15 Best British TV Shows Of The Decade

Everybody loves a game show. Whether you’re watching to play along at home, out of an affinity for the host, or to remind yourself just how thick some members of the public are, there’s something in it for everyone. With questions coming thick and fast, the ever-fascinating team dynamics, and the expert stewardship of Bradley Walsh, national treasure, The Chase has perfected the tea time quiz.

We all know the premise: a team of four takes it in turns to answer multiple choice questions in order to add cash to the prize pot. Hot on their heels are the titular chasers, expert quizzers who are tasked with sending the contestants home penniless. It’s an elegant concept that allows for maximum tension.

The Final Chase is a nail biting affair, as the in-house boffins rattle off trivia against the clock, while one to four average Joes hope that their knowledge of Renaissance art or European football lets them down (it usually doesn’t). Holding it all together is Bradley Walsh, the avuncular host, who shepherds contestants through the nerve wracking process.

Walsh has charisma in spades and seems to genuinely enjoy both his role as the wise cracking anchorman and the competition itself. He’ll often have a pop at the questions once the players have had their turn, and enjoys swapping trivia with the chasers at the top of the table.

The chasers themselves are the star attraction, and they play the role of aggressively nerdy gladiators to perfection. They act affronted when a lucky player bests them through guesswork, but are sure to offer their grudging respect when they recognise real talent. The Chase has refined the quiz show and has quickly become an established British classic. Pity those who try to knock it off its perch.