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Entertainment • Television

8 Out of 10 Cats

8 Out of 10 Cats is a British comedy panel show that aired from 2005 to 2021.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

8 Out of 10 Cats is a British comedy panel show that aired on Channel 4 from 2005 to 2021. Hosted by Jimmy Carr, the programme used opinion polls, surveys, and statistics as the basis for comedic debate between two teams of comedians and guests.

Format

The series was a topical panel game in which two teams answered questions based on public opinion polls and statistics. Comedy and improvisation were central to the format, with guests debating the results.

Broadcast history

8 Out of 10 Cats premiered on Channel 4 in 2005. It later moved to More4 and then E4 before ending in 2021.

Presenters and team captains

Jimmy Carr hosted every episode. The programme featured rotating team captains over time, including Sean Lock, Dave Spikey, Jason Manford, Jon Richardson, Rob Beckett, Aisling Bea, and Katherine Ryan.

Spin-offs and legacy

The format led to the long-running spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. That spin-off outlasted the original series and became one of Channel 4's best-known comedy formats.

Key facts

  • The show aired from 2005 to 2021 on Channel 4, More4, and E4.
  • Jimmy Carr hosted all episodes.
  • The format was based on opinion polls and statistics.
  • Regular team captains included Sean Lock, Jon Richardson, and others.
  • A spin-off, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, began in 2012.
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Canadian context

The series has been available to some Canadian viewers through international television and streaming platforms, and it is part of the wider UK panel-show format familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is 8 Out of 10 Cats?
A British comedy panel show built around opinion polls, surveys, and statistics, hosted by Jimmy Carr.
When did it air?
It first aired in 2005 and ended in 2021.
Which channel showed it?
It began on Channel 4, later moved to More4, and then to E4.
Who hosted the show?
Jimmy Carr hosted the entire series.
What was the spin-off?
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, launched in 2012.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8_Out_of_10_Cats
    Supports: Original run dates, host, networks, and team captains.
  2. British Comedy Guide — https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/8_out_of_10_cats/
    Supports: Genre, broadcast history, episode count, and format description.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465315/
    Supports: Series description, host, and panel-game format.
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/8-out-of-10-cats/umc.cmc.6vlpg85rdue22mz191o93c9zw
    Supports: Description of the show, host, and availability on streaming services.