“QI” (Quite Interesting), the BBC quiz show that has been tickling the minds of viewers since its inception in 2003, has become a staple of British television known for its unique blend of education, comedy, and the occasional upending of common knowledge. Here are some of the most memorable moments from “QI” that have left audiences both informed and in stitches.
The Infamous ‘Elephant Episode’
One of the earliest and perhaps most iconic moments comes from Season C’s episode “Cleverer” where the discussion turned to elephants. The fact that elephants are not afraid of mice but rather of being startled was a revelation. However, it was Stephen Fry’s delivery of the fact that “elephants are the only animals that can’t jump” which led to a cascade of humorous responses from the panel, including a mock attempt by Alan Davies to make an elephant jump, forever etching this episode into QI lore.
The “Kangaroo Court” of Facts
In Season J, the episode themed “Jelly” included a segment on kangaroos, where Stephen Fry revealed that kangaroos can’t move backwards, leading to a playful exploration of this fact’s implications for Australian coat of arms symbolism. The episode became a lesson in how facts can be both surprising and amusing, with the panel’s reactions adding layers of laughter to the learning.
The High-Speed Chase with Alan Davies
Alan Davies, the show’s perennial panellist, has provided countless memorable moments, but one stands out from Season D, the “Denial & Deprivation” episode. The revelation that ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand led to Davies’ theatrical reenactment of chasing an ostrich, a moment that encapsulates the show’s spirit of fun amidst facts.
The “Bats vs. Mice” Conundrum
During Season G’s “G-Animals” episode, the debate over whether bats are more closely related to mice or to humans was both enlightening and hilarious. The panel’s collective bafflement, followed by the revelation that bats are more closely related to humans than to mice, demonstrated “QI”‘s knack for turning common misconceptions into educational gold.
The “Literally” Confusing Episode
In Season L, the episode “Literature,” Sandi Toksvig, who took over from Stephen Fry, navigated the panel through the murky waters of the word “literally,” discussing its misuse and the linguistic debate it stirs. This episode was a showcase of how QI can make language as fascinating as any science fact, with comedians like Aisling Bea and Ross Noble adding their comedic takes.
The ‘Silent’ Musical Performance
A highlight from Season S was the “Silence” episode where, in a bid to explore silence, the cast participated in a silent musical performance led by Toksvig. This unconventional segment had the audience and panel in fits of laughter, proving that even silence can be quite interesting when placed in the context of QI.
The Chemistry of Laughter with Sandi Toksvig
Toksvig’s tenure has brought its own memorable moments, including an episode from Season T, “Time,” where the discussion on the chemistry of laughter led to a live experiment on how laughter affects the body. This blend of science and silliness highlighted QI’s educational ethos in the most entertaining way.
Conclusion
“QI” has been more than just a quiz show; it’s been a cultural phenomenon that celebrates human curiosity, humor, and the joy of learning. These best moments underscore the show’s ability to make the most esoteric facts accessible and amusing. As we look forward to more seasons, “QI” remains a testament to the idea that knowledge, when shared with laughter, can be the most engaging form of entertainment.
