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 3Okt. 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

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
48 Hours
Running

48 Hours

48 Hours is a CBS news magazine that investigates intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all aspects of the human experience. Over its long run, the show has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, driven the reopening -- and resolution -- of cold cases, and changed numerous lives. CBS News correspondents offer an in-depth look into each story, with the emphasis on solving the mystery at its heart. The program and its team have earned critical acclaim, including 20 Emmys and three Peabody Awards.

Invasion
Running

Invasion

Earth is visited by an alien species that threatens humanity's existence. Events unfold in real time through the eyes of five ordinary people across the globe as they struggle to make sense of the chaos unraveling around them.

Wednesday
Running

Wednesday

Smart, sarcastic and a little dead inside, Wednesday Addams investigates a murder spree while making new friends — and foes — at Nevermore Academy.

Alien: Earth
Running

Alien: Earth

When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, Wendy and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat.

Peacemaker
Running

Peacemaker

This James Gunn-created series continues the saga of Peacemaker, a vainglorious superhero/supervillain who believes in peace at any cost — no matter how many people he has to kill. After a miraculous recovery from his duel with Bloodsport, Peacemaker soon discovers that his freedom comes at a price.