Fjalen Conversation

Baddiel and Skinner unplanned was a free-form talk show hosted by British comedians/personalities David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and produced by Avalon Television. Its concept was developed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and had a run in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2001. The show features the two hosts sitting on a couch on-stage and responding to questions from the audience — at times rather seriously, but usually with bizarre digressions into satirical comedy. An audience member is chosen as "Secretary" and has the job of keeping a note of the topics covered on a white board. In practice, the personality of the secretary will also prompt many jokes — usually at his or her expense. At the end of the show, Skinner asks either the secretary or the audience to choose between two song books, and to pick a page number between 1 and 20. This process determines which song is performed by the duo, sung by Skinner with Baddiel accompanying him on piano. Topics of discussion are wholly mandated by the audience and have ranged from discussions of the war against Iraq and other political events to comments on the latest plot twists of popular soap operas and the Atkins diet. Skinner's Catholicism and Baddiel's Jewish faith are also occasional targets of humour.

Series giving a voice to 35- to 54-year-old men, very probably the grumpiest sector of our society.

The short-lived variety show, hosted by Gene Di Novi on piano and vocalist Jodie Drake, offered a captivating blend of music and conversation in its half-hour format. Renowned musicians like Clark Terry, Joe Venuti, Gene Lees, and Phyllis Marshall graced the show as guests, showcasing the best in jazz. The rhythm section boasted talents like Michel Donato on bass and Jerry Fuller on drums, enriching the performances. Produced in Toronto by Bob Gibbons, the series highlighted exceptional musical collaborations and remains a testament to the era's jazz brilliance.