Qi

Watch Qi

  • TV-PG
  • 2014
  • 20 Seasons
  • 8.6  (32,633)

In 2003, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) premiered the comedy panel show Qi, starring Alan Davies. The show is a unique blend of comedy, trivia, and general knowledge, making it an instant hit among British audiences. Qi is a game show where guests are challenged on their knowledge of science, history, geography, and everything in between. The contestants of the show are comedians, actors, writers, and other celebrities who are put to the test with increasingly bizarre and obscure questions. Alan Davies serves as a permanent panelist on Qi, and he is joined by another trio of guests each show. The contestants are challenged to answer questions that are often misleading or confusing, as opposed to just being difficult. This adds to the hilarity of the show, as the guests often come up with absurd responses to the questions that are posed to them. The show's name, Qi, comes from the Chinese word for "life force" or "energy." However, the show's acronym stands for "Quite Interesting," which accurately sums up what the show is about. Qi is unlike other quiz shows in that it focuses on discovering the quirkier side of things, rather than just reciting dry facts. Trivia topics on the show have included everything from the history of the plastic bag to what colors animals can see. One of the most appealing things about Qi is its clever humor. The show's host, Stephen Fry, often adds his own brand of witty humor, making fun of both the contestants and himself. Fry's humor serves to make the show lighthearted and entertaining, even when the questions can be quite challenging. Qi has also become famous for its buzzer system. Rather than using traditional buzzers to answer questions, contestants must instead shout out a funny and obscure word related to the question they're attempting to answer. This makes the show all the more entertaining, as guests often come up with amusing responses. In addition to its humorous approach to trivia games, Qi is also known for its creative set design. The show's set is built to resemble a library or bookstore, filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves of books. This design is intended to reinforce the show's focus on knowledge and learning. Qi is much more than just a game show, it has become a cultural phenomenon in the years since its premiere. The show has a devoted following, and its unique approach to trivia and humor have made it an enduring staple of British television culture. Conclusion Qi is a beloved BBC panel show that's been on the air for nearly two decades. Thanks to the wildly humorous and intelligent series premise, it has spawned several regional adaptations worldwide, including in Denmark, Germany, and Russia. The show's humor, combined with its quirky and original approach to trivia, has earned it legions of fans and made it one of the most popular shows on British television. Overall, Qi is a show that blends humor and trivia in a way that is both entertaining and educational, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves learning with a twist.

Qi
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Seasons
Sexed-Up
14. Sexed-Up
February 11, 2022
Sandi Toksvig is joined by Ahir Shah, Sara Pascoe, Suzi Ruffell and Alan Davies.
Tubular
13. Tubular
February 13, 2023
Sandi takes a look at tubes and tubas in a totally tubular show with Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe, Deborah Frances White and Alan Davies.
Saints & Sinners
12. Saints & Sinners
January 28, 2022
Join Sandi Toksvig and pannelists Stephen K Amos, Ivo Graham, Holly Walsh and Alan Davies for silly season at QI.
Silly Season
11. Silly Season
January 21, 2022
Sandi Toksvig, Alan Davies, Bridget Christie, Mark Watson and Johnny Vegas look at saints and sinners.
Telling Tails
10. Telling Tails
January 23, 2023
Sandi Toksvig tells you about tails (and tales) with Rob Beckett, Daliso Chaponda, Sarah Millican and Alan Davies.
'S' Animals
9. 'S' Animals
January 7, 2022
Join Sandi Toksvig, Alan Davies, Cally Beaton, Jamali Maddix and Josh Widdicombe for a look at animals which begin with the letter S.
Seasons Greetings
8. Seasons Greetings
December 20, 2021
This splendidly stimulating comedy panel quiz show hosted by Sandi Toksvig returns for a seasonal special, with subjects starting with the letter 'S'. Panelists include Bonnie Langford, Joe Lycett, Sally Phillips, and Alan Davies.
Spooky
7. Spooky
October 21, 2021
Sandi Toksvig hosts a specially spooky episode of QI with David Mitchell, Richard Osman, Zoe Lyons and Alan Davies.
Sensational
6. Sensational
October 14, 2021
Let Sandi Toksvig bring you to your senses with Aisling Bea, Roisin Conaty, Jessica Fostekew and Alan Davies.
Sugar & Spice
5. Sugar & Spice
October 7, 2021
Sandi Toksvig looks at sugar and spice and all things nice with Alice Levine, Jason Manford, Rose Matafeo and Alan Davies.
Sideshows, Stunts & Scavenger Hunts
4. Sideshows, Stunts & Scavenger Hunts
September 30, 2021
Sandi Toksvig looks at sideshows, stunts and scavenger hunts with Alan Davies, Gyles Brandreth, Rosie Jones and Nish Kumar.
Shady & Shaky
3. Shady & Shaky
September 23, 2021
Sandi Toksvig looks at all things shaky and shady.
Secrets, Spies and Sleuths
2. Secrets, Spies and Sleuths
September 16, 2021
Sandi Toksvig uncovers a stash of secrets with Alan Davies, James Acaster, Daliso Chaponda and Cariad Lloyd.
Sick
1. Sick
September 9, 2021
Join Sandi Toksvig for a well sick episode of QI with Alan Davies, Maisie Adam, Jo Brand and Lee Mack.
Description

In 2003, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) premiered the comedy panel show Qi, starring Alan Davies. The show is a unique blend of comedy, trivia, and general knowledge, making it an instant hit among British audiences. Qi is a game show where guests are challenged on their knowledge of science, history, geography, and everything in between. The contestants of the show are comedians, actors, writers, and other celebrities who are put to the test with increasingly bizarre and obscure questions.

Alan Davies serves as a permanent panelist on Qi, and he is joined by another trio of guests each show. The contestants are challenged to answer questions that are often misleading or confusing, as opposed to just being difficult. This adds to the hilarity of the show, as the guests often come up with absurd responses to the questions that are posed to them.

The show's name, Qi, comes from the Chinese word for "life force" or "energy." However, the show's acronym stands for "Quite Interesting," which accurately sums up what the show is about. Qi is unlike other quiz shows in that it focuses on discovering the quirkier side of things, rather than just reciting dry facts. Trivia topics on the show have included everything from the history of the plastic bag to what colors animals can see.

One of the most appealing things about Qi is its clever humor. The show's host, Stephen Fry, often adds his own brand of witty humor, making fun of both the contestants and himself. Fry's humor serves to make the show lighthearted and entertaining, even when the questions can be quite challenging.

Qi has also become famous for its buzzer system. Rather than using traditional buzzers to answer questions, contestants must instead shout out a funny and obscure word related to the question they're attempting to answer. This makes the show all the more entertaining, as guests often come up with amusing responses.

In addition to its humorous approach to trivia games, Qi is also known for its creative set design. The show's set is built to resemble a library or bookstore, filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves of books. This design is intended to reinforce the show's focus on knowledge and learning.

Qi is much more than just a game show, it has become a cultural phenomenon in the years since its premiere. The show has a devoted following, and its unique approach to trivia and humor have made it an enduring staple of British television culture.

Conclusion

Qi is a beloved BBC panel show that's been on the air for nearly two decades. Thanks to the wildly humorous and intelligent series premise, it has spawned several regional adaptations worldwide, including in Denmark, Germany, and Russia. The show's humor, combined with its quirky and original approach to trivia, has earned it legions of fans and made it one of the most popular shows on British television. Overall, Qi is a show that blends humor and trivia in a way that is both entertaining and educational, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves learning with a twist.

Qi is a series that is currently running and has 20 seasons (269 episodes). The series first aired on March 3, 2014.

Where to Watch Qi

Qi is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Qi on demand at and Tubi TV.

  • Premiere Date
    March 3, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (32,633)