

Since there is rarely anything topical about the anecdotes, all of the series (except the first two) feel pretty much as fresh now as they did back in the day.

"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.

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.

I'm not big on panel shows, but Would I Lie to You? easily transcends its form and is one of my favourite shows period. Featuring a host (currently Rob Brydon, but previously Angus Deayton, for the first two series), and two comedians serving as team captains (David Mitchell playing up his high-brow nerdiness while Lee Mack serves as his foil), the show is genuinely funny with a fairly simple premise. Contestants read a bizarre story off a card and the opposing team is able to question them for a brief period before they must guess whether they are telling the truth or lying.

It's a great format that has introduced me to the best of British comedic talent (Sarah Millican, Miranda Hart, and Rhod Gilbert are some of my fave guest stars) and every episode gives me at least a couple of real laughs.

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.