The World's Greatest TV Show Is On Tonight And Here's Why You Should Be Watching It
I'm sure everyone who grew up during the 1960s can remember exactly where they were when, in 1969, man first set foot on the moon. Well - thanks to the thawing of frigid international relations after the collapse of the Soviet Union - the space race is a thing of the past and current generations have had to set the standard for their defining cultural moments much lower. For me, the stand-out cultural touchstone of my pubescence - which took place with all the grace and dignity of a startled deer in a roller-derby, between the years 2006 and 2010 - was The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2006.
I remember the unbridled joy at seeing for the first time the profound talents of Russell Brand and Noel Fielding, the self-titled 'Goth Detectives' running amok on the show. I was smitten with both them and the show itself from that moment on.
The premise of the show is very simple; taking a wry look at the year's news. However the wealth of comic talent they secure each year make it some of the best 2 hours of television on offer over Christmas.
This year's teams will be comprised of regulars Richard Ayoade, David Mitchell, Noel Fielding as well as Roisin Conaty, Katherine Ryan and Big Narstie with the whole affair being overseen as ever by the sentient ventriloquist-dummy, Jimmy Carr.
If you are still weighing up whether you should spend your evening watching this fun festive bonanza or spend it totting up the total worth of all your presents to compare how materially loved you are by your nearest and dearest in relation to previous years, then hopefully these clips will help you decide one way or the other.
1) Mr. Blobby is an abomination.
Mr. Blobby - the answer to the question "What would happen if Shrek got a jelly bean pregnant?".
2) Mel B receiving some off the cuff sex ed.
I haven't been in touch with the Guinness World Records people, but I can imagine this is probably the most the word 'clunge' has ever been said in one minute of broadcasted television - certainly by a former Spice Girl. However, I'm happy to be corrected on this if wrong.
3) Jimmy Carr dethroned by internet sensation.
The man who proudly holds the title of 'Greatest live TV mix-up in history' prolongs his 15 minutes by taking over hosting duties from Jimmy Carr.
4) The Goth Detectives.
Back from when Russell Brand based his entire image on the idea of what a haunted tree might look like as a man.
The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2017 airs tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm.