Cats Does Countdown takes a break

Cash-strapped Channel 4 'pauses production'

Channel 4 is pausing production on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, it has been reported.

No new series is set to be recorded this year, media industry website Deadline says, as the broadcaster struggles with a financial crisis.

A number of episodes are already in the can, but have not yet aired. It is thought the network wants to spread out what programmes it already has to avoid spending money.

Channel 4’s spokesperson said: ‘We have already shot episodes which are ready to air. To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission’ – but the broadcaster would not say when that might be.

Hosted by Jimmy Carr, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown started as a single episode in 2012, alongside a number of other mash-ups of Channel 4 hits.

But has since become a staple of the schedules, with more than 150 episodes now broadcast. The last new episode aired in February with Asim Chaudhry, Joe Wilkinson and Roisin Conaty joining regulars Jon Richardson, Susie Dent, and Rachel Riley. Lucy Pearman was in Dictionary Corner, a slot which has given TV platforms to many alternative comedians who otherwise would not fit the panel show mould.

Channel 4’s commissioning slowdown has hit Hunted and 24 Hours in A&E, with no more episodes expected this year, and entertainment formats Alone, Rise & Fall and Scared Of The Dark, all of which have been axed.

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Published: 8 May 2024