TV Show and Tell

Today, we have two guests. Nicholas Sercombe is a veteran producer who's worked with talents as varied as Bob Monkhouse and Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer. And Raj Bisram is a familiar face on UK screens as an antiques expert on shows such as 'Bargain Hunt' and 'Antiques Roadshow'. Together, they've joined forces with the German comedian Henning Wehn to pitch their new format, 'Curiosity'. Justin and David discuss whether it's wise to attach talent to format proposals, and consider how interactivity works - or possibly doesn't - alongside TV shows.

Ben Justice has been involved with shows such as 'All Together Now', 'Richard Osman's House of Games' and 'Bridge of Lies'. In an innovative move, he's recently uploaded 'The Loop' on YouTube as a shop window for his own format. Justin and David discuss the state of the nation between YouTube and TV, look at how the niche streaming service Dropout.tv is "changing the game", and there's a postscript about TV industry awards.

MIPCOM, the major European TV market, held its 2025 edition. "Format Doctor" Justin Scroggie notes the event is shorter and quieter, but still showcases strong sales for shows such as 'The Floor'. Major themes include “Format Plus” (adding unique twists), the use of existing IP, the rise of creator-led YouTube formats, and micro-dramas for mobile audiences. Standout shows across genres range from survival reality ('Code Red: The Lighthouse'), inventive quizzes ('Inside the Grid'), and experimental factual series ('Crime Night', 'Atypical Critics').

Justin and David give their thoughts on shows from the past, present and future, namely: the BBC's version of 'Destination X', 'Shark: Celebrity Infested Waters' on ITV, NBC's 'On Brand' (airing currently) and the upcoming prank show 'Celebrity Sabotage' on ITV.

Sian Gwilliam is the founder of Bloody Norah TV, and a highly experienced Consultant and Production Executive across many genres, including comedy, quizzes, documentaries and sport. In terms of unscripted entertainment, she's worked on MasterChef, Mental Samurai, Next Level Chef and Ellen's Game of Games. Justin and David discuss E4's dating format 'The Honesty Box', the many flavours of court TV, and Netflix's 'Building the Band'.

Our special guest is Abigail Dankwa, director of a wide range of entertainment and factual shows including 'Big Brother', 'Grayson's Art Club', '24 Hours in A&E', 'Have I Got New For You' and the rebooted version of 'The Big Breakfast'. She also series directed the BAFTA-winning show 'Life and Rhymes'. Justin reports back from the Create London Festival, and David wonders if the TV industry has a time-lag problem.

Joe Mace presented various youth and music programmes, before hopping over the fence to the development side. He's now Commissioning Editor for Entertainment at ITV, looking after a wide portfolio of entertainment shows, from 'Deal or No Deal' to the upcoming 'Genius Game'. Justin and David have a bumper batch of news, and review two recent shows: 'Chess Masters' and 'Last One Laughing'.

We chat with Will van Rest, the founder of JEM Media Ventures, about how TV brands can be extended to events and products that audiences want to purchase. After stints at Fremantle and Sky, Will worked at ITV for 17 years, ending up as the Director for Games, Live and Merchandising. Justin and David also discuss how ratings sit alongside 'bang for buck', and we cast an eye over the eye-popping 'Beast Games'. Plus a deep dive into the latest formats on the TV market.

Having worked her way up at the BBC, Michelle Woods is now one of the most experienced Executive Producers in the UK, with long stints at Remarkable and Youngest Media. Recently, she oversaw two new game shows series for Mattel, based on the board game properties 'Scrabble' and 'Trivial Pursuit'. David gives his take on the recent ITV reboot of 'You Bet!', and Justin tests our knowledge of the most iconic catchphrases in television. Plus all the usual features and opinions.