I know I’m well behind the times with this, but I’ve finally decided to review Ten O’Clock Live, Channel Four’s answer to news night. I watched the first episode, which was rough, but had potential, and decided to wait until the team had gotten into the swing of things before I passed judgment.
The Ten O’Clock Live team consists of Channel Four ever present Jimmy Carr, TV critic turned television personality in his own right Charlie Brooker, Peep show co-star and regular panel show guest David Mitchell and radio six music’s Lauren Laverne.
The team tackles the big news stories of the week through a combination of interviews, skits, prerecorded segments and Brooker’s Screenwipe-esque rants.
This week’s episode dealt with the News of the World phone hacking scandal, French Burka bans and the Grand National.
Alongside this, there was a high profile interview with Tessa Jowell, as well as a spirited debate over the banking crisis.
All in all the show has a lot of potential, although not quite the Daily Show (as many thought it could be), Ten O’Clock Live is still a spirited, humorous look at the news, a light hearted alternative to the likes of Question Time and News Night.
Still very early on in it’s life span, Ten O’Clock Live has a couple of minor kinks to work out. Mitchell had a couple of issues keeping control over this week’s debate, and Carr’s costumed performances leave something to be desired.
However, this does not stunt a very competent performance, and a great attempt at bringing the important news stories to a new audience. This is a show that could have a very good life span, and it is a pleasure to watch such an original show featuring some of the best in British broadcasting.
And there’s never anything wrong with having Lauren Laverne on TV…
