6.6 /10 1 Votes6.6
6.4/10 Original language(s) English Final episode date 24 March 1995 | 6.6/10 Country of origin United Kingdom First episode date 10 August 1990 Number of episodes 104 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Directed by Luke CampbellJulia Knowles Opening theme Olympic (Euro Bass Mix) Presented by Terry Christian, Mark Lamarr, Dani Behr, Alan Connor, Amanda de Cadenet, Katie Puckrik, Michelle Collins Directors Luke Campbell, Julia Knowles Similar The Big Breakfast, Shooting Stars, 15 Storeys High, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, A Young Doctor's Notebook |
The Word was a 1990s Channel 4 television programme in the United Kingdom.
Contents
The word s01e01 24 08 90 channel 4
Format
Its presenters included Mancunian radio presenter Terry Christian, comedian Mark Lamarr, Dani Behr, Katie Puckrik, Jasmine Dotiwala, Alan Connor, Amanda de Cadenet and "Huffty". Originally broadcast in the old Tube time slot of 6 pm Friday evenings, The Word's main live show was shifted to a late-night timeslot from 9 November 1990, with a compilation sister show fronted by Mark Lamarr in the week. The magazine format allowed for interviews, live music, features and even game shows. The flexible late-night format meant that guests could do just about anything to be controversial.
There was also an 'I'll do anything to be on television' section called "The Hopefuls" in which people ate worms, bathed in maggots, licked sweat off fat people, intimately kissed old people, and did generally repulsive things in order to get featured on the programme.
Production
The show was the brainchild of Charlie Parsons and was originally produced for series 1 and 2 by the production company 24 Hour Productions, which later became Planet 24.
The first series of the show was broadcast live (with no delay) originally from London Studios in the LWT building on the South Bank and then from Limehouse Studios, Wembley (1991–1992). When those studios closed the show moved to Teddington Studios.
Paul Ross was the series editor on series 3 and 4, and became executive producer for series 5. Director Martin Cairns directed many of the stunt film clips for which the programmes became famous. Some receiving warnings on content from C4. Jo Whiley worked as a researcher–band booker and is credited as having given Nirvana their historic and notorious first TV appearance.
The programme ran for five series from 1990 to 1995. From the start, there was considerable tabloid backlash against the show. In mid 2000, Channel 4 screened a short-running compilation series titled "Best of The Word", which mostly featured music performances and was presented by Terry Christian.
Tango sponsored the show in 1994.