Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled

I've never been able to watch more than a few moments of this programme. It's the format. The participants, as far as I know, are accomplished comedians who normally entertain and amuse audiences with their scripted and/or improvised routines, but the idea of sitting them round a table talking to each other, as-living and surrounded by scores of dimly-lit giggling deferential supplicants, whom they completely ignore, is nauseating. Involve the audience for goodness' sake, or operate without them, but don't humiliate them.

The notion that the performers are the superiors of the audience is one of the worst aspects of religious idolatry.

Alan Davies is one of my favorite entertainers. He is that unique breed of genuinely funny person who doesn't have to have the spotlight all the time. He reads the room and can be the center of attention or give his guests room to tell their stories - whatever is needed to keep the room alive. I love having this show on in the background while I work around the house or drift off to sleep. It's like having a laugh with mates over a pint. I genuinely don't understand why two of the three reviews (prior to mine) of this highly rated show grind their heels into it. If you want QI, watch QI. This is different and is enjoyable on its own merits! There is a reason it has been around for 7+ seasons.

It's literally just comedians and British well know people telling stories and anecdotes. I love it because I really like them so if you like any of them you'll enjoy this show. Or just want a laugh of course.

Of the episodes I've seen so far, most of the participants have already been with Alan on the much superior (in all senses of the term) Qi show, even recounting several of the same stories, particularly Alan himself.

So do yourselves a favour and just watch Qi instead of this highly disorganised pub-like chitchat that calls itself a TV show. At least then you might actually learn something!