When someone finally worked out that what is endearing about the whole modern panel quiz show is not complex point systems or intricate games play but the wit and wisdom of the guest themselves, then it was only a matter of time before Q.I. was presented to the masses. Although you could say ... Read review
Advantages: witty, clever and trivialy informative Disadvantages: Sun Readers may find it confusing
When someone finally worked out that what is endearing about the whole modern panel quiz show is not complex point systems or intricate games play but the wit and wisdom of the guest themselves, then it was only a matter of time before Q.I. was presented to the masses. Although you could say that the long running news quiz " Have I Got News For You" and more recently its musical cousin "Never mind The Buzzcocks" have already set ... ...but what puts Q.I. in a league of its own is its more general subject matter and its gentler, less biting attitude. As with any of these shows it's all about the chemistry of the regular guests and host. Where would the aforementioned news quiz be with out permanent team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop, though the replacement of original show host Angus Deyton with guest presenters each week was a stroke of genius. The host in the case of Q.I. ... more
When someone finally worked out that what is endearing about the whole modern panel quiz show is not complex point systems or intricate games play but the wit and wisdom of the guest themselves, then it was only a matter of time before Q.I. was presented to the masses. Although you could say that the long running news quiz " Have I Got News For You" and more recently its musical cousin "Never mind The Buzzcocks" have already set out this format. I have to agree to some extent, but what puts Q.I. in a league of its own is its more general subject matter and its gentler, less biting attitude. As with any of these shows it's all about the chemistry of the regular guests and host. Where would the aforementioned news quiz be with out permanent team captains Paul Merton and Ian Hislop, though the replacement of original show host Angus Deyton with guest presenters each week was a stroke of genius. The host in the case of Q.I. is the ever affable, witty and brilliant, Stephen Fry.
As front man of the show, Fry is everything that you could want from a host. Disarmingly charming, witty and intelligent, but with just enough unpredictability to surprise you and an ability to converse off the cuff that seems lost to many presenters today. His winning of the Golden Rose of Montreaux award for best host for this show is testament to his abilities in the role. There is only one permanent guest on the show, comedian and actor Alan Davis. He is there to provide a comprehensive school, working class, and everyman foil for Fry's plumy public school eloquence. Alan, as Stephen puts it, "rushes headlong like a puppy into the wall of ignorance." Far from being something to be ashamed of, Alan highlights, with his inimitable comedy style, that there are no stupid questions. Only funny ones. But although Davis plays the role of comedic punch bag well you do realise after a short time that he is not as dumb as the role that he plays.
The game works in that simplistic almost anti-game method that almost evokes memories of the classic cult radio game "Mornington Crescent". Questions are posed to the panel of four by Fry and the week's collective brains then attempt the answers. The questions are normally of the type that causes a number of obvious answers to spring to mind. These are carefully laid traps and the answers are often more complex than it first appears, the common misconceptions and urban myths that we all store away in our heads are what is to be avoided here. The questions can be on anything; think of a set of trivial pursuit and you will understand the scope. Up until now, I guess, you are thinking sounds pretty normal, unoriginal even. So here is the twist. Points are not awarded for the correct answer, or even any answer. Points are handed out on the basis of how interesting the response is. It has only to be relevant, correct is a bonus but the important thing is that it has to be "Quite Interesting". Being wrong is not important, as long as you are not wrong in a boring way. The effect that this has is to make the show flow in an informal, witty and clever way, with the emphasis being on intelligent and witty dialogue rather than factual accuracy.
As I said at the start, it's the chemistry of the panellists that makes the show work, which is after all more about banter and wit than facts and point scoring. With this in mind the panellist are generally made up of comedians, Sean Lock, Jo Brand, John Sessions, Rory McGrath and Rich Hall have all contributed to the show and that gives you some idea of the flavour of the selections. The show has just finished recording its forth series which will be going out on BBC2 in September, in the mean time re-runs can be found on various Sky channels and late night BBC2 on Fridays.
They say the primal drives are food, sex and shelter. QI says there is a fourth: Curiosity. So if you wish to experience a alchemical combination of intellect, wit, knowledge and downright stupidity, hosted by the national treasure that is the indomitable Mr Fry, then this is your first stop.
WHAT IS QI?
QI is a panel game. QI stands for Quite Interesting. Panelists are given points for being correct or for being 'quite interesting'. QI is shown on BBC2 (at the moment it is on at 10pm on Sunday). When they show the new series you can see the next episode straight after on BBC4. There are also lots of repeats on my new favourite TV channel Dave (if you haven't seen this yet - tune in!).
WHO TAKES PART?
The host of QI is Stephen Fry, ... ...Britain. There are four panelists and all apart from one are changed every week. Alan Davies, who is always present on Fry's right-hand side has become something of an icon of the show. Other regular panelists include Jo Brand, Bill Bailey, Rory McGrath (who is amazingly knowledgeable), Jeremy Clarkson (hilarious) and Sean Locke. SO WHAT'S THE FORMAT?
Each series of QI is based on a letter of the alphabet and the things they discuss begin with that ...
tartlette83 22.01.2008 (20.01.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC2: Quite Interesting
Advantages: A clever comedy panel shoq Disadvantages: Some people might not 'get it'...
Thou shall not question Stephen Fry…to quote the song “Thou Shall Always Kill” by Scroobius Pip…and with the programme QI that shall always be the case.
Produced by Talkback Thames, QI (Quite Interesting) has been on our televisions since September 2003 running for six series, permanently hosted by Stephen Fry, it is a comedy panel show which always questions your own intelligence. Until late 2008 it was shown on BBC Two, but has since moved to ... ...be played religiously everyday along with Top Gear, Mock The Week and Fifth Gear. But never mind, at least that increases the number of people who’ve seen the show!!
The concept of the show works around Fry asking usually seemingly obvious questions with obvious answers…But most of the answers end up being extremely obscure, making it unlikely that the correct answer will be given to begin with. This results in people ‘losing’ points, with the majority ...
carl.mcqueen 24.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC2: Quite Interesting
Advantages: Things you never knew you didn't know Disadvantages: None
What is it?
'Quite Interesting' (or "QI") is a quiz show on BBC 2, (although repeats are also being shown on BBC 4 for any digital viewers). At the time of writing this review I can only tell you that a new series is planned for the near future, but specific dates have not been released.
The basic format of 'QI' is the tried and tested one used for almost every quiz show since the dawn of time: Players try to answer questions in order to gain points, ... ...do this). The key to this particular quiz is it uncovers common misconceptions that are believed to be true and in fact, players lose points should they be unfortunate enough to repeat one of these misconceptions as an answer.
'QI' has been a quick success, already reaching its third series (at the time of writing), as well as having its own interactive DVD game.
The show is hosted by the very knowledgeable Stephen Fry (Blackadder, Fry & Laurie, ...
BlueMidget 11.03.2006 (12.03.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BBC2: Quite Interesting
