Quiz shows are not something I normally add to MiMs review, largely because they are what they are: light entertainment. They don't really need reviewing and they're never going to be required watching, nor does it particularly matter if you end up rewatching an episode or two without realising.

The latest season of QI is slightly different though. As was frequently mentioned, there has been a "regime change"! Gone is the much loved Stephen Fry, who has hosted the show since its inception. Honestly, when I first heard about Fry's departure I felt that they should just call it an end. After all, who could possibly fill those shoes? Sure, the format doesn't overly suffer without him, but the soul would be lacking, even with Alan Davies remaining.

But then they cast the wonderful Sandy Toksvig. It was one of those moments where you just thought "ah, yes, that makes sense". This wasn't another Top Gear, leaving you more intrigued than confident. Toksvig just felt right; change enough without, really, any change at all.

And so it has been. The first couple of episodes did seem a little rocky, but once she was felt settled in it has been business as usual. If anything, the show has become (dare I say it!) somehow better. Toksvig has brought just enough "new" to the table to revitalise QI, which I hadn't even realised was needed. Plus, her presence does appear to have catalysed a lot more participation interest, with a lot of faces not seen for several seasons making triumphant returns. Basically, the Nth season has been just as good, if not better, than those that came before. Toksvig simultaneously makes it feel like nothing has changed, whilst subtly reinvigorating the classic franchise. You can't really ask for more than that!

I've watched bits and pieces of QI over the last few years, but this was the first time we properly watched a season end-to-end again and it was a great joy to do so. I've got to admit, we did even dip back into some of the older episodes with Stephen Fry, and they just didn't feel the same anymore. To her credit, Sandy Toksvig has made this show her own, evolved in just enough to keep it feeling fresh and relevant, and the result is a season that was highly enjoyable. The revolving cast of comedians is as strong as ever, Alan Davies is still a brilliant physical comedian (amongst other talents), and it was particularly great to see an episode with an all-female cast (Davies aside). There is still a bit of a vibe of the "token" guest, whether female or a POC, but it's getting less problematic and I hope that trend continues.

My only disappointment was a distinct lack of flying pigs, despite the opportunity for them... 🐖