8 Out of 10 Cats (8 Out of 10 Cats)

Member Name: Gav86

Product:	8 Out of 10 Cats
Date:	22/10/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great fun, good host and team captains

Disadvantages: Series' are too short!

8 out of 10 cats is a celebrity panel show based on the answers from polls taken by the general public.
It is hosted by stand up comedian Jimmy Carr, and the two team captains are comedians Sean Lock and Jason Manford. In the earlier series, Dave Spikey was a team captain, but upon leaving, Jason Manford took his place.

Each weekly episode is set out in the same format, each team has 2 celebrity guests and they must guess the answers to the polls taken by the public. The first half of the show is usually asking what the public has been talking about this week - ie whats in the news. The second half is more random questions. However, much like these shows do, it degenerates into topical jokes and banter, and thats why i enjoy the program so much.

Both Sean Lock and Jason Manford are excellent as captains, it probably helps for me as im a big fan of both of them. Jimmy Carr is a great host as he plays off both captians really well. The celebrity guests can range from well known TV personalities and comedians, to the lower end Z-Lister who just has something to promote.

Some of the things they start talking about often get me laughing so hard, with a couple of things that had me in tears i was laughing so much, and can still remember them months later. Such as Sean Lock doing his Jacksons impersonation bout them opening a tea shop in Devon, and James Corden squealing with laughter "Would you like some clotted cream?".

I think 8 out of 10 cats often gets compared to Mock the Week, and while they are both news based panel shows, they are very different in tone, setup and the subjects they talk about.

8 Out of 10 Cats is one of the better comedy shows Channel 4 has to offer, and gives a good variety each week. Im definitely a massive fan and just wish there was more to each series!

Summary: Funny and enjoyable. Great Friday night TV.