Game for a Laugh

Game for a Laugh (1981-1985)

EndedGame Show show

Game for a Laugh is a British light entertainment programme which ran for 56 editions and four specials between 26 September 1981 and 23 November 1985. It was made by London Weekend Television for the ITV network. It has been said that the original format was called Gotcha and was designed as a BBC show to be presented by Paul Daniels, David Copperfield (the British comedian) and Pamela Stephenson. The pilot show was rejected, allegedly, for being 'too vulgar'. Jeremy Beadle then rewrote the format, with producer Michael Hill in the United States.

According to the show's original producer, Brian Wesley, in his 1982 book on the series, The Game for a Laugh birthplace was the Hollywood office of producer Michael Hill". Jeremy Beadle and Hill's Los Angeles-based TV production company Hill-Eubanks Group envisaged a show in which "the people were the stars". Hill developed the eventual show with Beadle and with Jeremy Fox, then head of London-based Action Time, and the son of BBC TV executive Sir Paul Fox. Fox then presented the format to LWT. Jeremy Fox also brought to the show a wealth of stunts from Truth or Consequences, a show created by Ralph Edwards Productions in Hollywood from whom LWT bought the rights. At LWT, Head of Light Entertainment Alan Boyd put the finishing touches to it.

Network
Scheduleevery Saturday (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S05E07Episode 7Nov 23, 1985
S05E06Episode 6Nov 16, 1985
S05E05Episode 5Nov 9, 1985
S05E04Episode 4Nov 2, 1985
S05E03Episode 3Oct 26, 1985
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Game for a Laugh' premiere?

'Game for a Laugh' premiered on September 17th, 1981.

Who were the original hosts of 'Game for a Laugh'?

Sarah Kennedy, Henry Kelly, Matthew Kelly, and Jeremy Beadle were the original hosts of 'Game for a Laugh'.

What was the premise of 'Game for a Laugh'?

'Game for a Laugh' involved pranks, practical jokes, and hidden-camera stunts played on unsuspecting members of the public.

Was 'Game for a Laugh' a British show?

Yes, 'Game for a Laugh' was a British show.

How long did 'Game for a Laugh' run for?

'Game for a Laugh' ran for 56 episodes over 5 years from 1981 to 1985.

Were celebrities ever featured on 'Game for a Laugh'?

Yes, some episodes of 'Game for a Laugh' featured celebrity guests, including Paul Daniels, The Krankies, and Tommy Cooper.

Was 'Game for a Laugh' controversial?

Some segments of 'Game for a Laugh' were considered controversial for their perceived cruelty towards the unsuspecting members of the public involved in the pranks and stunts.

Was 'Game for a Laugh' successful?

Yes, 'Game for a Laugh' was a success and won a BAFTA award in 1983 for "Best Light Entertainment Programme".

Was anyone injured during the filming of 'Game for a Laugh'?

There were some instances where members of the public involved in the stunts suffered minor injuries, but there were no serious injuries or accidents.

Did 'Game for a Laugh' air in other countries?

Yes, 'Game for a Laugh' was broadcast in several other countries, including Australia, Belgium, and Germany.

Cast

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Characters

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