British Panel Show Improv

In the US, we consume improv mostly as a scriptwriting technique, or through a kind of cringe “improv sketch” format. Britain, on the other hand, has mastered the highest form of improv: the Panel Show. Put a bunch of clever improvisational comedy people in a room, add a McGuffin of some kind, laughs ensue.

I blame radio for this? Panel shows work on radio if you’re not driving a car, but US radio is almost always for drivers, “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” notwithstanding.