The Show
The Basics
Whose Line is it Anyway? (WLiiA?) is a show in which contestants improvise scenes in theatresports-type games
given to them by the host. They might be asked to sing about an audience member, speak only in questions,
become weird superheroes, or guess at bizarre quirks.The show is a Hat Trick production which began life as a 'competitive' team game on Radio 4 in the UK. Host Clive Anderson was joined by four contestants, including regular team captains John Sessions and Stephen Fry. Colin Sell provided the improvised music.
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After a year, the series moved to television and Channel 4. Clive continued to host, with John
initially appearing in every episode, and Richard Vranch providing music. The competitive
format was dropped but mysterious "points" were still awarded and a seemingly random winner selected.
Common performers on the show included Greg Proops,
Josie Lawrence, Brad Sherwood, Paul Merton, Sandi Toksvig,
Mike McShane, Chip Esten, Tony Slattery and Steve Frost, as well as
Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie who became fixtures of the later seasons. These performers were joined by guests such as Stephen Fry, Rory Bremner, Graeme Garden, Jonathan Pryce, Ardal O'Hanlon, Mark Cohen, George Wendt and many more. A number of episodes were filmed in New York in 1991/92. |
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In 1998 the show celebrated its 10th year by filming the series "In Hollywood". The cast then
joined a new host, Drew Carey, to tape a 6-episode pilot series for ABC with Ryan & Drew
as producers. Laura Hall provided music for both of these series. The pilot run was successful, extended by an extra episode followed by a full series shown in a summer replacement slot. The US version, sometimes referred to by fans as DLiiA? (or "Drew's Line") has seen Wayne Brady join Ryan & Colin as regulars. Fourth-seaters have included the return of oldies Greg, Josie, Chip & Brad as well as newcomers including Kathy Greenwood, Denny Siegel and Jeff Davis. Laura has been joined by guitarist Linda Taylor and other musicians. Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg have appeared for episodes, whilst celebrities including Jerry Springer, Florence Henderson, Sid Caesar, Hugh Hefner, Richard Simmons, Chyna and even Lassie have joined for individual games. |
Screenings
US: US - ABC, Thursdays, 8-9 PM EST. ABC Family, 10-11PM Mon-Thurs. UK - Comedy Central , 11-12 AM daily, 10-12 AM Saturdays, 8-10 PM Sundays.Canada: US - CTV - 8-9 PM Thurs. UK - Comedy Network, 8 AM & 2 PM Sat - Thurs.
Australia: US - Channel 9 - ~2:30-3:30 AM weekends. UK/US - Comedy Channel (Foxtel), 7:30 AM & PM weekdays, 10 AM weekends.
Belgium: US - Kanaal 2, 12:55 AM Saturdays.
Brunei: Kristal, Wednesdays 8:30 PM & 12 PM, Thursdays 3 AM & 11:30 AM.
China, Egypt, Hong Kong: Star TV, Wednesdays 8:30 PM & 12 PM, Thursdays 3 AM & 11:30 AM.
Georgia: Ayety, Wednesdays 8:30 PM & 12 PM, Thursdays 3 AM & 11:30 AM.
India: Star TV, Wednesdays 6:30 PM & 9:30 PM.
Indonesia: Kablevision, Wednesdays 7:30 PM, Thursdays 2 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 PM.
Israel: Channel 3 (cable), Sundays 9:40 PM, Golden Channels Wednesdays 3:30 PM, Thursdays 6:30 AM, 7 PM, 10 PM.
Kazakhstan: Alma TV, Wednesdays 7:30 PM, Thursdays 2 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 PM.
Kuwait: Star TV, Wednesdays 3:30 PM, Thursdays 6:30 AM, 7 PM, 10 PM.
Malaysia: Astro's Star World, Wednesdays 8:30 PM, Thursdays 12 AM, 3 AM, 11:30 AM.
New Zealand: US - TV2, Fridays 10 PM.
Pakistan: Star, Wednesdays 5:30 PM, Thursdays 12 AM, 8:30 AM, 9 PM.
Phillipines: Destiny Cable, Wednesdays 8:30 PM, Thursdays 12 AM, 3 AM, 11:30 AM.
Singapore: Channel 5, 10 PM Saturdays, Star World Wednesdays at 8:30 PM, Thursdays at 12 AM, 3AM, 11:30 AM. South Africa: E-TV, Mondays at 8 PM.
Vietnam: VTV, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Thursdays at 2 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 PM.
If you can add to, correct or update these details, please e-mail me.