Question Time (1979)
The BBC's definitive political debate programme, holding power to account since 1979 with live audience questions and cross-party panels.
Question Time - Series Information
- Original Title: Question Time
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: News, Talk
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 48
- Number of Episodes: 1660
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 1979 (United States - NR)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: Mentorn Media
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Question Time - Plot
This topical debate series based on Any Questions? typically features politicians from at least the three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions put to them by a carefully selected audience.
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Question Time - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- David Dimbleby
- Robin Day
- Fiona Bruce
- Peter Sissons
- Ken Clarke
- Shirley Williams
- Menzies Campbell
- Charles Kennedy
- Nigel Farage
- Emily Thornberry
Executive Producers
- Nicolai Gentchev
- Hayley Valentine
Question Time - FAQs
Who is the current host of Question Time?
Fiona Bruce has hosted Question Time since January 2019, succeeding David Dimbleby who chaired the programme for 25 years. Previous chairs also include Robin Day and Peter Sissons. Bruce is the first woman to permanently host the show in its four-decade history.
Where can you stream Question Time online?
Question Time is available to stream via BritBox, accessible through both the Apple TV Channel and the Amazon Channel subscriptions. Episodes also air on BBC One in the United Kingdom and are typically available on BBC iPlayer for UK viewers shortly after broadcast.
What is Question Time about?
Question Time is the BBC's flagship political debate programme. Each week, a panel of politicians from major parties and prominent public figures gather before a live studio audience to answer pre-selected questions on the most pressing current affairs topics, from domestic policy to international events.
When did Question Time first air on BBC?
Question Time first aired on BBC One on September 25, 1979. Inspired by the BBC Radio 4 programme Any Questions?, it was conceived as a televised forum for political debate and public accountability, and has since become one of British television's most enduring and influential current affairs programmes.
How many seasons and episodes does Question Time have?
Question Time has aired across 48 seasons with a total of 1,660 episodes, making it one of the longest-running political programmes in British television history. The show continues to produce new episodes, with each season typically running from autumn through to the summer recess.
Is Question Time still being made in 2025?
Yes, Question Time is still in production and currently airing as a returning series. Season 48 is underway in 2025, confirming the BBC's continued commitment to the programme. It remains one of the corporation's most prominent weekly political debate formats.
What are shows similar to Question Time?
Viewers who enjoy Question Time may also appreciate Have I Got News for You, This Week, PBS NewsHour, and Question Everything. These programmes share a focus on current affairs, political commentary, and panel-based debate formats, offering comparable engagement with news and public discourse.
Who produces Question Time for BBC One?
Question Time is produced by Mentorn Media for BBC One. Executive producers include Nicolai Gentchev and Hayley Valentine. Mentorn Media has been the independent production company behind the show for many years, handling its editorial direction, panel selection, and weekly production logistics.
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