The Krypton Factor

The Krypton Factor is a British television quiz type show that is currently being screened on the ITV network at 7 p.m. It is repeated I believe on ITV 2 a few days later. This is the new version of the show, revived just this year and presented by the smooth Ben Shephard. The original programme was something of a national institution and was hosted from 1977 to 1995 by Northern Ireland's Gordon Burns. Coincidentally Penny Smith, who now sometimes shares the sofa with Ben Shephard on GMTV, was briefly a co-presenter with Gordon Burns on the original show in 1995. Wow, television really is a small world, especially the 14 inch ...  Read the complete review

I am not sure if I approve of the new Krypton Factor. There is something a bit too high tech for me in the new show...or perhaps I am just longing for the more simple days of the 80's when on a Monday night I would sit down with my family to enjoy this show (I am amazed now however when I watch it, as to just how old all the contestants look, even the young ones!). Ben Sheppard presents the remake of this show, but I think this was a mistake. The Krypton Factor deserves a presenter of some gravitas. I like Ben and I like the work that he does on GMTV etc., but this show needs an older statesperson to lead it I believe. The format of the show is ...  Read the complete review

WHAT IS IT ABOUT: Contestants are tested on their physical and mental strength in this quiz show that ran on ITV from 1977 to 1995, and was hosted by Gordon Burns. Contestants complete memory games and puzzles, along with army style assault courses. IS IT ANY GOOD: This is one of those quiz-shows that was around before quiz shows got cool and hi-tech. Essentially, the Krypton Factor is a no frills show that was unique in that it combined two distinct categories: mental testing and physical testing. In today's world of TV you have Total Wipeout for physical, and perhaps Eggheads for mental, but the Krypton Factor combined them both. This was the main ...  Read the complete review

A much-repeated and well-remembered quiz show which replaced any possible big budget with ingeninuity, intelligence and skill. This was, by no means, Crystal Maze. Oh no, it was far more high brow and intelligent than that, attracting the typical 15-1 crowd, Uni professors and school teachers to become partcipants. The concept was simple. A string of different games that used your brain, physical ability, mental agility and inelligence. There was no dumbing down here. It was a show enjoyed by 10 year olds and 90 year olds alike, a show that would challenge the viewer as much as the participant. Everbody rememebers the aeroplane simulation in which ...  Read the complete review

I got into this series when caught repeats of it on the freeview channel that is now called Virgin 1 since 01/10/2007 (then FTN), presented by Gordon Burns (now the BBC's north-west news presenter). I think it's the ultimate TV game show and certainly not one for wimps. Originally with 6 rounds you get tested in virtually every way possible. What was so good about it was you could take part at home as well; though observation, mental agility and general knowledge rounds. With the other rounds on response, physical ability and intelligence there was always a commentary telling you how the contestants were doing and what the main difficulties were. With the ...  Read the complete review