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Top: Arts: Television: Programs: Comedy: Whose Line Is It Anyway (15)

Description"Whose Line Is It Anyway?" is a half-hour improvisational comedy program in a game show format. Originating in the U.K., WLIIA has now proven popular in the U.S. on ABC. The show consists of a host and four contestants, who must improvise scenes, songs or jokes using suggestions from the host and/or the audience. After each game, the host gives "points" to whomever s/he pleases, usually a nonsense amount since the show is only *very* loosely a game show. The only "prize" for the winner(s) is to read the credits in a style of the host's choosing. Fans of the show call themselves "Whosers." ABOUT THE U.K. SERIES: The original U.K. series, hosted by Clive Anderson, began on the radio in the mid-1980s, and then moved to Channel 4, where it continued for a total of ten seasons until 1997-98. Frequent contestants in this series included Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Josie Lawrence, Tony Slattery, Paul Merton, John Sessions, Colin Mochrie, Steve Frost, Jim Sweeney, Sandi Toksvig, Mike McShane, Chip Estin, and Steve Steen. Richard Vranch provided the music via dozens of different instruments. ABOUT THE U.S. SERIES: The U.S. series is co-produced and hosted by Drew Carey, a fan of the original show. It premiered in August 1998. Sometimes this version is called DLIIA by fans (for "Drew's Line Is It Anyway") to differentiate it from the original. In most other respects, the game is identical, except that unlike Clive Anderson--who never took part in the games--Drew Carey takes part in one game per episode. Regular contestants are Ryan Stiles (The Drew Carey Show, and also a co-producer of WLIIA) and Colin Mochrie, both of whom often appeared on the U.K. series. Other frequent guests include Wayne Brady, Greg Proops, Brad Sherwood, and Chip Estin. Music accompaniment is provided by Laura Hall.

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Last update: Jul 4, 2010 07:52:07 www.ih5.com.