Channel 4 is facing a wave of criticism after the latest edition of Big Fat Quiz of the Year left many longtime viewers shocked, upset, and questioning the direction of the iconic comedy show.
Just minutes into Big Fat Quiz of 2025, social media lit up with complaints after the program used artificial intelligence as part of an opening gag — a move that some fans described as lazy, insensitive, and deeply disappointing.
AI Joke Immediately Draws Criticism
The controversy erupted early in the broadcast when host Jimmy Carr and the panel reflected on a viral social media trend where people used AI tools to generate Barbie-style doll images of themselves, complete with personalized accessories.
As part of the segment, AI-generated images of the comedians were shown to the audience. Jimmy Carr appeared as a multi-faced doll, while Katherine Ryan was depicted with a wine glass, a baby bottle, and a botox needle. Other images featured Nick Mohammed, Lou Sanders, and the remaining panellists with exaggerated props tied to their public personas.
While the segment was intended as a lighthearted joke, many viewers felt it crossed a line.
Viewers Voice Anger Online
Reaction was swift and intense.
“Disgusted and saddened to see The Big Fat Quiz of the Year using AI-generated images,” one viewer wrote online. “It feels half-done and completely unnecessary.”
Another longtime fan commented, “I’ve watched this show for over a decade. Five minutes in and they’re already leaning into AI trends? That’s a huge letdown.”
Others criticized what they saw as a lack of care in the execution, pointing out visual inconsistencies and recycled humor. Several viewers accused the show of prioritizing gimmicks over clever comedy — something Big Fat Quiz has traditionally been known for.
“Channel 4, do better,” one post read. “This feels like content churn, not satire.”
A Loyal Audience Feels Alienated
For many fans, the frustration wasn’t just about the AI itself — it was about what its use symbolized.
Big Fat Quiz of the Year has built its reputation on sharp writing, cultural insight, and smart panel dynamics. Critics argued that relying on AI visuals undermined that legacy and signaled a worrying creative shift.
“Not even five minutes in and it already feels like internet filler,” another viewer wrote. “This show used to be smarter than that.”
Not The First Controversy
The backlash also reopened discussion about previous criticism the show has faced.
In last year’s edition, viewers raised concerns over accessibility when blind comedian Chris McCausland appeared as a panellist. Several questions relied heavily on visual prompts, leaving McCausland dependent on teammates to describe images and videos.
Although McCausland appeared unfazed on-screen, many viewers felt the format placed him at a disadvantage.
“The further the show went on, the more uncomfortable it became,” one viewer wrote at the time. “There were clearly no meaningful adjustments.”
Another added, “Inviting a disabled comedian without properly adapting the format shows the difference between diversity and inclusion.”
Channel 4 Responded Previously
Following the accessibility criticism in 2024, Channel 4 issued a statement saying the production team had consulted with McCausland ahead of filming and respected his preferences during recording.
However, the renewed backlash suggests that some viewers feel lessons from past controversies may not have been fully learned.
Future Of The Show Under Scrutiny
Despite the criticism, Big Fat Quiz of the Year remains one of Channel 4’s most-watched annual programs. Still, the reaction to the AI segment highlights growing viewer sensitivity around artificial intelligence, creative shortcuts, and inclusivity in entertainment.
For a show built on satire and sharp cultural commentary, fans are now asking whether it can continue to evolve without losing the qualities that made it beloved in the first place.
As debates continue online, one thing is clear: Big Fat Quiz sparked conversation — just not the kind many viewers were hoping for.
