"say what you see" (but it's not going to be right) (Catchphrase)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Catchphrase
Date:	17/02/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: funny

Disadvantages: none

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
This ITV gameshow ran from 1986 to 2002, and featured two contestants who had to guess a well known phrase or saying that was being show in an animation. The show was hosted by Irish comedian Roy Walker for the majority of its time on the air.

WAS IT ANY GOOD:
This show was a firm family favourite, and for good reason. To begin with, it was accessible: viewers of any age could have a go at the game. This accessibility was coupled with the humour inherent in the show.

Roy Walker WAS Catchphrase - his amiable personality and clam presenting style held the show together with ease, and relaxed the contestants who then went on to make fools of themselves a lot of the time.

The other funny thing about the show was the animations: who can forget the time Mr Chips was slowly revealed in a pose that suspiciously regarded him interfering with himself with one hand whilst lifting a hat up and down off his head with the other? This was a moment of pure comedy gold, but there was always the anticipation when watching this show that something similar could happen again.

The catchphrase of catchphrase was 'Just say what you see', which often led to contestants buzzing in with silly answers like 'a man rowing a boat'. It was such good fun to see the amount of people who would say something that quite clearly wasn't the answer, but they were impelled to do it.

IF YOU LIKED IT:
In terms of a game show that is accessible, The Weakest Link often contains easy questions. For a game show that contains comic elements, something like Never Mind the Buzzcocks may appeal.

WHERE CAN I WATCH IT:
The show is currently repeated on 'Challenge'.

IN CONCLUSION:
A firm family favourite, Catchphrase was an accessible and enjoyable show that entertained us all faithfully and is sorely missed.

Summary: love it