According to reports, no new episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown will be recorded this year.
The Channel 4 series is claimed to be the most recently impacted by the network’s slowdown.
The popular format features Rachel Riley and Susie Dent, who also appear on the normal version of the show, as experts. They are joined by Jimmy Carr as the host and Jon Richardson as the usual captain. Since Sean Lock’s passing in 2021, the other captain position has been filled by rotating guests.
The most recent episodes, which aired early this year, featured celebrity guests such as Lee Mack, Rob Beckett, and Judi Love.
Deadline reports that episodes were delivered last year, but Channel 4 has been sitting on them.
‘We have already shot episodes which are ready to air,’ said a spokesperson for the broadcaster.
‘To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.’
Channel 4 does not say when the shows were recorded.
The ‘anarchic game show mash-up’ follows the typical format of attempting to construct words from a randomly picked group of letters and a sum of various integers. However, the later air hour and the participation of comedians create a different tone.
The series premiered in 2012 and has shown for 20 seasons, making it one of the channel’s longest-running shows.
It is believed that talent availability influences when filming can occur. Historically, the episodes were always organised ad hoc. However, a source informed the outlet that the delay could be due to an ongoing slowdown in programming and a decision to spread out shows over the schedule.
Channel 4 revealed plans to change direction earlier this year, outlining an ambitious five-year plan to become a digital-first public service broadcaster by 2030.
‘The strategy – called Fast Forward – will ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift that is taking place in TV viewing, to elevate its impact across the UK and stand out in a world of global entertainment conglomerates and social media giants,’ their statement read.
As part of the plan, they intend to have ‘fewer, stronger new titles that generate more scale and effect’, expand YouTube content, and’reduce headcount by 18%’, which will result in approximately 200 layoffs and the closure of approximately 40 unfilled positions.
Hunted and 24 Hours in A&E are among the shows that will not receive fresh episodes this year.
The only recommissioned entertainment premiere in 2023 is Paddy McGuinness’s series Tempting Fortune. Alone, Rise & Fall, and Scared of the Dark are all cancelled.
Channel 4 has cancelled several shows, including The Big Celebrity Detox, The Big Interiors Battle, The Big Narstie Show, and Steph’s Packed Lunch, in the last year.
Since 1982, Countdown in its original format has recorded almost 8000 episodes.
Rachel joined the series in 2009, when Carol Vorderman opted to depart.
She attracted anger for a now-deleted post describing a tragic occurrence in Sydney, raising the possibility of her quitting Countdown.
When approached for comment about Rachel’s remarks, a spokesperson for Channel 4 said: ‘We have reminded Rachel of her obligations as a contributor to Channel 4 programming.’
Previous episodes of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown are available to watch on Channel 4
