Lots more Whose Line on VideoSift!

It's hard for me to express how much I loathe this show. Just being in the room when it's on makes me uncomfortable.

british version was better!

What exactly is the deal with this show, how much of it is pre-rehearsed? Or at least, attempt (1 - lame), after attempt (2 - better), after attempt (3 - finally, that's funny, we'll go with that)?

I can't believe it's completely or even in large part improvised. And I don't mean "I can't believe it!" as in, "wow that's amazing!" I mean, "I can't believe it" as in, I don't buy it; it's gotta be rehearsed/staged. I don't think anyone could do that alone, let alone as a group...

it's not rehearsed. If you buy the show on dvd, you'll see that its not rehearsed.

Yes, it really is improvised -- they often crack each other up on the show. I've heard claims that they tape more time than the show actually runs, and then cut it down to just the best parts, but I haven't found any real evidence one way or the other.

I can understand that the show may not be to everybody's taste, but after watching most of the episodes (of both the British and American versions) I find that I can really appreciate the running jokes and the relationships between everybody on the show, not to mention their incredible skill and quick wit.

As to whether the British or American show is better, I think that they each have their own charm. The British show was more truly improvisational, with shorter sketches and more frequently rotated participants. But the American version developed its own soul and was often side-splittingly funny.

Well, the british version was british. So, y'know... british.

This was rather unexpected, however.

I remember watching this episode on TV lol.

This is now my all time favorite skit for the show! Was sooo funny i could not breathe!

It's a mix of improv and rehearsal. If they say or do something that won't pass censorship they usually have to start the skit over and think of something else on the spot. These guys have been doing improv for many-a year though, so they are quite good at it.

I saw outtakes from Whose Line once and in that are a couple examples of restarting skits like I stated. Google "Whose Line outtakes".

I've seen both Wayne Brady's show and the Whose Line All-Stars when they toured in '02. Trust me. None of it's rehearsed. But definitely paired down from lots of material. If you watch the show, you can actually catch edits they've made where they trimmed.

That being said, I'm starting classes at Second City in February. Can't wait!

I love this show, and that scene was HILARIOUS! Upvote!

there are techniques for improv that you can learn... and rehearse. a skill you get better at.
there's probably a live improv group near you somewhere? go see a show

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Wow, well if true, then I guess I am amazed afterall.

I absolutely adore this show. As Arvana said, it's even better when you watch a slew of episodes in a season and get a feel for the performers and their relationships. Then there's some in-jokes and events that are hilarious! British or American, I never could really tell the difference except perhaps the American show is a bit more laid-back because it came much later.

As to improv, yes, it's easy to believe it's all "real" - I did tons of acting and improv is something that you can learn like any other acting skill - talent makes it better but you can hone it and refine it. Part of it is that they all work with each other - improv is MUCH harder if you are completely solo. Notice in this particular sketch, Ryan challenges Colin to surprise him; most likely he was drawing a blank on how to end the sketch and needed time or something to play off of. In the parameters of the sketch, it was an excellent technique because it fit the restrictions yet still asked for 'help'. Part of that is the fact that those players have been working with each other for many years and when you work with someone, you can become very adept at working within their strengths, just like any other job.

It's a lot like that funny friend you have, who is always saying hilarious things at gatherings, but can't write a funny story - they need someone to play off of.

How did they keep a straight face all the way through the scene, but then laugh at Drew Carey's lame joke at the end?

How very surprising. har har... Meh

I've taken Improv lessons. I'm not very good at it compared to many (I don't have a natural talent for it), but having been around those who do, I can tell you this stuff is not rehearsed. Go check out a local Improv club if you doubt. If you have a ComedySportz near you, that's a great place to see many of the games they play on Whos Line Is It Anyway live. Group Improv is the best. ANd here's a big "Yes And" to any of you who do group Improv. =)

yay! UCBT member here... i highly highly recommend going to UCB or the PIT in NYC if you have never seen improv before.. also good luck to you videosiftbanned me .. improv has changed my outlook on speaking and listening in any situation.

LMFAHS

Yes, they did film hours and hours and hours of bits and only include the best in episodes for air.

As evidence of this fact, years after it left the air, they had a week of "all new" episodes (on ABC Family I think) without shooting a single frame of new film. All they did was take all the unaired tape and cut them into new episodes.

Colin and Ryan were already improv'ing together on the British version.. which means they really REALLY know eachother. So it's not rehearsed, but they have done it for years and years.

The show has its moments, but this was totally expected, no?

Yes, I could see how this could have been expected. Colin's "offer" was so grandiose, what else could Ryan have done that would have paid off with as big of a laugh?

..and thanks, kennn. I'd love to be good enough to just make a living at it...

Very funny. some of the Improv stuff is hit and miss but when these two guys get together it's usually hilarity.