Channel 4 Presses Pause On ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’

Max Goldbart

8 May 2024 at 5:28 am·2-min read

EXCLUSIVE: Popular Channel 4 panel show 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown appears to be the latest to have been hit by the network’s slowdown.

Deadline is told that Channel 4 has been sitting on the current series since it was delivered last year and there are no plans to record a new series this year.

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“We have already shot episodes which are ready to air,” said a spokeswoman. “To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.”

Channel 4 wasn’t able to say when the new episodes will be shot.

Produced by Would I Like To You? maker Zeppotron, Cats Does Countdown is a Jimmy Carr-hosted mash-up of comedy panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats and daytime quiz Countdown. It has been a ratings success, is one of Channel 4’s longest running unscripted shows and has aired more than 150 episodes over the past 12 years.

The series features regular captain Jon Richardson opposite a rotating guest captain, which has been the case since former captain Sean Lock died in 2021. It features traditional rounds from Countdown interspersed with topical humor and games from Carr, the captains, guests and Countdown regulars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent.

Deadline understands that talent availability plays a factor in filming and Cats Does Countdown has always been ordered ad hoc but sources tell us they feel the delay is a reflection of Channel 4’s continued grapple with the ongoing slowdown and attempts to further spread out its shows across the schedule.

Hit show Hunted will not have any new episodes produced this year, while UK TV trade Broadcast recently revealed that a new series of 24 Hours in A&E will no longer be produced in the fall, impacting hundreds of freelancers.

Only one of Channel 4’s four major 2023 entertainment launches has been recommissioned, the Paddy McGuinness-hosted Tempting Fortune, with Alone, Rise & Fall and Scared of the Dark all axed in the past few weeks.

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