Comedian Harry Hill has launched a stinging critique of modern television commissioners, stating that his iconic show, TV Burp, would have been swiftly cancelled if it were launched in today's climate.
A Golden Era of Unsupervised Comedy
The 61-year-old entertainer, famous for programmes like You've Been Framed and the Bafta-winning TV Burp, reflected on the show's origins during an appearance on the Beyond the Title podcast. He described the series, which aired on ITV from 2001 to 2012, as "cheap to make" and benefitting from a lack of scrutiny.
"It took us two or three series to get TV Burp right," Hill explained. "No one was keeping an eye on us, so somehow we managed to get away with that. We could easily have been cancelled after the first series and we would be now."
Modern Commissioners 'Don't Develop Anything New or Risky'
Hill turned his attention directly to the current landscape at major broadcasters. "It's not just ITV, BBC One is the same," he stated. "The danger is everything becomes a bit bland."
He pointed to contemporary Saturday night schedules as evidence, noting a repetitive focus on celebrity quiz shows. "There's some really funny ones, but you think, 'Really?'"
Attributing the trend to commercial pressures, Hill argued, "It's commercial TV, they've got to make money or they feel like they have to, so they don't develop anything new or risky." He emphasised that comedy, in particular, needs time to evolve, stating: "Comedy is never right the first time. History is littered with it. You identify a spark in it and think, 'We will get it right.'"
Legacy of a Hit and No Plans for a Return
During its celebrated 11-year run, TV Burp became a fixture of British television. The format saw Hill curate unintentionally funny moments from the week's broadcasts, add his own unique comic commentary, and stage sketches inspired by popular shows. The programme's trophy cabinet includes multiple Bafta TV Awards and British Comedy Awards, alongside National Television Award nominations.
Despite its success and a persistent fan appetite for its return, Hill has firmly closed the door on reviving the show himself. Earlier this year, he told Radio Times, "These things are best left undone. We did all the jokes."
However, he expressed surprise that the format has not been adopted by another presenter. "Trying to re-create that, I'd be on a hiding to nothing, but I'd love someone else to do it. There's a space for that sort of show and I'm surprised no one's filled it."
