Jim Bowen: Look At What You Could Have Won

“In my day we just stole other people’s jokes.”

This line neatly summates Jim Bowen's entire show. Fundamentally, this is a nostalgia trip for fans of the television show Bullseye. A great majority of the comedy is based around asking the audience such questions as “Do you remember Les Dawson?” or “Do you Remember Tommy Cooper?” At that point, Jim Bowen will proceed to plunder the respective comedian’s repertoires.

In its prime, Bullseye was viewed by around 15 million viewers every Sunday night. However, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway produces a similar figure. Read into this what you will.

The few jokes that are not stolen die instantly, a feature of the show that Bowen constantly reminds the audience of: “This one's going to die.” To exacerbate the situation further, seemingly through a lucid realisation that he isn’t funny, half of the show relies on interviewing his 'celebrity guests'. This involves giving 15 minutes to a stand-up comedian who redefines the term ‘awkward silence’ and another 15 minutes to a group of jobbing actors desperately trying to plug their ghetto musical take on The Wizard of Oz. That’s entertainment.

In a comedy show where the word ‘remember’ is the most ubiquitous word, only the most die-hard fans are going to gain any enjoyment. Otherwise, avoid at all costs.