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Everything you need to know about hit Sky quiz show Never Mind the Buzzcocks

Never Mind the Buzzcocks sees stars put their wits and music knowledge to the test in this chaotic and iconic panel show.

First running on the BBC from 1996 to 2015, Sky brought Never Mind the Buzzcocks back to life with a new look, new central cast – but still the same barmy antics that made it such a fan favourite – in 2021.

In each episode, the team captains are joined by A-list musicians, comedy stars, and TV personalities who fight to be named the winner through a series of music-themed games.

Artists who have appeared so far since 2021 include Little Mix’s Jade Thrilwall, Yungblud, Self Esteem, Tom Grennan, Nile Rogers, Shaggy, and Lethal Bizzle.

Comedians have included James Acaster, Nish Kumar, Judi Love, Katherine Ryan, Rosie Jones, Richard Ayoade, and Russell Howard.

Over the course of four rounds – which typically includes an identity parade, a connections round, a next-line round, and an intros guessing game – the two teams of three fight for points.

In the course of each round, guest panellists are encouraged to share their own rock 'n' roll anecdotes of life inside the industry, reveal embarrassing stories, or discuss newsworthy moments from their careers.

The comedians are then on hand to playfully mock each other and the stars who have signed up – let the battle commence.

Watch the trailer from Season 2

Who are the stars of Never Mind the Buzzcocks?

Greg Davies (Host)

Greg Davies is a comedian, actor, and TV presenter.

Previously a school teacher, Greg left the career path to pursue comedy, later shooting to fame in The Inbetweeners as hard-nosed teacher, Mr Gilbert.

Since then, he has headlined a string of tours across the UK and appeared on shows including Mock The Week and Would I Lie To You?.

His acting credits include sitcoms Cuckoo, Man Down, and The Cleaner.

Since 2015, he has starred in Taskmaster alongside Alex Horne, acting as the Taskmaster whom the comedians on the show must impress with their efforts for points.

Noel Fielding (Team Captain)

Noel Fielding is a comedian, actor, and presenter famed for his surrealist comedy style.

He first shot to fame as part of The Mighty Boosh alongside Julian Barratt, appearing in sitcoms including The IT Crowd, Nathan Barley, and Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.

In 2017, he became one of the hosts of The Great British Bake Off, and maintains the position to date.

Noel won the fourth series of Taskmaster, later reappearing and coming fourth in the Champion of Champions series.

In 2024, he launched his Apple TV+ series, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.

Noel is also the only member of the cast to previously be a Team Captain on the BBC’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Daisy May Cooper (Team Captain)

Daisy May Cooper is a Bafta-winning actress and writer who shot to fame after the success of BBC comedy This Country, which she co-created with her brother, Charlie.

She has since created Am I Being Unreasonable? and appeared in comedy series including The Witchfinder, The Personal History of David Copperfield, and Taskmaster.

Jamali Maddix (Team Captain)

Jamali Maddix is a TV presenter, stand-up comedian, and podcast host.

His podcast includes Spooky S**t and The Breakdown.

He was widely praised for his documentary series, Hate Thy Neighbour, which focused on the rise of extremism in its many forms within the UK, US, and Europe.

In 2021, he participated in the 11th series of Taskmaster, coming in fourth place.

Sophie Willan (Guest Team Captain, Season Four)

Sophie Willan is an actress and comedian whose BBC comedy series, Alma’s Not Normal, based on her life, earned her a Bafta.

She has appeared on sitcoms including Click and Collect and Still Open All Hours, and dramas including Time.

Sophie has also previously competed on Taskmaster, and acted as narrator for early series of the UK version of reality series The Circle.

How many episodes of Never Mind the Buzzcocks are there?

Never Mind the Buzzcocks, in its most recent form on Sky, has run for four series.

By the end of the fourth series run, the show will have aired 38 episodes.

The original BBC version of the series ran for 28 seasons and 281 episodes, including specials.

The fourth series slightly adapts the format. While the first six episodes aired as normal, with Sophie Willan filling in for Daisy May Cooper as a team captain, the remaining four are specials.

These episodes, renamed Buzzcocks Does…, focus on different themes rather than a more general music knowledge quiz.

These also feature guest hosts in place of Daisy May Cooper or Sophie Willan.

The themed episodes, and their guest hosts, are:

  • Nineties (featuring Spice Girls star Mel B)
  • Noughties (featuring The Gossip’s Beth Ditto)
  • Rock (featuring Courtney Love)
  • Girl Bands vs Boy Bands (featuring Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards)

The series ends with a Christmas special, which also marks the return of Daisy May Cooper.

What is the age rating of Never Mind the Buzzcocks?

Never Mind the Buzzcocks has been rated 15 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

This means the show is considered not suitable for young children.

Reasons for this rating include:

  • Frequent use of profanity
  • Sexual jokes
  • Real-life anecdotes which, at times, describe violence or drug use
  • References which may not be suitable for children.

How to watch Never Mind the Buzzcocks in the UK

Never Mind the Buzzcocks is available now on Sky Max and NOW.

Never Mind the Buzzcocks available now on Sky Max and NOW