- Written by Amol Rajan
- University Challenge Presenter
I was going to use the word “lessons learned” at the beginning of this article, and that's exactly what I did.
But I learned so much that those words seem inadequate, considering I shout out about 3,000 questions per series and can't in good conscience claim I knew all the answers before reading them out loud. It has expanded.
So here's a useful lesson learned from my first series hosting the UK's longest-running TV quiz, University Challenge, which we'll simply call University Challenge.
1. Young humanity is wonderful
The overriding feeling I gained from this experience was a deep respect, bordering on awe, for these extraordinary young contestants.
Of course, they are all very impressive intellectually. But more than that, they are so engaging and so excited to travel from their respective campuses.
Some students may get into a zone where they appear to have the correct answer before even hearing the question.
It's like glamorous television and physically quite disturbing. How do they know so much about Mesolithic tools, French kings, differential equations, and Neptune's moons?
The few young humans who take our quizzes, often from poor backgrounds, self-taught, or both, will quickly fill you with hope for the future.
Why don't blue-chip companies have recruiters wandering in front of their studio doors, when putting them to work in a fast-growing industry could instantly solve the productivity crisis? I don't understand.
But I think LinkedIn is for that.
2. Roger is real
When I attended the Alumni Series, I was surprised to learn that the legendary voice of the buzzer, Roger Tilling, was a real person in the studio, calling my name live.
Most new contestants are similarly shocked to meet him, especially since he is 6 feet 5 inches tall.
He has a great panoramic view of the studio from a slightly elevated perch just outside the camera.
And here's the problem. Throughout my first series, and indeed in the many episodes we've filmed since then, Roger must have yelled out thousands of last names and over 10,000 syllables.
He didn't do anything wrong. What a professional he is.
Strangely enough, he lives just a few meters from my parents' home in Tooting and I've probably been walking past and near him for years.
3. It's the best
I have been pronouncing it as “Haiti” all my life, but I was only vaguely aware that it was “wrong”.
Everyone I grew up with says “Haitian.” My friend says “Haiti”.
But what I'm saying here, dear reader, is “Aaitch.”
This is very important to many people, and that's fair enough.
You'll hear me say “Aitch” in the new series starting this summer. However, “Haitch” is actually listed as a variant in the Oxford English Dictionary.
By the way, there's nothing special about it, but of course it's pronounced “biopic” instead of “biopic.”
4. Virus possibilities are endless
I was actually watching some great viral clips from the previous series hosted by Jeremy Paxman.
But as my answer about the difference between drum and bass and jungle spread, I realized that each question was a small story arc.
It is as follows: Asking questions, changing shots, pondering your team, presenting answers…you'll be rewarded with laughter.
Each question is a little story or joke that has the potential to gain notoriety on social media.
5. Quizzes are in gold format
Let's take a closer look at the wonders of TV quizzes. What is the secret to a successful TV format?
An emotional and moral journey through the unraveling and resolution of conspiracies, as we get to know outstanding characters and groups of people.
Ideally, there should be warmth and danger. Quiz provides all of that.
Add in the immense satisfaction of learning and the participatory element of getting hands-on by sitting on the couch barking out answers and impressing your family, and you've got TV gold.
Iconic music helps. And a nice looking studio, much cheaper than, say, a drama.
Frankly, it's a wonder there aren't more people out there.
6. Listen to some of Britain's best music
One thing I didn't know is that the host has a series producer, not just a director, and one or two question producers in his ear.
It is no exaggeration to say that the intelligence of these people is amazing.
The fact that they happen to be some of the nicest people you've ever met only strengthens that privilege.
Series producer Claire Parodi often has to make gut decisions when contestants give answers that seem like breaking points but aren't.
This does not mean, for example, confusing Monet with Manet. That's obvious. In fact, with seconds left in a close game, when the answer we needed was atomic absorption spectroscopy, and my team interrupted the answer: emission spectroscopy, he yelled at me to pass.
Obviously, notes from the questioner will be left from time to time. But for Claire, question producer Richard Gilbert (who won Manchester in 2013) and senior question writer Tom Benson, I often feel there is no book they haven't read or language they can't speak. We also cover Welsh, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish…and more.
They are the best in the UK and are in my ears and mind.
7. Teams do not overlap with each other.
I have been very encouraged by the response to this series.
I have tried to express trust and respect with my students, especially at the end of the show.
Frankly, you can't help but admire these dedicated and brilliant young people for whom knowledge is an end in itself.
Tomorrow's final will feature eight truly extraordinary young men. Their breadth of knowledge and intellectual dexterity captivates and humbles television.
It's a thrilling match, and star athletes will be on hand to award prizes.
Speaking of which, I'm currently considering who to give the award to in the next final. If you have any ideas, please message me on Instagram. But wait until you see how it plays out tonight.
University Challenge: The final will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two on Monday 8 April at 8.30pm