Published by Mason Oldridge, 24 January 2025
We are well into January now and both BBC One and ITV1’s Saturday night lineups are in full swing. It is one of the most competitive programming slots as the rival networks go head-to-head to win over the millions avoiding the icy conditions outside in turn for a cosy night in by the fire. However, this is indeed a year-round fight and so let’s take a look at some of each channels’ best Saturday night shows to determine who has the stronger content. Note that we are excluding the big talent shows of Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice as they all win on their own merit.
The Masked Singer
Who’s that behind the mask?! Comedian Joel Dommett (interesting choice but it appears to have worked) presents this madcap singing competition in which celebrities perform against each other in giant costumes to disguise their identity in front of the judging panel of Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Maya Jama and Jonathan Ross and an excitable studio audience. Each week a celebrity leaves the contest and is unmasked, slowly as everyone chants “take it off!” The concept may sound cheesy and there is a notable history of talented professional vocalists leaving in the earlier stages, but it is strangely addictive to find out who has remained anonymous for so long in a show with tight security to keep such information disclosed.
Gladiators
Contender ready?! Gladiator ready?! Plucky contestants take on a whole new batch of the infamous superhumans in a series of gruelling physical challenges at Sheffield Arena in this reboot of the 90s classic. The brave competitors are not just up against the gladiators hunting them down but a fellow contestant too as each show sees two males battle it out and two females go head-to-head in the final race (featuring the dreaded Travelator) in a bid to move on to the next round. This third incarnation of the show is hosted by established presenter Bradley Walsh and his rising star son Barney. The father-and-son duo garnered success together on their travelogue series Breaking Dad, though it seems that format suited them better than as a presenting duo as their cringeworthy delivery makes for awkward viewing, but ultimately doesn’t hinder this timeless concept.
Michael McIntyre’s Big Show
One of Britain’s most successful and funniest comedians Michael McIntyre takes time out of his touring schedule to present this variety show featuring a mix of comedy, music, games and pranks. As Michael promises, there’s “big stars, big laughs and even bigger surprises!” Spanning from a one-off Christmas special, regular features include Unexpected Star which allows a member of the public who dreams of performing set up by their family and friends to have their moment in the spotlight as they close out the show, its celebrity variant Unexpected Star Star which sees a famous singer tricked into performing one of their hits, Send to All in which a celebrity guest hands over their phone to Michael who sends an embarrassing text to all of their contacts, the Midnight Gameshow where Michael and a camera crew sneak into a celebrity’s bedroom in the middle of the night to play a round of ridiculous games with the unexpecting and slightly dazed guest and Remember Me which sees a celebrity guest try to recall how they once knew the person stood in front of them on stage. Highlights from these include Ricky Wilson’s soft play prank as the Unexpected Star Star and Bradley Walsh meeting Fanny Chmelar from the viral question on The Chase during his Midnight Gameshow. Hosted from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, even the audience members aren’t safe from featuring in Michael’s cheeky antics. We are also treated to musical performances at times and, if really lucky, a brand new comedy routine from Michael!
Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
Having been at the helm of Saturday nights for over 20 years, TV presenting royalty Ant & Dec retired their light entertainment variety show Saturday Night Takeaway last year, citing the excessive preparation required during production. Introduced by a different Star Guest Announcer each week and often beginning with audience surprises, features include holiday giveaway section the Happiest Minute of the Week, Little Ant & Dec in which a child version of the duo interview celebrities, Ant vs Dec which sees the cheeky chaps go head-to-head, Undercover and Get Out of Me Ear which sees a celebrity either pranked or told what to say and do via an earpiece, Win the Ads in which an audience member takes part in a quiz of questions about the past week in a chance to win the contents of advertisements and finally the End of the Show Show as a performer takes to the stage, along with Ant & Dec’s involvement. The format is definitely a winning one but excels more than anything due to the lovable Geordie duo. One of the segments spawned a spin-off series In For a Penny in which Stephen Mulhern travels the country playing ridiculous games on the streets as unsuspecting members of the public aim to win a grand.
The 1% Club
This incredibly unique game show hosted by funnyman Lee Mack sees 100 contestants answer increasingly difficult questions ranging from what 90% of the public got right all the way down to the 1% question, gradually whittling down the players. However, the questions are not general knowledge but based on logic, acting as a test of how your brain really works. The format is genius and it is impossible to not play along. Along with Mack’s funny interactions with the contestants, often based around what they would spend the money on, The 1% Club is a winning formula and proving popular with viewers at home too.
In conclusion, both channels have strengths in their respective lineups, but ultimately it is down to the individual and their personal preferences as to which number is starting to rub off the remote control.