From Million Pound Drop to Big Brother and a number of flops: All the TV shows Richard Osman is the mastermind behind
There's more to the star than House of Games…Richard Osman has more than a few strings to his bow, given that he is a bestselling author, quiz favourite and one of TV’s most recognisable faces, it is fair to say when it comes to television shows, he’s our man.
But while most viewers associate him with Pointless, Thursday Murder Club or Richard Osman’s House of Games, his influence stretches far further behind the scenes than many realise.
As he returns to host a Boxing Day edition of House of Games, here is a look at some of the shows you might not know Richard Osman helped bring to life.
Boyz Unlimited
Before Little Britain made Matt Lucas and David Walliams household names, the pair created Boyz Unlimited, a sitcom poking fun at the music industry.
Richard Osman was a co-creator on the show, although it failed to win over audiences or critics and was ultimately short-lived.
Total Wipeout
Richard also worked on Total Wipeout as a programme associate and script writer. While he has rarely spoken publicly about his time on the show, he did share a memorable story on Marina Hyde’s podcast The Rest is Entertainment.
He recalled arriving on set one morning to discover that every piece of camera equipment had been stolen overnight.
“One day we turned up and every single bit of camera equipment had been stolen,” he said.
After being told the production might not even be insured, new equipment was ordered – only for it to arrive looking suspiciously identical to what had vanished the day before.
Big Brother
Long before he became a familiar face on screen, Richard was a key creative figure in the early days of Endemol, when the company had just 40 employees.
By the time he left, it had grown to more than 45,000 staff worldwide. During that time, he helped develop Big Brother for a UK audience.
While it is unclear how much control he had over shaping the format, fans will forever be grateful for the Diary Room and its many iconic moments.
Deal or No Deal
Richard has spoken openly about his role as executive producer on Deal or No Deal, but he did once let slip one of the show’s biggest secrets. In 2015, while promoting another quiz, he revealed that the mysterious Banker was Glenn Hugill.
The pair’s off-screen friendship also led to one of his most bizarre anecdotes – the two once buried a badger together after accidentally hitting it with their car while on holiday.
Over 15 years producing ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often. A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends #RIPSean
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) August 18, 2021
8 Out of 10 Cats
Before appearing on it as a guest, Richard was also an executive producer on 8 Out of 10 Cats, helping shape the panel show into a long-running success.
The series ran between 2012 and 2021 and spawned the hugely popular spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Paying tribute to the late Sean Lock on X, Richard revealed he had been producing the show for more than 15 years.
Bromwell High
He returned to scripted comedy with the animated sitcom Bromwell High, which satirised life in British secondary schools. Set in South London, the series followed three schoolgirls and their hopelessly underpaid teachers.
It ran for one series and featured voice work from Nina Conti, Simon Greenall and Stephen Mangan.
The Million Pound Drop
Richard was also one of the producers behind The Million Pound Drop, which he has described as one of his biggest successes.
Speaking to Virgin Radio, he said: “The one that got bigger than all of them was Million Pound Drop, which we did over here with Davina. And that went everywhere in the world almost immediately. And everyone just got it straight away.”
10 O’Clock Live
Because it was another Endemol project, Richard served as executive producer on Channel 4’s 10 O’Clock Live.
The show stood out from his usual comedy and quiz background due to its political focus. And it was commissioned following the success of Alternative Election Live during the 2010 general election.
Prize Island
Not every project was a hit. In 2013, Richard created ITV game show Prize Island. Sadly, it struggled from the start. Reports suggested ITV considered axing it before it even aired, and it eventually lasted just six episodes.
From cult failures to global formats and beloved panel shows, Richard Osman’s TV legacy goes far beyond the lectern. Even if many viewers are only just realising it.
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