What is 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown about?

Jimmy Carr hosts proceedings as the 8 Out of 10 Cats crew take over the words and numbers quiz.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

TV Show 2013 47m/ep 7.3 /10 Returning

A Channel 4 Original

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Streaming availability last verified: February 01, 2026

About 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

Jimmy Carr presides over a mashup that puts the irreverent panel energy of 8 Out of 10 Cats into the structured word-and-number rounds of Countdown. Regulars and guest comics trade jokes, insults, and quickfire banter as teams try to form words, solve arithmetic puzzles, and score points. Rachel Riley and Susie Dent keep the factual quiz elements intact, while Jon Richardson and the comedy panel push the format toward silliness and mock competition. Episodes lean on improvisation and personality more than serious contesting, so the results are as much about punchlines and crowd reaction as they are about finding the highest-scoring anagram or correct calculation.

First broadcast in 2013, the show is a crossover spin-off that blends two well known British series, keeping Countdown's expert roles while framing rounds around a comedy panel hosted by Jimmy Carr, with Jon Richardson appearing regularly.

The program's fusion of respectful quiz mechanics and rude humor helped create many viral clips, with moments that spread on social media and were often quoted by fans. Its format encouraged other panel shows to experiment with genre mixing, making it a recognizable example of how traditional game shows can be reshaped for comedy audiences.

On review sites and among viewers the show scores well for the chemistry between host and cast, with a Vote Average of 7.3/10 from 94 votes. Critics and fans tend to highlight the mix of genuine puzzle work and jokey insults, noting the quick repartee and the way the regular Countdown experts ground the chaos with real expertise.

While it hasn't been a major awards magnet, the series found a steady audience and became a recurring part of the British comedy landscape. Its run proved that a lighthearted, cheeky approach to a classic quiz could sustain repeated episodes and keep viewers tuning in for both answers and punchlines.

Details

Release Date: April 12, 2013
Episode Length: 47m
User Ratings: 95 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 29
Episodes: 160
Network: Channel 4
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Comedy, Reality, Talk
Country: United Kingdom
Studio: Zeppotron +1 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Jimmy Carr

Self - Presenter

Jon Richardson

Self

Rachel Riley

Self

Susie Dent

Self

Robert Deaton

Fabio

Seasons (29 seasons, 160 episodes)

Series 1

2 episodes - 2013

Series 2

5 episodes - 2013

Series 3

6 episodes - 2014

Series 4

7 episodes - 2014

Series 5

3 episodes - 2014

Series 6

6 episodes - 2015

Series 7

17 episodes - 2015

Series 8

4 episodes - 2016

Season 9

5 episodes - 2016

Series 10

5 episodes - 2016

Series 11

7 episodes - 2016

Series 12

8 episodes - 2017

Series 13

3 episodes - 2017

Series 14

5 episodes - 2017

Series 15

4 episodes - 2018

Series 16

8 episodes - 2018

Series 17

6 episodes - 2019

Series 18

7 episodes - 2019

Series 19

6 episodes - 2020

Series 20

3 episodes - 2020

Series 21

6 episodes - 2021

Series 22

6 episodes - 2022

Series 23

6 episodes - 2022

Series 24

2 episodes - 2023

Series 25

5 episodes - 2024

Series 26

5 episodes - 2024

Series 27

5 episodes - 2025

Series 28

5 episodes - 2025

S29

Series 29

3 episodes - 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Yes, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Yes, you can buy on Amazon Video.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has 29 seasons with a total of 160 episodes.

With a rating of 7.3/10 from 95 viewers, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown stars Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson, Rachel Riley, Susie Dent, and Robert Deaton.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown was released on April 12, 2013.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is a Comedy, Reality, and Talk series.

It's a crossover spin-off that started in 2013, mixing the comedy panel style of 8 Out of 10 Cats with the letters-and-numbers game of Countdown. Jimmy Carr hosts while Rachel Riley and Susie Dent keep the Countdown elements authentic and regular comedians provide the comic commentary.

The show uses genuine Countdown rounds, but most of the banter and jokes from the panelists are improvised. Some segments or punchlines may be prepared, yet the comedians' reactions are largely spontaneous.

Yes, the puzzles follow the same format as Countdown and are solved on air, with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley performing their usual roles. The show is edited for time and comedy, but the core challenges and solutions are real.

The series often contains adult humor, risqué jokes, and swearing, so it's primarily aimed at adults. Parental guidance is recommended if you're thinking of watching with younger viewers.