Jimmy Carr defends the genre

Jimmy Carr has defended comedy panel shows from media snobs who look down on the genre: saying they are popular, funny and a great way for stand-ups to get their first TV exposure.

The 8 Out Of 10 Cats host said in the hierarchy of shows, drama was often seen as the most prestigious, with panel shows, unfairly, at the bottom of the heap.

He said: ‘It feels to me as if it’s perceived that panel shows are an easy thing to make. In which case, go on then, make a good one.

And he mocked criticism that here were too many examples in the schedules, by saying sarcastically: ‘Why are there too many of these funny shows entertaining the public?’

Speaking at the Broadcast TV Comedy Forum, Carr added that the longevity of panel show formats was an asset: ‘I’ve never understood that “too cool for school” attitude when you make six episodes then drop it like it’s hot. If they show works, make loads. I’m a big fan of that.’

He added that panel shows were an ideal training ground for stand-ups.

‘The reason you America produces so many film stars is tat if you’re a good sketch act, the only outlet for you is give years of badly-paid work on Saturday Night Live – and at the end you’re Will Farrell. Panel shows are our version of that.

‘It’s a way of doing stand-up on TV… for a comedian to be on TV without having to carry to whole half hour. And if people like your comedy from that taste, then they can see you live or buy your DVD.

‘It doesn’t replace stand-up. It’s not either/or. The BBC have done a brilliant job with Live At The Apollo and Michael McIntyre Comedy Roadshow. It must have been a hard sell at the start, because the wisdom was that stand-up doesn’t work on TV. I think those shows prove it does.’

Of recent criticisms that panel games were too competitive and too male-dominated, Carr said: ‘Being competitive isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

‘But our show’s very much a team sport. It’s really the editor who’s the star of the show – though luckily it’s us who get the plaudits.

‘We want more female panellists. Any female performer trying to get onto panel shows in pushing at an open door, but it would be a major thing to get a female team captain or female host on one of the panel shows.’

Published: 23 Sep 2009