User reviews

When I first heard of this show, I wasn't particularly interested in the format, but when I finally gotten around watching two episodes, I found it hilarious.

I like the overall format, in which you try to come up with a feasible response to the most hypothetical scenario, whenever its getting a statue built in your town, wearing a puppet on your hand for an entire year, or even stopping an assassination while as a cat. I did like the parts where James Acaster does imitations and brief one liners, and I also liked the fact some of the comedians were originally in Taskmaster (which is a show I'd consider to be worth watching).

The format reminds me of Would I Lie To You and Mock The Week, and I found it to be unique and fun.

I'm only going to give this eight stars however, because I think there are (mostly) minor improvements that could be done. I'm not too keen on the long running time, which I felt it would be best suited for a half-hour programme.

Although I'm not that much of a fan of panel shows, I feel Hypothetical is a good one to watch.

8/10

Before reading this review, please keep in mind I have only seen the first season so anything I critisize is from the first season.

I'm a huge fan of British Panel shows, such as 8 out of 10 cats does countdown, Taskmaster, Mock The Week etc. I also am a huge fan of James Acaster and (to a slightly lesser extent) Josh Widdicombe. So I thought this would be a great show for me but sadly, while it was enjoyable, it wasn't as great as I expected.

Things I liked

James Acaster- he adds an exuberant charm to the show and I am sure that without him, the show wouldn't be as good.

The premise itself- credit where credit is due to the developers of this program as they have come up with an interesting and fresh idea for a panel show. To be able to create an idea that can be moulded for something new every episode is commendable.

The physicality of it- Sure it's not as physically engaging as something like Total Wipeout, but I appreciated the use of props and other items to elevate the show's humour.

Things I disliked

Josh Widdicombe- this guy is pretty funny but in this show he feels very out of place. I'm not sure what he's supposed to be doing as his co-host James Acaster seems to be doling out points and setting the parameters for the hypothetical situation. Furthermore, most of the time he sounds bored and speaks in a flat tone, making the show feel a bit awkward. Maybe if they gave him a more inclusive role on the series he could be more funny, or maybe if he just acted more relaxed I would enjoy it more.

The audience- this isn't necessarily the show's fault but my god do the audience get in my nerves. Normally in a panel show you get laughs from the audience after every joke, volume dependent on how funny the joke was. If a series of quick fire jokes are made or something is highly amusing, the audience will clap for about 5 seconds. The problem is the audience seem to clap every other joke which completely grinds the show to a halt. Again, I don't mind the laughs and I don't mind the clapping, as long as its used sparingly for the really good jokes, not every other one.

The length- This show often feels like an uncut episode of Would I Lie To You where the contestants in that show are allowed to ramble on and on which makes the show inherently less funny. I think this show would fit a half an hour runtime much better, as it allows for quickfire comedy in a small size. However that's not to say there aren't some great moments in these long episodes.



Conclusion

While there are some genuinely laugh out loud moments that occur regularly, the show can sometimes feel a bit awkward and stilted, largely due to the audience and Josh Widdicombe, although James Acaster and the guests for each episode often help lessen the awkwardness. If you are in the mood for something breezy and light, this show fits the bill pretty well. However it is going to need some changes to be considered one of the great panel shows.

I love James acaster and really like Josh Widdicombe, when he's not pushing an agenda on The Last Leg. The fact they're close mates adds to the show also.

The premise for the show isnsolid, but the quality really does depend on the guests and whether you like them or not.

So don't expect to like every episode but it's worth watching.

Although I will say that it seems to be the same current crop of "Dave" comedians doing the rounds so if you're not a fan of Taskmaster, Ultimate Worrier, Judge Romesh, Dave Gorman's new one (i forget the name) and those types of shows, this probably isn't for you.

Fingaz MC.

A pleasantly unpretentious Dave comedy vehicle where different comedians were asked hypothetical questions - Acaster and Widdicome are a fine hosting pair and there's a warm natural energy to it all with the kind of breathlessly joyful improv not seen since the days of Whose Line. It can vary depending on the guests but you can tell Widdicome and co have a lark putting the thing together and I always hold a particular personal affection for it because it's one of the few TV things I've ever seen recorded live which was a hoot.

I can see why some people wouldn't like this show, it's very random and crazy but in my opinion that's why it's so funny! There is always a great selection of comedians on it too!!

I absolutely love this show but it would be nothing without James Acaster! The man has me in tears every episode

While James and Josh are funny on other panel shows (would I lie to you, QI etc) Hypothetical just isn't funny and neither of them can raise this show to those levels. At an hour long it's actually painful waiting for a genuinely funny moment to happen. Gave it a go but have given up now, it's mediocre at best. The Dave channel really needs to try a lot harder to find a replacement for Taskmaster.

How good each episode of a show like this is will always be heavily dependent on the guests that week. Unfortunately that's a problem here, when you have to Google half of the them just to see who they are. And it quickly becomes clear that they aren't better known because they just aren't funny or entertaining. However, there are some good moments, and James Acaster is really the biggest reason to watch it.

There are no more quality comedians available to host an abomination of a quiz show that makes John Richardson's ultimate worrier look like comedy gold and Dave have to fill a time slot vacuum created by reruns of top gear becoming to expensive what do you do? Well you get the next best thing a guy who has some experience of hosting on a comedy show all be it as third fiddle on the brilliant last leg. And they only really let him look at the internet to find funny clips. So was there a correct answer James? if you get as far as to know what that means then you are definitely in danger of your eyeballs melting) I would have put an answer but by time it came to that part I had switched over to watch Romesh Ranganathan's and Russel Howard's mums travel round the world completing tasks set by the task master. Sorry josh but stick to making jokes about how you mistaken for a hobbit.

Seems like the guys on the show are having a nice time but really not enjoying it. Contrived, enineered and the opposite of what's it's meant to be.. competition between 2 teams? Sadly, not for me.

This show really is forgetble and frankly not worth the bother to watch. It's not the worst show out there but it's just far too scripted and naff. Half the guests they have on aren't even recognisable to anyone that isn't a method drinker.

I'm usually a big fan of James Acaster, but this 'show' manages to ruin not only him, but every single comedian on the show.

I don't feel Josh Widdicombe brings anything to the show.

I can only guess that people are paid very well to take part in this sad excuse for a show. I can't see how it does anything positive for their careers.

That this basic premise is from the short lived Josh Widdicombe Podcast on XFM? Love James Acaster and I wish he did even MORE!!

Not funny at all. James Acaster must be one of the worst comedians ever, he is also quite annoying. The other guy not funny too, and somehow the stupid plot of the show ruins any chemistry. If you want something really funny stick to 8 out of 10 cats and its Countdown variation. This is a flop.

How can anyone say these are comedians is beyond me.

Just grab some woke pc unfunny people and hey presto.

4 seasons this drivel has been running.

Unbelievable.