Channel 4 is quietly calling time on list shows, which it has been running successfully for more than a decade on Saturday and Sunday nights on its main network and digital spin-off E4.

According to a senior programming source, Channel 4's new chief creative officer, Jay Hunt, who has been in her job for less than three months, has told colleagues that the programming genre, which usually relies on the findings of an online poll to rank subjects, has had its day.

"It is felt that they are popular but we can be doing bolder and different things rather than something which is fun but which some people feel can feel a little spurious," said the source.

Instead the money saved from airing clip shows will be ploughed back into original programming, particularly comedy.

Last year Channel 4 broadcast three list shows – 100 Greatest World Cup Moments, 100 Greatest Stand-Ups and 100 Greatest Toys. E4 also broadcast three, 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers, The Idiot Awards and How to Be Famous, alongside a handful of repeats.

However, this came despite claims in 2007 by Channel 4's then director of television and content, Kevin Lygo, that the broadcaster would be abandoning them. "I don't think we will be commissioning them any more," Lygo, who left last year to become managing director of ITV Studios, said at the time.

But while the format never quite went away, Channel 4 insist the end really is nigh for the list show except under very exceptional circumstances.

The broadcaster plans to keep Rude Tube, its occasional rundown of amusing or interesting internet clips presented by Alex Zane. And one list show waiting in the wings for a broadcast in April is 50 Worst Weddings, which will form part of its coverage of the royal wedding.

"The Jonathan Ross rundown of the nation's favourite toys did well last year and if Jonathan comes up with an exceptionally brilliant idea like that we may do it," added the Channel 4 source. "But the direction of travel is now very much not to do them any more."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/ma ... list-shows

I'm so out of the habit of watching 4 that it makes no difference to me personally

Well no more Alex Zane. That is a plus.

The real reason they were made is that they are spectacularly cheap. A few Z list celebs making the odd comment, probably cost a tenner and a few cabs, plus the location costs.

Will there be a top 100 of top 100s I ponder..?

Some of them were good because they either reminded you of the past (in a good way) or made you aware of something you'd wish you'd experienced.

I enjoyed them. Not really novel entertainment though.

Read it again

I always found them to be boring and dull. Good riddance IMO, and I'm glad they'll be investing it in new comedy - the C4 stuff always pushes the boundaries.

Well Rude Tube is something that passes me by quite happily.

Good

Bye

I always enjoy them, but they really are [LIFTED].

Yes but they are bloody cheap to make. It is one reason why they are made.