
Return to Me — 2005
The austere black chair seems to call out as the evergreen general knowledge quiz makes its return. What curious and delightful topics will the four contestants select? John Humphrys poses the questions.
Tonight’s program explores four distinct subjects, each a significant undertaking in its own right: the life and artistry of Benjamin Britten and Sylvia Plath, the machines of aerial warfare from the First World War, and the journeys undert…
Tonight’s program explores a wide-ranging selection of topics: from the philosophical inquiries of the Pre-Socratics to the cinematic legacy of Judy Garland, the history of the Royal Air Force during the years 1939 to 1945, and the enduring…
Participants faced questions from John Humphrys spanning topics as diverse as the French Revolution of 1789-1794, the life and literary works of George Eliot, and the broad sweep of world history. They were also tested on the intricacies of…
The program explores three distinct areas: the Age of the Welsh Princes, spanning from 800 to 1283; the life and impactful work of prison reformer Elizabeth Fry; and the evocative Swallows and Amazons novels of Arthur Ransome, alongside orc…
Tonight’s program features explorations of several subjects. We begin with the seafaring adventures of C.S. Forester’s Horatio Hornblower novels, followed by a look at English international rugby union from the year 1990 onward. We then tur…
The history of British politics from 1905 to 2004, the life and career of Muhammad Ali, the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, and the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes represent distinct areas of expertise. John Humphrys engages the…
The competition tests contestants on their familiarity with the breadth of Dylan Thomas's life and work, alongside the Old Testament, the films of Clint Eastwood, and the writings of Guillaume Apollinaire. Presented with John Humphrys.
Participants face questions spanning the lives of Henry VIII, Emily Brontë, opera singer Andrea Bocelli, and locomotive pioneer Richard Trevithick, alongside John Humphrys.
John Humphrys explores a fascinating range of topics: the music of The Clash, the witty world of W.S. Gilbert's libretti, the story of spirits and liqueurs, and the history of Ancient Egypt from 1570 to 1070 BC.
Following a six-week hiatus, the series resumes with an eclectic selection of specialized topics: the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, the works of Noël Coward, World Snooker Championships from 1977, and the life and novels of J.R.R. Tolki…
Tonight’s program offers a diverse selection of topics: the life and career of the political economist and reformer Henry Fawcett, the television sitcom *Dinnerladies*, the life and work of T.E. Lawrence, and the literary heritage of Yorksh…
Tonight’s program offers a diverse selection of topics: the Harrier and other aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing; Chequers, the Prime Minister’s stately home in Buckinghamshire; the Discworld novels of Terry Pratchett; and th…
The contest will test participants' knowledge of several distinct areas: the life and career of American president Lyndon B. Johnson; the Mughal Empire, spanning the years 1526 to 1658; the Roman author Claudius; and the stories of William,…
The challenges range from the delicate artistry of bonnets to the spirited grace of ballroom dancing, encompassing a broad spectrum of knowledge: Jane Austen's novels, naked-eye astronomy in Britain, the American Civil War of 1861-1865, and…
The four contestants will demonstrate their knowledge across a diverse range of topics: the Labour government of 1974 to 1979, the comedic songwriting partnership of Flanders and Swann, the intricacies of the ecclesiastical calendar, and th…
The discussion encompassed the life and works of Raymond Chandler, the music of the Go-Betweens, the career of former Labour leader Hugh Gaitskell, and the cinematic output of Bruce Willis. Accompanied by John Humphrys.
The four contestants will demonstrate their expertise in areas encompassing the life and work of Marie Curie, the history of Ireland during World War II, the novels of Raymond Queneau, particularly *Zazie dans le Metro*, and the history pla…
Tonight's program explores the life and times of Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788), the art of Edward Hopper, scandals within 20th-century Parliament, and the world of Nancy Mitford. Presented with John Humphrys.
The program explores a range of specialized topics: the life and reign of Louis XI of France, the plays of Tom Stoppard, the iconic 1960s series *The Prisoner*, and the life and compositions of Frederick Delius. Presented with John Humphrys…
The program's usual breadth encompasses a diverse array of specialized topics: the life and artistic contributions of Sir Peter Scott, the history of national flags, the evolution of Test cricket, and the beloved television sitcom *The Good…
Tonight’s program explores the life and music of composer Giacomo Puccini, delves into the novels of Sebastian Faulks, examines European nobility during the 16th century, and revisits the beloved classic sitcom *Dad's Army*. Presented by Jo…
Tonight’s program delves into a diverse array of subjects: Igor Stravinsky, the world of ice dance, Lord Randolph Churchill (Winston’s father), and the enduring appeal of the Status Quo. The presentation is led by John Humphrys.
Tonight’s program delves into a diverse array of subjects: the life and career of Bishop John William Colenso, the Anne novels of L.M. Montgomery, European birds, and the work of Galton and Simpson. The presentation is by John Humphrys.
The second round commences with discussions on topics ranging from the city churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren, to the *Sword of Honour* trilogy, the life and work of George Eastman, and the life and films of James Stewart. The progr…
This round features a diverse collection of subjects: the collaborative legacy of Rogers and Hammerstein, the ancient history and culture of the Maya civilization, the musical innovation of Queen, and the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll’…
The final contenders include a diverse trio of subjects: the pioneering British abstract art movement known as Vorticism; the nostalgic pleasure piers that once lined the English coast; the life and literary output of novelist Elizabeth Sma…
This round features explorations of diverse subjects: the life and artistic achievements of Diego Velázquez, the music of Pink Floyd, the literary career of George Crabbe, and the wines cultivated in the Loire Valley.
The first semi-final features discussions on topics ranging from Garibaldi's pivotal role in the unification of Italy, to the history of the Archers since 1970, the science-fiction novels of Arthur C. Clarke, and the rivers of Britain and I…
The second semi-final explores the lives and legacies of figures spanning diverse fields: the physicist Niels Bohr, whose work profoundly shaped our understanding of the universe; Iain M. Banks' "Culture" novels, celebrated for their imagin…
The culmination of this year's competition arrives, having narrowed a field of ninety-six hopefuls to a final six. John Humphrys will pose the questions.

