University Challenge poster

University Challenge

TV Show 1962 6.0 /10 Returning
ITV1 A ITV1 Original
Directed by Bridget Caldwell

University Challenge in 1962 follows teams of students from British universities as they test their knowledge across a wide range of subjects. The format centers on quick recall and calm reasoning under the bright glare of a studio audience, with penalties and buzzer cues adding tension as... Read more

Where to Watch "University Challenge"

Not Currently Streaming

This title isn't available for streaming in the US right now.

Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Disney+
Max
Hulu
Paramount+
Peacock
Apple TV+

Streaming availability last verified: January 24, 2026

About University Challenge

University Challenge in 1962 follows teams of students from British universities as they test their knowledge across a wide range of subjects. The format centers on quick recall and calm reasoning under the bright glare of a studio audience, with penalties and buzzer cues adding tension as correct answers accumulate. In this version the action unfolds under the direction of Bridget Caldwell, while Amol Rajan serves as the on screen presenter and Roger Tilling provides narration. Players face questions on science, humanities, current affairs, and more, and success hinges on teamwork, fast thinking, and precise recall rather than showmanship. The show celebrates intellectual curiosity for a family audience.

Released in 1962, this UK edition was directed by Bridget Caldwell. The program features Amol Rajan as presenter and Roger Tilling as narrator guiding university teams through a broad spectrum of questions.

As an early telecast of a university quiz format, the show helped bring higher education into family living rooms and sparked broader interest in knowledge driven entertainment. Its emphasis on wide subject coverage and collaborative problem solving echoed through later quiz and game shows.

Critical takeaways highlight the show's focus on breadth over specialization and the value of teamwork under pressure. The format champions curiosity and learning for its own sake, a reflection of 1960s attitudes toward education and public engagement with knowledge.

Awards information for this 1962 edition is not readily available. There are no widely documented nominations or wins tied to this run, suggesting it did not receive notable award recognition during its broadcast.

Details

Release Date
September 21, 1962
User Ratings
11 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
55
Episodes
2019
Network
ITV1, BBC Two
Status
Returning Series
Genres
Talk, Family
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
Lifted Entertainment +1 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Cast

Amol Rajan

Amol Rajan

Self - Presenter

R

Roger Tilling

Self - Narrator

Director: Bridget Caldwell

Seasons (55 seasons, 2019 episodes)

S1

1962–1963

61 episodes - 1962

S2

1963–1965

62 episodes - 1963

S3

1965–1966

42 episodes - 1965

S4

1966–1967

40 episodes - 1966

S5

1967–1968

44 episodes - 1967

S6

1968–1969

45 episodes - 1968

S7

1969–1970

47 episodes - 1969

S8

1970–1971

40 episodes - 1970

S9

1971–1972

40 episodes - 1971

S10

1972–1973

39 episodes - 1972

S11

1973–1974

38 episodes - 1973

S12

1974–1975

35 episodes - 1974

S13

1975–1976

42 episodes - 1975

S14

1976–1977

36 episodes - 1976

S15

1977–1978

43 episodes - 1977

S16

1978–1980

41 episodes - 1978

S17

1980

37 episodes - 1980

S18

1980–1981

40 episodes - 1980

S19

1982

42 episodes - 1981

S20

1983

39 episodes - 1983

S21

1984

33 episodes - 1984

S22

1986

39 episodes - 1986

S23

1987

42 episodes - 1987

S24

1994/1995

27 episodes - 1994

S25

1995/1996

27 episodes - 1995

S26

1996/1997

27 episodes - 1996

S27

1997/1998

27 episodes - 1997

S28

1998/1999

31 episodes - 1998

S29

1999/2000

31 episodes - 1999

S30

2000/2001

31 episodes - 2000

S31

2001/2002

31 episodes - 2001

S32

2002/2003

31 episodes - 2002

S33

2003/2004

31 episodes - 2003

S34

2004/2005

31 episodes - 2004

S35

2005/2006

31 episodes - 2005

S36

2006/2007

31 episodes - 2006

S37

2007/2008

31 episodes - 2007

S38

2008/2009

31 episodes - 2008

S39

2009/2010

37 episodes - 2009

S40

2010/2011

37 episodes - 2010

S41

2011/2012

37 episodes - 2011

S42

2012/2013

37 episodes - 2012

S43

2013/2014

37 episodes - 2013

S44

2014/2015

37 episodes - 2014

S45

2015/16

37 episodes - 2015

S46

2016/17

37 episodes - 2016

S47

2017/18

37 episodes - 2017

S48

2018/19

37 episodes - 2018

S49

2019/20

37 episodes - 2019

S50

2020/21

37 episodes - 2020

S51

2021/22

37 episodes - 2021

S52

2022/23

37 episodes - 2022

S53

2023/24

37 episodes - 2023

S54

2024/25

37 episodes - 2024

2025/26

2025/26

28 episodes - 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

University Challenge is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

University Challenge has 55 seasons with a total of 2019 episodes.

With a rating of 6.0/10 from 11 viewers, University Challenge is considered decent by viewers and may be worth checking out.

University Challenge in 1962 follows teams of students from British universities as they test their knowledge across a wide range of subjects. The format centers on quick recall and calm reasoning under the bright glare of a studio audience, with penalties and buzzer cues adding tension as correc...

University Challenge stars Amol Rajan and Roger Tilling.

University Challenge was released on September 21, 1962.

University Challenge is a Talk and Family series.

Amol Rajan serves as the presenter guiding the competition. Roger Tilling provides the narration.

It's an academic quiz show where teams of students from UK universities answer questions on a wide range of subjects. The format emphasizes quick recall and team collaboration.

The series has 55 seasons and 2019 episodes, reflecting its long-running history. It is currently a returning series, continuing to air.

University Challenge first aired in 1962. Yes, it remains on the air as a returning series.