 Repeats Scheduled:
Sat 4th (9:00pm, Virgin 1)
Sat 4th (9:30pm, Virgin 1)
Shooting Stars
Possibly the world's barmiest, weirdest, surreal and off-the-wall panel show. Presented by Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer
Broadcast:
1993 - 2010 (BBC Two)
Episodes:
66 (pilot + 7 series)
Starring:
Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Ulrika Jonsson, Mark Lamarr, Will Self, Johnny Vegas, Matt Lucas, Rhys Thomas, Jack Dee, Renton Skinner
Writers:
Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer
Production:
Channel X
& Pett Productions
Shooting Stars is probably the oddest quiz show in the history of British television. Nonsensical questions, bizarre games, strange catchphrases and a large amount of thigh-rubbing are the norm... which is perhaps not surprising considering that the hosts are surreal double act Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.
Each episode is fought out between two sides: Team A and Team B. For the first three series, Team A was captained by Mark Lamarr, who later left and was replaced by Will Self. Team B was always captained by Ulrika Jonsson (aka "Ulrika-ka-ka-ka!") who, in later series, had a permanent panellist in the form of Johnny Vegas. Until 2010, the man with scores was George Dawes (Matt Lucas) - a really big baby who plays the drums and sings.
The comedy was resurrected in 2008 for a Christmas special. This proved successful, and thus a 6th series was created for 2009 with Jack Dee replacing Will Self. Those who prefer the older episodes will be pleased to see the Dove from Above is back. A new regular has also been added - award winning burger van owner Angelos Epithemiou (Dan Skinner). Angelos takes over the scores for the new series.
Our Review: Shooting Stars is one of the great BBC panel games. With seven series under its belt, it is by far and away Vic and Bob's most successful television series.
Although many reviews of the 2008 special claimed that Shooting Stars was best left to rest, the show returned in late-Summer 2009 for a sixth series - and was, as expected, met with a mixed reaction.
The amount of surreal humour that flows from this comedy is enormous. Some critics might say it is too much, but if you enjoy programmes that lurk in the more bizarre realms of the surreal then this is the show for you.
One notable achievement of this show is that it allowed Matt Lucas to develop his character comedy skills - early incarnations of Little Britain characters Marjorie Dawes and Andy Pipkin both have appeared on Shooting Stars.
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