Some may recall that I have railed against this program previously. In summary, my complaint was that rather than being a fearless satirical pisstake out of the rich, famous and powerful, it was rather a comfortable middle class jolly jape session staffed by the same rich, aged, public school white men who dominate every other aspect of public life. I particularly took issue with Tubby Merton, who I identified as an achingly unfunny arse. Now they're having to do it without the faithful (and often inexplicable) guffaws from the studio audience at every weak pun that flops out. Merton is particularly shown up by stony silence that greets each of his lame 'wacky' quips and interruptions. Even his fellow presenters forget to even smile sometimes and they're being paid to laugh. Way, way past time for this hideously white BBC dinosaur to be put out to pasture.
I don't watch it that often these days but I tuned in last night and it was cringe worthy. I agree, it's had it's day and should be quietly dropped now.
It still gets 4m viewers. I'll only watch it if it happens to be on, but it seems enough people like it to keep it going rather than listen to Clive's absurd prejudiced politics.
I wasn't aware of the numbers. May be it should return after the current crisis. But I can't think many people would have enjoyed last night's episode? My thoughts based on that and not the politics. Of course I might be wrong and, if the numbers support it, then so be it.
Not sure didn't see it. I imagine an audience free set up won't help it's cause. But as you say hopefully the numbers will dictate, not an angry bloke on the internet who hates public school educated citizens and drivers of white range rover Epoques.
TBF the show that 'influenced' HIGNFY (ie they ripped-off the premise/format) R4's "The News Quiz" has only been going for a mere 42 years... I still can't forgive the Tories for the cuts that caused the death of the far, far superior "What the Papers Say" - the best review of the week's news ever.
Who is actually the son of a tube driver, attended a standard comprehensive school, and didn't even go to University.
Agree with this 100%. It only lasted 10 mins or so and was one reviewer in a studio. How much could it have cost to make? Peanuts. It had more to say in 10 mins than 2 series of HGNFY. Almost certainly got chopped for upsetting too many people and treading on too many toes. I used to particularly like it when it was Pilger
Naaaaaaaaaaaah. It was the guy who used to 'read out' the "Currant Bun" headlines. It the same voice in my head I still hear when I read one of their headlines now.
I watch it (ducks for cover). Yes the current format is a bit odd without the audience reaction but still glad I tuned in.
Sorry, strongly disagree. Still raises plenty of chuckles and the occasional guffaw from me, and I think they're doing very well under the current circumstances. No studio audience makes it difficult for them. Merton's humour is an acquired taste I grant, but overall the show still pokes a relevant stick, sometimes a sharp one, at the establishment. Different senses of humour I guess!
The Merton/Hislop chemistry (same as Lee Mack/David Mitchell, with posh boy on the left) works very well normally, but without a laughter track (a.k.a. the audience) it's a disaster. Mind you, the soft left political positions are a bit one-note, though they're my positions too.
Dunno, all of the ones we watch: "HIGNFY", "The Daily Show", "Full Frontal", "Last Week Tonight" and "Real Time" seem much, much longer (with more gags) as the host doesn't have to pause for audience laughter. All bar TDS "hit the ground running" - that took a week to find a format that 'worked'. Most of the interviews under lockdown have been pretty good although some of the US slebs plugging something have been laughably poor...
