“There are too many theories and there’s just not enough space for many of them,” says writer and comedian Andy Hamilton in this new BBC panel thingy It's Only a Theory where the group of presenters debate the validity of scientific ideas from specialists. Not terribly exciting admittedly but there’s enough here to keep the mind busy for half an hour and room for a couple of decent jokes.
The main names here are Hamilton and Reginald D. Hunter, both regulars on the panel show circuit between them making numerous appearances on Have I Got News For You, News Knight and The News Quiz, and although there is a comic element It’s Only a Theory is played almost straight with a quest scrutineer each week (episode one featuring sports presenter Clare Balding). So it’s a bit like Dave Gorman’s Genius except that it features rational ideas from experts rather than bonkers ones suggested by mad members of the public. Or is it bonkers ideas from mad experts?
Aubrey de Grey’s Theory on 1,000 year old Person
First up was gerontology theoretician Aubrey de Grey, a strange looking bloke with an impressive beard who has appeared on many TV shows before and is famous for his idea on how people could be able to live for hundreds of years with the use of increased health and tissue repair. His theory is based around this idea of rejuvenation technology and that the first 1,000 year old person has already been born.
Despite being a little odd in presentation he came across as a likeable guy and was actually quite amusing at times. “Oi, that’s twice you’ve been funnier than us” warns Hamilton at one point when the audience warm to him. Although Reg jumped at the idea it was rejected by Hamilton and Balding meaning it was thrown into the “shredder of oblivion”.
Rom Coms like Bridget Jones make People Miserable
The second expert, psychotherapist Lucy Beresford, suggests that society is turning sadness to a sickness leading to people being fixated on pursuing happiness and eventually over medicating themselves. Immediately not a subject that screams hilarity but this gave the hosts a chance to gain a couple of laughs, particularly Hunter’s commentary over a cheesy American Gillette advert that is too darn optimistic.
Rom coms are also said to blame for make people miserable as they raise expectations and not just because they are all terrible. This argument was illustrated by the Bridget Jones films and allows Hunter to launch into an unmitigated attack on the boring Colin Firth character. “Cheerful people are annoying” concludes Hamilton and the theory was unanimously approved.
It’s Only a Theory with Andy Hamilton and Reginald D. Hunter
Not as humorous as it could have been, It’s Only a Theory fit the bill and is certainly worth another look. Shows like this are only as good as the guests and Balding isn’t really suited for this atmosphere so it will be interesting to see a different face in the chair. Hamilton and Hunter are a mismatched pair on paper given their conflicting backgrounds and approach to comedy, yet somehow it works. However, unlike QI or Genius this probably won’t be making the move to BBC Two anytime soon.
It’s Only a Theory is not going to win any awards or mainstream recognition, and is perhaps something that might be better suited to late night Radio 4 as there’s nothing here that is enhanced by the visuals, but overall it’s not too bad and it’s occasionally refreshing to stumble upon a panel show that doesn’t rely on confrontation or causing offence no matter how funny that may be.
It’s Only a Theory is on every Tuesday at 10pm on BBC Four.
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