The Championship Rounds
An analytical deep dive into the British sports comedy panel game 'They Think It's All Over', exploring its format, evolution, and cultural resonance.
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Overview
A Sporting Comedy Panel Game
They Think It's All Over was a prominent British comedy panel game show with a distinct sporting theme. Produced by Talkback, it aired on BBC One from 1995 to 2006. The program's title was famously derived from commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme's iconic line during the 1966 FIFA World Cup final, "they think it's all over... it is now!", a phrase that also served as the show's sign-off.
Broadcast History
The series spanned 19 seasons and comprised 154 episodes, maintaining a consistent running time of approximately 30 minutes per episode. Its initial broadcast run commenced on 14 September 1995 and concluded on 9 June 2006, establishing a significant presence in British television programming during that era.
Conception and Development
The concept was developed by Bill Matthews and Simon Bullivant. The show's genesis involved a transition from radio; it was initially broadcast on BBC Radio 5 from 1992 to 1994, hosted by Des Lynam. The television adaptation, conceptualized in 1993, eventually premiered on BBC One after a pilot recorded by Lynam in early 1994.
Key Presenters
Television Hosts
The primary television host for the majority of the show's run was the comedian Nick Hancock, who helmed the program from 1995 until 2004. Lee Mack subsequently took over hosting duties for the final two years of the series, from 2005 to 2006.
Radio Origins
Prior to its television debut, the program originated as a radio show on BBC Radio 5. During this period, the esteemed sports broadcaster Des Lynam served as the host, laying the groundwork for the show's format and comedic style.
Team Captains
Founding Captains
The initial team captains, who established the show's dynamic from 1995 to 2003, were prominent figures from the world of sports: Gary Lineker, former England football captain, and David Gower, former England cricket captain. Their departure in 2003 marked a significant shift in the program's lineup.
Subsequent Captains
Following the retirement of Lineker and Gower, new captains were introduced. David Seaman, the celebrated England football goalkeeper, and Phil Tufnell, a well-known former England cricketer, took over the roles. Ian Wright, another notable former footballer, later succeeded David Seaman in autumn 2004. Boris Becker, the tennis legend, joined as a captain in October 2005, alongside Lee Mack who also began hosting that year.
Guest Captains
The show frequently utilized guest captains to fill in for regular captains or add variety. Notable figures who appeared in this capacity included six-time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis, Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent, footballer Mark Lawrenson, and athletes Steve Backley and Linford Christie, among others.
Regular Panellists
Consistent Comedic Support
Rory McGrath served as a consistent panellist for Gary Lineker's team throughout the entire run of the show, providing a stable comedic presence. Lee Hurst was initially partnered with David Gower, but departed in 1997. He made a subsequent appearance in 2004 on David Seaman's team.
Evolving Lineups
Following Lee Hurst's departure, the role of regular panellist alongside David Gower was filled by various comedians, including Jonathan Ross, Jo Brand, Alan Davies, Julian Clary, and Phill Jupitus. Jonathan Ross eventually became the permanent panellist until 2006, when he was succeeded by Sean Lock for special editions.
Origins and Evolution
Radio Beginnings
The foundational concept for They Think It's All Over originated in the radio sphere. Broadcast on BBC Radio 5 between 1992 and 1994, the program was hosted by Des Lynam. This early iteration established the show's core premise and comedic approach.
Transition to Television
The devisers, Simon Bullivant and Bill Matthews, began conceptualizing a television version in 1993. Despite an initial pilot featuring Des Lynam in 1994, the series was commissioned and ultimately premiered on BBC One in September 1995, hosted by Nick Hancock.
Special Editions
Comic Relief Crossovers
In 1999 and 2001, the BBC incorporated elements of They Think It's All Over into its Comic Relief broadcasts. These special episodes, titled Have I Got Buzzcocks All Over, blended the format with other popular panel shows like Have I Got News for You and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, featuring Angus Deayton as host.
Sport Relief Collaborations
Further special editions were produced for the BBC's Sport Relief initiative in 2002 and 2004. These programs, named They Think It's All A Question of Sport, merged the show's format with the long-running sports quiz A Question of Sport, with Stephen Fry serving as the host.
Notable Controversies
The Fatima Whitbread Libel Case
During a broadcast on 13 May 1999, two panellists made suggestions regarding javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread's testosterone levels. This led to a libel suit, resulting in Whitbread receiving a public apology and an undisclosed settlement payment in November 1999. This incident highlights the potential legal ramifications of on-air commentary.
Luke Chadwick's Mental Health Impact
In May 2020, former footballer Luke Chadwick publicly discussed the detrimental impact of repeated mockery regarding his appearance on the show. He detailed how comments about his complexion and teeth contributed to anxiety and wore him down. Both host Nick Hancock and Gary Lineker subsequently issued apologies, which Chadwick accepted. This situation underscores the importance of considering the psychological effects of media commentary.
Home Media Releases
VHS Releases
Several compilations of They Think It's All Over were released on VHS, featuring curated episodes and segments. These included:
DVD and Interactive Releases
The show's availability extended to DVD and interactive formats:
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References
References
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