Series synopsis
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is a British comedy reality talk television series that premiered on Channel 4 on April 12, 2013. It stars Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson, Sean Lock and Rachel Riley.
Jimmy Carr hosts proceedings as the 8 Out of 10 Cats crew take over the words and numbers quiz.
Premise
Jimmy Carr hosts proceedings as the 8 Out of 10 Cats crew take over the words and numbers quiz.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Jimmy Carr as Self - Presenter
- Jon Richardson as Self - Team Captain
- Sean Lock as Self - Team Captain
- Rachel Riley as Self
- Susie Dent as Self
- Robert Deaton as Fabio
Guest cast
- Joe Wilkinson as Self
- Dane Baptiste as Self
- Cariad Lloyd as Self - Contestant
- Elis James as Self - Dictionary Corner
- Jon Robins as Self - Dictionary Corner
- Kathy Burke as Self - Contestant
- Fay Ripley as Self - Contestant
- Jessie Cave as Self
- Jack Whitehall as Self
- Noel Fielding as Self - Guest Captain
- Russell Howard as Self
- Philip Wang as Self
Episodes
This series spans 20 seasons with 139 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 25 | January 2, 2012 | December 24, 2025 |
| Season 1 | 2 | April 12, 2013 | April 19, 2013 |
| Season 2 | 5 | July 26, 2013 | September 20, 2013 |
| Season 3 | 6 | January 3, 2014 | February 28, 2014 |
| Season 4 | 7 | June 6, 2014 | July 18, 2014 |
| Season 5 | 3 | September 5, 2014 | September 19, 2014 |
| Season 6 | 6 | January 9, 2015 | February 13, 2015 |
| Season 7 | 17 | May 3, 2015 | September 4, 2015 |
| Season 8 | 4 | January 15, 2016 | February 5, 2016 |
| Season 9 | 5 | February 25, 2016 | March 31, 2016 |
| Season 10 | 5 | August 5, 2016 | September 2, 2016 |
| Season 11 | 7 | September 24, 2016 | November 5, 2016 |
| Season 12 | 8 | January 13, 2017 | May 1, 2017 |
| Season 13 | 3 | June 22, 2017 | July 6, 2017 |
| Season 14 | 5 | August 18, 2017 | September 22, 2017 |
| Season 15 | 4 | January 19, 2018 | February 9, 2018 |
| Season 16 | 8 | July 13, 2018 | August 31, 2018 |
| Season 17 | 6 | January 11, 2019 | February 15, 2019 |
| Season 18 | 7 | July 26, 2019 | September 6, 2019 |
| Season 19 | 6 | January 9, 2020 | February 13, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Mash-up The Original Episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown which was aired during Channel 4's Mash-Up Week |
January 2, 2012 |
| 2 |
The Rematch Jimmy Carr, Sean Lock and Jon Richardson take on the famous words and numbers quiz. Jimmy Carr hosts proceedings, and Sean Lock faces Jon Richardson in a rematch of the original encounter. David O'Doherty is in Dictionary Corner along with Countdown regular Susie Dent. Meanwhile the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
August 24, 2012 |
| 3 |
1980's Special: Lee Mack, David O'Doherty, Henning Wehn, Vic Reeves Jon Richardson and special guest captain Lee Mack are joined by celebrity guests Henning Wehn and David O'Doherty. Countdown regular Susie Dent is joined by Vic Reeves in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little 'help' from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
September 20, 2013 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Lee Mack, Rob Beckett, Rhod Gilbert, Tim Key Jimmy Carr hosts as Jon Richardson and Rhod Gilbert take on Lee Mack and Rob Beckett. Tim Key is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, and Rachel Riley is assisted by Joe Wilkinson. |
April 12, 2013 |
| 2 |
Lee Mack, Richard Osman, Stephen Mangan, Henning Wehn Jimmy Carr hosts the famous words and numbers quiz as 8 Out of 10 Cats team captain Jon Richardson alongside actor Stephen Mangan take on Lee Mack and 'Pointless' boffin Richard Osman. Henning Wehn is in the Dictionary Corner along with Countdown regular Susie Dent. Meanwhile, Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
April 19, 2013 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jason Manford, Rhod Gilbert, Danny Dyer Jimmy Carr hosts while 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by celebrity guests. In this show Jason Manford joins Sean, while Rhod Gilbert teams up with Jon. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in the Dictionary Corner with Danny Dyer, while the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
July 26, 2013 |
| 2 |
Rhod Gilbert, Miles Jupp, Nick Helm Jimmy Carr hosts new editions of the famous words and numbers quiz, as 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by celebrity guests Miles Jupp and Rhod Gilbert. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in Dictionary Corner with Nick Helm, while the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
August 2, 2013 |
| 3 |
Humphrey Ker, Sarah Millican, Rich Hall Jimmy Carr hosts the famous words and numbers quiz, as 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by celebrity guests Sarah Millican and Humphrey Ker. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in Dictionary Corner with Rich Hall, while the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
August 9, 2013 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rhod Gilbert, Kevin Bridges, Josie Long Jimmy Carr hosts the famous words and numbers quiz with regular 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson who play against each other. Celebrity guests joining the teams are Rhod Gilbert, Kevin Bridges and Josie Long, alongside Joe Wilkinson, Countdown's resident lexicographer Susie Dent and the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley. |
January 3, 2014 |
| 2 |
Miles Jupp, Aisling Bea, Nick Helm Jimmy Carr plays host along with regular 8 Out of 10 Cats team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson who are joined by Miles Jupp and Aisling Bea. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in Dictionary Corner with help from Nick Helm while the country's favourite boffin Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with help from comedian Joe Wilkinson. |
January 10, 2014 |
| 3 |
Kathy Burke, Josh Widdicombe, Dara Ó Briain Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show's version of the famous quiz, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson joined by guests Kathy Burke and Josh Widdicombe. Countdown regular Susie Dent is assisted in Dictionary Corner by Dara Ó Briain, while Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with a little help from Joe Wilkinson |
January 17, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Roisin Conaty, Jonathan Ross, David O'Doherty Jimmy Carr returns with Sean Lock and Jon Richardson, who are joined by Jonathan Ross and Roisin Conaty. David O'Doherty joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, and Joe Wilkinson 'helps' Rachel Riley. |
June 6, 2014 |
| 2 |
Andrew Flintoff, Rhod Gilbert, Henning Wehn Guests are Freddie Flintoff and Rhod Gilbert. Henning Wehn joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Joe Wilkinson 'helps' Rachel Riley provide the letters and numbers. |
June 13, 2014 |
| 3 |
Josie Long, Rob Beckett, Vic Reeves Jimmy Carr and team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by Josie Long and Rob Beckett. Vic Reeves joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Joe Wilkinson 'helps' Rachel Riley. |
June 20, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
David Mitchell, Roisin Conaty, Phill Jupitus Jimmy Carr hosts the first of three new comedy editions of the famous quiz. Team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by Peep Show star David Mitchell and stand-up comedienne Roisin Conaty. Phill Jupitus is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, while Joe Wilkinson `helps' Rachel Riley with the letters and numbers. |
September 5, 2014 |
| 2 |
David Baddiel, Trevor Noah, Joey Essex Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show's version of the famous quiz, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson joined by guests David Baddiel and Trevor Noah. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in Dictionary Corner with Joey Essex, while maths expert Rachel Riley provides the letters and numbers with help from Alex Horne and the Horne Section. |
September 12, 2014 |
| 3 |
Vic Reeves, Jo Brand, Adam Buxton Jimmy Carr hosts the comedy panel show's version of the famous quiz, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson joined by guests Vic Reeves and Jo Brand. Countdown regular Susie Dent is in Dictionary Corner with Adam Buxton, maths expert Rachel Riley looks after the letters and numbers, and there's a special appearance by Rob Beckett. |
September 19, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
David Mitchell, Katherine Ryan, David O'Doherty Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and David Mitchell take on Jon Richardson and Katherine Ryan. David O'Doherty joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Joe Wilkinson 'assists' Rachel Riley. |
January 9, 2015 |
| 2 |
Roisin Conaty, Jack Whitehall, Rob Beckett Jimmy Carr hosts as Jon Richardson and Jack Whitehall take on Sean Lock and Roisin Conaty. Rob Beckett joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Joe Wilkinson 'helps' Rachel Riley. |
January 16, 2015 |
| 3 |
Reginald D. Hunter, Aisling Bea, Holly Walsh Jimmy Carr hosts as Jon Richardson and Aisling Bea take on Sean Lock and Reginald D. Hunter. Holly Walsh is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, while Joe Wilkinson attempts to 'help' Rachel Riley. |
January 23, 2015 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bill Bailey, Paul Foot, Sarah Millican, Rob Delaney, Romesh Ranganathan, Nina Conti Jimmy Carr hosts with Sean Lock, Bill Bailey and Paul Foot who take on Sarah Millican, Rob Delaney and Romesh Ranganathan. Nina Conti joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, with Rachel Riley. |
May 3, 2015 |
| 2 |
Kevin Bridges, Kathy Burke, Joe Lycett, Nick Helm Jimmy Carr hosts with Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges who take on Jon Richardson and Kathy Burke. Joe Lycett joins Susie Dent, while Nick Helm 'assists' Rachel Riley. |
May 15, 2015 |
| 3 |
Rhod Gilbert, Sara Pascoe, Johnny Vegas, Joey Essex Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Rhod Gilbert go up against Jon Richardson and Sara Pascoe; Johnny Vegas is in Dictionary Corner while Joey Essex 'assists' Rachel Riley |
May 22, 2015 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jason Manford, Roisin Conaty, Sam Simmons Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Jason Manford take on Jon Richardson and Roisin Conaty, while Sam Simmons joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, with Rachel Riley |
January 15, 2016 |
| 2 |
Rob Beckett, Cariad Lloyd, Jamie Laing Sean Lock and Rob Beckett take on Jon Richardson and Cariad Lloyd. Jamie Laing is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, Rachel Riley deals the letters and numbers and Jimmy Carr hosts. |
January 22, 2016 |
| 3 |
Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe, Sam Simmons Jimmy Carr hosts with Sean Lock and Miles Jupp, who take on Jon Richardson and Sara Pascoe. Sam Simmons is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley. |
January 29, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Vic Reeves, Aisling Bea, David O'Doherty Jimmy Carr hosts while Sean Lock and Vic Reeves take on Jon Richardson and Aisling Bea. David O'Doherty is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley. |
February 25, 2016 |
| 2 |
Bob Mortimer, Holly Walsh, Isy Suttie, Claudia Winkleman Sean Lock and Bob Mortimer take on Jon Richardson and Holly Walsh. Isy Suttie's in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent. Claudia Winkleman stands in for Rachel Riley on letters-and-numbers duty. |
March 3, 2016 |
| 3 |
Alex Brooker, Johnny Vegas, Sara Pascoe, Tom Allen, Claudia Winkleman, Rob Beckett Jimmy Carr hosts. Jon Richardson and Alex Brooker take on Johnny Vegas and Sara Pascoe. Tom Allen's in Dictionary Corner. Claudia Winkleman and Rob Beckett stand in for Rachel Riley. |
March 10, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Henning Wehn, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Tom Allen Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Henning Wehn go up against Jon Richardson and Victoria Coren Mitchell. Tom Allen joins Dictionary Corner and there's help from Joe Wilkinson. |
August 5, 2016 |
| 2 |
Roisin Conaty, Nish Kumar, Adam Buxton Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Roisin Conaty go up against Jon Richardson and Nish Kumar. Adam Buxton joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, with Rachel Riley. |
August 12, 2016 |
| 3 |
David O'Doherty, Natasia Demetriou, John Kearns Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and David O'Doherty go up against Jon Richardson and Natasia Demetriou. John Kearns joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, with Rachel Riley. |
August 19, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
David Walliams, Jonathan Ross, Joe Lycett, Isy Suttie Guest captain David Walliams and Jonathan Ross take on Jon Richardson and Joe Lycett. Isy Suttie joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel looks after the letters and numbers. |
September 24, 2016 |
| 2 |
Lee Mack, Catherine Tate, Miles Jupp, John Cooper Clarke Guest captain Lee Mack and Catherine Tate vs Sean Lock and Miles Jupp. John Cooper Clarke joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, and Rachel Riley looks after the letters and numbers. |
October 1, 2016 |
| 3 |
David Walliams, Jessica Hynes, Rhod Gilbert, Sam Simmons Guest captain David Walliams and Jessica Hynes take on Jon Richardson and Rhod Gilbert. Sam Simmons is in Dictionary Corner, with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley. |
October 8, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Stephen Mangan, Noel Fielding, Fay Ripley, Brett Domino Trio Jimmy Carr hosts with Sean Lock and Stephen Mangan who take on Noel Fielding and Fay Ripley, the Brett Domino Trio are in Dictionary Corner |
January 13, 2017 |
| 2 |
Russell Howard, Roisin Conaty, Phil Wang, Nick Helm Jimmy Carr hosts the words and numbers quiz with Jon Richardson and Phil Wang vs guest captain Russell Howard and Roisin Conaty. Nick Helm is in Dictionary Corner. |
January 20, 2017 |
| 3 |
David O'Doherty, Johnny Vegas, Jamie Laing, Holly Walsh Jimmy Carr hosts while Jon Richardson and David O'Doherty take on guest captain Johnny Vegas and Jamie Laing. Holly Walsh is in Dictionary Corner. |
January 27, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Joe Lycett, Michelle Wolf, Adam Riches The comic mash-up, hosted by Jimmy Carr. Jon Richardson and Joe Lycett take on Sean Lock and Michelle Wolf, while Adam Riches is in Dictionary Corner. |
June 22, 2017 |
| 2 |
Jonathan Ross, Lee Mack, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Jessie Cave Jimmy Carr hosts, and it's Jon Richardson and Jonathan Ross against Lee Mack and Victoria Coren Mitchell, with Jessie Cave in Dictionary Corner. |
June 29, 2017 |
| 3 |
Stephen Mangan, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Bill Bailey Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Stephen Mangan take on guest captains Richard Ayoade and Katherine Ryan. Bill Bailey is in Dictionary Corner |
July 6, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Cariad Lloyd, Alan Carr, Kevin Bridges, Elis James, Jon Robins Jimmy Carr hosts as Jon Richardson and Cariad Lloyd take on guest captains Alan Carr and Kevin Bridges, Elis James and Jon Robins are in Dictionary Corner, with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley |
August 18, 2017 |
| 2 |
Kathy Burke, Roisin Conaty, Johnny Vegas, Bob Mortimer, John Cooper Clarke Jimmy Carr hosts the show while guest captain Kathy Burke and Roisin Conaty take on guest captains Johnny Vegas and Bob Mortimer. John Cooper Clarke is in Dictionary Corner. |
August 25, 2017 |
| 3 |
Jason Manford, Alan Carr, Katherine Ryan, Ivan Brackenbury Jimmy Carr hosts the show as captain Jon Richardson and Jason Manford take on guest captain Alan Carr and Katherine Ryan. Ivan Brackenbury is in Dictionary Corner. |
September 1, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Joe Wilkinson, Kevin Bridges, Jessica Knappett, John Cooper Clarke Jimmy Carr hosts as Jon Richardson and Joe Wilkinson take on guest captain Kevin Bridges and Jessica Knappett. With Dr John Cooper Clark in Dictionary Corner. |
January 19, 2018 |
| 2 |
Lee Mack, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Alan Carr, Dane Baptiste, Sam Simmons Jimmy Carr hosts as Lee Mack and Victoria Coren Mitchell take on Alan Carr and Dane Baptiste, Sam Simmons is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley |
January 26, 2018 |
| 3 |
Alan Carr, Josh Widdicombe, Joe Wilkinson, Sara Pascoe, Bill Bailey Jimmy Carr hosts as Alan Carr and Josh Widdicombe take on Joe Wilkinson and Sara Pascoe. Bill Bailey is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, and Rachel Riley. |
February 2, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Katherine Ryan, Roisin Conaty, Jessica Hynes, Sara Pascoe, Lolly Adefope, and Morgana Robinson as "Natalie Cassidy" Katherine Ryan hosts a special, celebrating 100 years of women's suffrage. Roisin Conaty and Jessica Hynes go against Sara Pascoe and Lolly Adefope. Also featuring Morgana Robinson, Susie and Rachel. |
July 13, 2018 |
| 2 |
Katherine Ryan, Joe Wilkinson, John Cooper Clarke Jimmy Carr hosts with Sean Lock and Katherine Ryan who take on Jon Richardson and Joe Wilkinson in the classic words and number quiz. Dr John Cooper Clark in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley looks after the numbers. |
July 20, 2018 |
| 3 |
Miles Jupp, Alan Carr, Roisin Conaty, Ivan Brackenbury Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Miles Jupp v guest captain Alan Carr and Roisin Conaty. Ivan Brackenbury joins Susie in Dictionary Corner. |
July 27, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Johnny Vegas, Lou Sanders, Brett Domino Trio Jimmy Carr hosts the words and numbers quiz that this week pits Sean Locke and Johnny Vegas against guest captain Alan Carr and Lou Sanders. The Brett Domino Trio join Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. |
January 11, 2019 |
| 2 |
Claudia Winkleman, Henning Wehn, Nick Helm Jimmy Carr hosts the words and numbers quiz that this week pits Sean Locke and Claudia Winkleman against Jon Richardson and Henning Wehn. Nick Helm joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. |
January 18, 2019 |
| 3 |
Joe Wilkinson, Aisling Bea, Tom Allen Jimmy Carr hosts the words and numbers quiz that this week pits Sean Locke and Joe Wilkinson against guest captain Richard Ayoade and Aisling Bea. Tom Allen joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. |
January 25, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Miles Jupp, Rose Matafeo, Vic Reeves Sean Lock and Miles Jupp take on Jon Richardson and Rose Matafeo, while Vic Reeves joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. Hosted by Jimmy Carr, with regular Countdown mathematician Rachel Riley looking after the numbers and letters. |
July 26, 2019 |
| 2 |
Victoria Coren Mitchell, James Acaster, Morgana Robinson Sean Lock and Victoria Coren Mitchell take on Jon Richardson and James Acaster in the classic panel game. Morgana Robinson joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, with Rachel Riley. |
August 2, 2019 |
| 3 |
Joe Wilkinson, Sara Pascoe, Sam Simmons Sean Lock and Joe Wilkinson take on Jon Richardson and Sara Pascoe. Sam Simmons is in Dictionary Corner, while maths whizz Rachel Riley looks after the letters and numbers. |
August 9, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Harry Hill, Rose Matafeo, Alex Horne Jimmy Carr hosts the classic words and numbers quiz as Sean Lock and Harry Hill take on Jon Richardson and Rose Matafeo, while Alex Horne joins Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters. |
January 9, 2020 |
| 2 |
Joe Wilkinson, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, The Brett Domino Trio Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Joe Wilkinson take on Jon Richardson and Kiri Pritchard-McLean. The Brett Domino Trio join Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner. |
January 16, 2020 |
| 3 |
Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, David O'Doherty Jimmy Carr hosts as Sean Lock and Richard Ayoade take on Jon Richardson and Katherine Ryan. David O'Doherty is in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, and Rachel Riley looks after the numbers and letters. |
January 23, 2020 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| First aired | April 12, 2013 |
| Last aired | January 30, 2026 |
| Runtime | 47 minutes |
| Status | Returning Series |
| Schedule | Friday at 21:00:00 |