The beloved and intellectually quirky quiz show returns for its thirty-fourth season when “Pointless” premieres on BBC One on September 22, 2025. The show continues to turn traditional quiz logic on its head, challenging contestants to find the most obscure answers possible. The goal is not to be right, but to be uniquely right—to find those answers that a survey of 100 people revealed were so obscure that they scored zero points, or better yet, were deemed “pointless.” The format celebrates niche knowledge, deep-cut trivia, and the thrill of uncovering something almost nobody else knows.

As always, the charming and witty Alexander Armstrong returns to helm the show as the main presenter, guiding contestants through the unique scoring system with his signature warmth and humour. He is joined by the show’s famous roster of guest co-hosts, or “assistants,” including Stephen Mangan, Ria Lina, Anita Rani, and the legendary Angela Rippon. This rotating lineup of Britain’s favourite television personalities ensures that every episode is fresh, funny, and full of delightful banter, making “Pointless” a comforting and consistently entertaining staple of British television.

Meet the Cast of Pointless Season 34

– Alexander Armstrong as Self – Presenter

Alexander Armstrong is the inimitable host and the steady helm of the good ship Pointless. With his background in comedy and classical music, Armstrong brings a unique blend of quick wit, genuine warmth, and intellectual curiosity to the show. His role is multifaceted: he is the master of ceremonies who explains the complex “reverse scoring” rules with clarity, the interviewer who draws charming anecdotes from the contestants, and the quick-thinking comedian who delivers impeccable banter with whichever guest assistant is alongside him each day.

Armstrong’s avuncular and reassuring presence is the cornerstone of the show’s appeal. He navigates the gameplay with ease, building tension before a reveal and celebrating those glorious “pointless” answers with the enthusiasm of a true trivia fanatic. His chemistry with the rotating co-hosts is a key ingredient, as he adeptly plays straight man or comic partner depending on who is in the chair, creating a wonderfully consistent yet dynamic viewing experience season after season.

The Guest Assistants: A Roster of Brilliance

The guest assistant’s chair is filled by a who’s who of British television’s most charismatic personalities, each bringing their own unique flair to the show.

• Stephen Mangan brings his sharp, acerbic wit and actorly charm.

• Ria Lina offers her brilliantly observational and often delightfully nerdy comedic perspective.

• Anita Rani provides warm, insightful commentary drawn from her vast experience as a broadcaster and documentary presenter.

• Gok Wan chips in with his effervescent energy and fashion-focused trivia guesses.

• Ellie Taylor contributes her fantastically dry, self-deprecating humour and relatable quips.

• Liza Tarbuck adds her wonderfully quirky and unpredictable sense of fun.

• Mel Giedroyc brings the boundless, chaotic energy and terrific rapport she’s known for.

• Robert Rinder offers his characteristically sharp, judicial wit and surprising depth of knowledge.

• Phil Wang provides his uniquely clever, deadpan delivery and brilliantly abstract thought processes.

• Angela Rippon lends an air of classic authority, elegance, and a treasure trove of knowledge from her decades as a broadcasting icon.

The Role of the Assistant

While Alexander Armstrong manages the core flow of the game, the guest assistant is the crucial spice in the Pointless recipe. Their primary role is to provide a second opinion, offer often hilarious or bizarre guesses for the answers, and engage in witty repartee with Armstrong. They act as the contestants’ allies and sometimes their amused commentators, celebrating their successes and groaning at their failures.

Each assistant’s unique personality shapes the episode. A guest like Robert Rinder might approach the quiz with logical precision, while Mel Giedroyc might bring joyful chaos. This rotating system ensures that no two episodes feel exactly the same, providing viewers with a fresh dynamic and a new favourite personality to watch alongside the ever-steady Alexander Armstrong. They are the variable that makes a familiar format constantly feel new and exciting.