Scavenging the BBC for a decent comedy to watch after exhausting the better realms of Mock the Week (which is starting to return to form following the loss of Frankie Boyle – he’s not dead, he’s just emotionally numb inside, but at least he was funny), Miranda and QI, I was left to fend for myself with John Bishop’s Britain and the Rob Brydon show. Watching them for around two minutes each was all I could stand, but luckily, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Series 11 was on over on 4OD to save me from the gnawing feeling of inner dread.
It’s consistently funny every episode and there’s a genuine feeling of as-lib about it that makes it a lot more fun to watch than the scripted jokes of Bishop and Brydon, which is a shame, because both of them are genuinely funny on their day.
Sean Lock is one of the funniest men on telly at the moment, and with the occasional shock factor of Jimmy Carr and understated comedy genius of Jon Richardson, 8 Out of 10 Cats Series 11 is pulling out in front as the best comedy celebrity panel game show on TV right now.
The guests have been class pretty much every week. Even the duff ones like Tim Westwood and Lauren Laverne are marginally more tolerable because of the company they’re in. Greg Wallace, Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Millican and Charlie Brooker have all put in ace guest appearances in Series 11.
8 Out of 10 Cats, Series 11 review: 4.5/5
