6.4 / 10 (based on 63 reviews)
Comedy panel show hosted by the Welsh comedian. Celebrity guests try to convince Rhod that their teenage years were the most embarrassing
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rhod Gilbert, Aisling Bea, Jimmy Carr, Richard Ayoade
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 18 episodes
Shows Most Like Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains (2021)
The Cleaner (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 4547 reviews)
Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead, a state-certified cleaning technician, is responsible for the removal of any signs of death from the crime scenes.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Greg Davies, Zita Sattar, Helena Bonham Carter, Jo Hartley
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Taskmaster (2015)
9 / 10 (based on 14693 reviews)
Five comedians are set tasks challenging their creativity and wit. The tasks are supervised by Alex Horne but the Taskmaster, Greg Davies, always has the final word.
Genre: Comedy, Game-Show
Main Cast: Greg Davies, Alex Horne, Kerry Godliman, Richard Herring
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
13 seasons, 118 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Bloodlands (2021)
6.7 / 10 (based on 6205 reviews)
Northern Irish police officer DCI Tom Brannick connects a kidnapping with an infamous cold case with enormous personal significance.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: James Nesbitt, Lorcan Cranitch, Charlene McKenna, Lisa Dwan
Creators: Chris Brandon
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 8 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Criminal: UK (2019)
7.6 / 10 (based on 19592 reviews)
A cat-and-mouse drama, which focuses on the intense mental conflict between detectives and suspects. The stories take place within the confines of a police interview suite.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Rochenda Sandall, Shubham Saraf
Creators: Jim Field Smith, George Kay
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 7 episodes, 43.0-minute runtime
Channel Hopping with Jon Richardson (2020)
5.7 / 10 (based on 57 reviews)
Comedian Jon Richardson presents a weekly digest of the world’s wildest television, giving his take on curious headlines, hilarious clips, terrible soap opera acting and more.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jon Richardson, Judi Love, Jessica Knappett, Alan Carr
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 12 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Rob Beckett’s Undeniable (2021)
5.5 / 10 (based on 25 reviews)
A comedy panel show in which four comedians, armed with an impressive array of facts and trivia, try to outsmart one another through a series of rounds in a bid to get their knowledge onto the prestigious Wall of Facts.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rob Beckett, Jessica Knappett, Ivo Graham, Tom Allen
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan (2018)
7.8 / 10 (based on 613 reviews)
British comedian Romesh Ranganathan investigates if the persisting stereotypes about certain places in the world are exaggerated.
Genre: Documentary, Adventure, Comedy, History
Main Cast: Romesh Ranganathan, Johnny Issaluk, Heisel Mora, Chipo Chikara
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 13 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Question Team (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 153 reviews)
Richard Ayoade presents the comedy panel show that rewrites the rules of comedy panel shows, as each week the three contestants write the questions and create the rounds for Richard and the other contestants to play.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Richard Ayoade, Mat Ewins, Kerry Godliman, James Acaster
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes
Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains, which premiered in 2021, is a refreshing addition to the realm of television, especially for those who have an appetite for comedy and nostalgia. The show cleverly combines elements of talk shows, comedy, and a walk down memory lane, offering viewers an engaging and humorous look at the awkwardness and, let’s face it, the outright absurdity of adolescence. Here, we’ll explore what makes this show stand out, who brings it to life, and why it has quickly become a must-watch.
The Premise
At its core, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains is simple yet effectively entertaining. The show invites celebrities to share their most cringe-worthy and hilariously embarrassing teenage stories. From first loves and fashion disasters to awkward school memories and early attempts at rebellion, nothing is off-limits. It’s a premise that resonates with virtually everyone because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a treasure trove of mortifying memories from their teenage years?
The Host
Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert serves as the master of ceremonies. Known for his quick wit and relatable humor, Gilbert is the perfect guide through the minefield of adolescent awkwardness. His ability to make guests feel comfortable enough to spill their most embarrassing tales, while also poking fun at them in a lighthearted manner, is a testament to his skills as a comedian and host. Gilbert’s presence adds a unique charm to the show, making it not just about the stories shared but also about the laughter and camaraderie that ensue.
The Guests
What truly brings the concept of Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains to life is the diverse array of guests that grace the show. From actors and musicians to comedians and television personalities, each guest brings their unique teenage experiences to the table. This diversity not only ensures a wide range of stories but also highlights how universal the growing pains of adolescence truly are. Regardless of fame or success, everyone has faced those awkward, formative years.
Memorable Moments
Over its run, the show has seen its fair share of memorable moments. For instance, imagine hearing about a well-known actor’s first disastrous attempt at flirting or a musician’s cringe-worthy first performance. These anecdotes not only serve as comic relief but also as a reminder that everyone goes through a phase of figuring themselves out, often through a series of missteps and learning experiences.
Relatability
One of the show’s strongest suits is its relatability. In a world where social media often presents polished, idealized versions of people’s lives, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains offers a refreshing counter-narrative. It reminds viewers that everyone, no matter how successful they may appear now, has gone through the awkwardness of growing up. This relatability is a key factor in the show’s appeal, providing both comfort and laughter to its audience.
The Set and Format
Visually, the show doesn’t rely on flashy sets or gimmicks. The setup is straightforward, with Gilbert and his guests seated in a cozy, intimate setting that feels like a cross between a living room and a traditional talk show set. This simplicity ensures that the focus remains on the stories and interactions, rather than being distracted by unnecessary visual elements.
The format of the show is equally straightforward. Guests take turns sharing their stories, with Gilbert occasionally chiming in with his own anecdotes or prompting further discussion. This back-and-forth keeps the show dynamic and engaging, ensuring that the pace never lags.
The Impact
Beyond the laughs and nostalgia, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains has a subtle yet impactful message: it’s okay to be imperfect. In celebrating the awkwardness and missteps of adolescence, the show encourages viewers to embrace their past selves, flaws and all. It’s a gentle reminder that growth and self-acceptance are ongoing processes, and that it’s the journey, with all its ups and downs, that shapes us.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
So, why should you add Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains to your watchlist? For starters, it’s genuinely funny. The show has a way of making you laugh out loud one moment and cringe in empathetic embarrassment the next. It’s also incredibly heartwarming to see celebrities in a different light, sharing personal stories that make them feel more relatable and human.
Moreover, the show has a universal appeal. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence or an adult looking back on those years with a mix of fondness and relief, there’s something in it for everyone. It’s a reminder that, no matter where life takes us, we all started somewhere—and often, that somewhere included a fair share of growing pains.
In conclusion, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains is more than just a comedy show. It’s a celebration of the awkward, messy, and ultimately beautiful process of growing up. Through laughter, shared stories, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, it connects us to one another, reminding us that, in the end, we’re all just doing our best to navigate the rollercoaster of life. And if you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?