Whose Line Is It Anyway? is an American short-form improvisational comedy television series created by Dan Patterson and based on the British series (which itself was based on an original radio programme) which consists of a panel of four performers who create characters, scenes and songs on the spot, in the style of short-form improvisation games.
"The show where everything's made up and the points don't matter."
Whose Line is it Anyway? is a comedy show where all of the humour comes from improvised sketches. The ABC version of the show was hosted by comedian Drew Carey, who usually instigates the sketches, as well as their topics. Aisha Tyler took over as host when the series was rebooted on The CW in 2013.
The contestants are drawn from a pool of well known comedians and improv actors, with guest stars each week. Some of the regular, popular sketches are:
Scenes from a Hat
Audience members write down some of the most outlandish scenes they can think of, and they are drawn from a hat. The contestants on the show then have to act these scenes out.
Hoe-down
Contestants have to improvice a 4-line song in the country 'Hoe-down' style.
Sound Effects
Two contestants act out a scene. Two audience members provide the sound effects.
News Anchors
Each contestant plays a member of a news team, and each has their own secret identity.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? is executive produced by Dan Patterson, Mark Leveson, Jimmy Mulville, Ryan Stiles and Wayne Brady. Co-created by Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, Whose Line Is It Anyway? is from Angst Productions and Hat Trick Productions.
Broadcast Notes
The series premiered in the USA on ABC on 5 August, 1998 and ran on that channel for six seasons. After cancellation it ran for a further two seasons on ABC Family, ending its run on 15 December, 2007. The show was revived once more on The CW, premiering on 16 July, 2013.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? originally premiered in South Africa on e.tv on Monday 2 August 1999, at 19h30. The first eight seasons aired on e.tv, after which the show moved to DStv's Vuzu channel for the rebooted ninth season.