Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1988)
The groundbreaking British improv comedy where four performers invent everything on the spot — and the points never matter.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Series Information
- Original Title: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1999
- Created by: Mark Leveson, Dan Patterson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 136
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 23, 1988 (United States - TV-PG), September 23, 1988 (Canada - PG), September 23, 1988 (Germany - 12), September 23, 1988 (France - 12), September 23, 1988 (India - U/A 16+), September 23, 1988 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Channel 4
- Alternative Titles: Whose Line Is It Anyway? (UK) (US)
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Plot
An un-scripted comedy show in which four guest performers improvise their way through a series of games, many of which rely on audience suggestions.
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Whose Line Is It Anyway? - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mark Leveson
- Dan Patterson
Main Cast
- Clive Anderson
- Ryan Stiles
- Colin Mochrie
- Greg Proops
- Josie Lawrence
- Michael McShane
- Richard Vranch
- John Sessions
- Tony Slattery
- Brad Sherwood
Writers
- Dan Patterson
Whose Line Is It Anyway? - FAQs
Is Whose Line Is It Anyway? completely unscripted?
Entirely. No scripts, no rehearsals — every scene, song, and character is invented on the spot. The performers receive their game formats in advance but never the audience suggestions that drive each round, making every episode a genuinely unique, unrepeatable comedic experience.
Who hosted the original UK version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Clive Anderson hosted the original British run on Channel 4 from 1988 to 1999. His dry, deadpan wit made him the perfect foil for the performers' chaos. Anderson kept score — famously awarding arbitrary points — and delivered the show's iconic closing line each episode.
Where can you stream Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1988)?
The original UK series is available on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. You can also buy individual episodes on Amazon Video. Free, ad-supported streaming is available on The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Tubi TV.
Who were the most frequent performers on the show?
Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Greg Proops, and Josie Lawrence appeared most regularly across the ten-season run. Other fan favourites included John Sessions, Tony Slattery, Michael McShane, and Brad Sherwood. Guest performers like Stephen Fry, Paul Merton, and Sandi Toksvig also made memorable appearances.
How did Whose Line Is It Anyway? originate?
The show began as a radio programme on BBC Radio 4 in 1988, created by Mark Leveson and Dan Patterson. Its success led to a television adaptation on Channel 4 that same year. The format proved so durable it later spawned a long-running American remake starring Drew Carey.
Was the original UK series critically well received?
Very much so. Critics praised the show for elevating improv comedy to mainstream television, and it developed a devoted cult following throughout its run. It is widely credited with introducing long-form improvisational performance to a broad British audience and launching several performers to wider fame.
How many seasons and episodes does the UK series have?
The original UK run spans 10 seasons and 136 episodes, plus 2 special episodes, airing on Channel 4 from 1988 to 1999. Season lengths varied considerably, ranging from 9 to 19 episodes, reflecting the show's evolving format and scheduling across its eleven-year broadcast life.
What are some shows similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Fans of the original UK series often enjoy the American Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998 remake), Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out, HarmonQuest, Shooting Stars, and Reno 911!. For classic panel-game comedy, What's My Line? and No More Jockeys also offer a similarly playful, performer-driven format.
More About Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.