Comedian Harry Hill has launched a stinging critique of major UK broadcasters, claiming his iconic show, Harry Hill's TV Burp, would be swiftly cancelled if it were produced in today's television climate.
Broadcasters 'No Longer Develop Anything New or Risky'
In a candid assessment, Hill singled out both the BBC and ITV, arguing they have lost their appetite for innovation. He stated that the channels no longer "develop anything new or risky", with a corporate focus on guaranteed commercial success leading to what he describes as "bland" programming.
He pointed specifically to Saturday night schedules, which he feels are now saturated with similar formats. "There's an abundance of celebrity quiz shows," Hill suggested, implying a lack of variety and creative daring from the main networks.
Why TV Burp Succeeded and Why It Wouldn't Now
Hill's show, which affectionately mocked television clips, was a surprise hit, running for 11 successful years and winning multiple awards. However, Hill revealed its path to success wasn't instant. "TV Burp took two or three series to get right," he explained.
He believes its survival and eventual triumph were only possible because "no one was keeping an eye on us", allowing the show time to find its feet and its audience. In the current ratings-obsessed environment, Hill is convinced the programme would have been "cancelled after one series" if it launched now, denying it the crucial gestation period it needed.
No Revival for Hill, But Hope for a Successor
Despite the show's enduring popularity and frequent calls for its return, Harry Hill has firmly ruled out fronting a revival himself. He would not return to host a new version of TV Burp.
However, he expressed a desire to see the format's spirit live on, stating he "would like to see someone else take on a similar show." This leaves the door open for a new presenter to helm a clip-based comedy show, though Hill's comments suggest they would face a much more challenging and impatient broadcasting landscape than he did.
The comedian's remarks, made on Friday 19 December 2025, offer a pointed commentary on the state of mainstream British television, where commercial pressure is seen to stifle the very creativity that leads to long-term, beloved hits.
