Argumental

Argumental

Argumental is back! Series 4 of the great debate show has brand new host Sean Lock taking over from John Sergeant, and Robert Webb and Seann Walsh captaining the fast-talking teams. Thursdays at 10pm, from Thursday 3rd November.

Argumental Series 4

Like every long-running show, the time comes for a bit of a spring-clean. Or in this case a late autumn clean. So we say goodbye and cheers to previous host John Sergeant and team captains Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstocke, and welcome a whole new team of argumentalists into the arena.

In the host’s hotseat is esteemed comic and comedy panellist Sean Lock, while Peep Show and That Mitchell And Webb’s Robert Webb, and up and coming stand-up Seann Walsh, are the new team captains. Joining them throughout the series is a veritable conveyor belt of top comedy talent. Say hello to Ardal O’Hanlon, Stephen K Amos, Andrew Maxwell, Daniel Sloss, Jimmy Carr, Russell Kane, Miles Jupp, Tim Vine, Jack Whitehall, Stephen Mangan and Jo Brand.

Argumental Series 1-3


So what is this Argumental thing anyway, we hear you ask? Well, it's either a hilarious comedy quiz show or a crucible of raging debate, depending on where you're coming from. Which is the whole point – anything and everything is up for debate.

In Series 1-3, the Argumental teams are headed up by comedians Marcus Brigstocke (the one with the rectangular face) and Rufus Hound (the one with the moustache). They take turns in debating the hot topics of the day, each forced to defend or prosecute on-trend issues. Making sure things don't get too out of hand is genial host John Sergeant, although he failed miserably on one infamous occasion in series two – Rufus, making an impassioned argument, stripped off all his clothes to reveal his, ahem, arguments in all their glory. Which was probably enough to traumatise poor old John for life – which is saying a great deal, given that John had to deal with Margaret Thatcher back when she was scary. Oh, and not forgetting Strictly Come Dancing of course.

The debate subjects themselves are actually pretty good. By which we mean, they'd engender fierce, foaming-mouthed debate even among a group of Valium-dosed Quakers. Questions on the rights and wrongs of the monarchy, the relative usefulness of recycling and other topics are all designed to bring out the sharpest and most impassioned responses in the contestants. To really test their debating skills, the contestants are sometimes asked to deliberately flip flop. In other words, to suddenly start arguing against their own original point, and back again. Why, it's enough to cause a nervous breakdown. Which we're guessing is the actual ulterior motive of the sadistic backstage executives.

Speaking of the contestants, which laughsome luminaries have graced the studio with their wit and wisdom? Well, just about anyone who's anyone, to be honest. There's Jimmy Carr, who of course is never short of a sharp comment, the one man guaranteed to be more offensive: the dark overlord of comedy that is Frankie Boyle.

We've also seen Will Smith (no, not Mr Wicky-Wah-Wah… our Will Smith is much cooler than that), Reginald D Hunter, Chris Addison, Johnny Vegas, Lucy Porter, Sean Lock and that be-bearded young upstart, Jack Whitehall.

Argumental, Dave's very own comedy debating show, sees some of the country's greatest comic talents compare tongues to see who's got the sharpest. In a strictly metaphorical sense, we stress.

Frankly, with this lot around it's a wonder John Sergeant manages to keep any semblance of order at all – but then this wise old journalist has dealt with quite a few grumpy politicians in his time, which does tend to give you a thick skin. So, if you're fed up with talk shows in which celebs just sit around stroking each other egos and vigorously agreeing with every blanditude to escape each other's lips, then Argumental is the show for you. We're sure Plato and Aristotle would agree. Yes they would. You're wrong, they WOULD…

When is it on?

Argumental is next on at 2:25 am on Wednesday, 29th May on Dave.

Argumental, 6

The fast-paced panel game featuring the comic talents of Sean Lock, Robert Webb and Seann Walsh. Ardal O'Hanlon and Richard Herring argue that pets should be banned.

  1. On at 2:25 am on Wednesday, 29th May on Dave
  2. On at 3:25 am on Wednesday, 29th May on Dave Ja Vu

Latest videos

Ep 8 teaser: Jason Manford argues for Xmas

PLAY ALONG LIVE WITH ARGUMENTAL

PLAY ALONG LIVE WITH ARGUMENTAL

Our play along games have now ended for this year - but we'll have some more coming along in 2012.

EXCLUSIVE OUTTAKES

EXCLUSIVE OUTTAKES

Watch unseen footage from the show featuring guests Jimmy Carr, Russell Kane, Jack Whitehall, Andrew Maxwell and more.

Sean Lock profile

Sean Lock profile

Sean's so good, he even makes observational comedy seem cool and cutting-edge.

Series 3 highlights

Series 3 highlights

Best bits and outtakes with Dom Joly, Mark Watson, Katy Brand, Jimmy Carr and more.

Seann Walsh profile

Seann Walsh profile

Seann Walsh has possibly the scruffiest hair in comedy, but also the poshest voice.

Robert Webb profile

Robert Webb profile

He's one half of the UK's finest double act and the 88th sexiest man in the world.

Series 1 highlights

Series 1 highlights

Best bits and outtakes featuring Johnny Vegas, Dara O' Briain and Ed Byrne.

Series 2 highlights

Series 2 highlights

Best bits and outtakes including Reginald D Hunter, Chris Addison and Sean Hughes.

Argumental on The Dave Weekly

Argumental on The Dave Weekly

Sean Lock and Seann Walsh guested on our comedy podcast - listen now!

Top 10 best-ever arguments

Top 10 best-ever arguments

From tirades to tantrums, here's our guide to ten of the best.

Latest post

  • RobM97558 RobM97558 | 15 Apr 12

    Thank god, i thought i was the only one who thought this, The series hosted by John Sargeant, Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstock was pants wettingly funny, now dont get me wrong Sean Lock is a great comedian, as is Robert Webb and Sean Walsh, but i just find the dynamic and the subject matter boring, it just doesnt work, i have to agree with KennyJ78746, i am just not bothered about it anymore.

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Displaying 1 to 5 of 71

  • RobM97558 RobM97558 | 15 Apr 12

    Thank god, i thought i was the only one who thought this, The series hosted by John Sargeant, Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstock was pants wettingly funny, now dont get me wrong Sean Lock is a great comedian, as is Robert Webb and Sean Walsh, but i just find the dynamic and the subject matter boring, it just doesnt work, i have to agree with KennyJ78746, i am just not bothered about it anymore.

  • KennyJ78746 KennyJ78746 | 20 Nov 11

    I have to argree with the previous member, candidC, the new series is a not nearly as good. I like Sean Locke, but I do not see him as a presenter. Rufus and Marcus worked well together as they were so different to each other. I fear a major mistake has happened, though I obviously have no idea what all the reasons behind the complete shake-up were. For me, the first 3 series were 'must see' TV.....now, I am not bothered if I have missed it, which says it all.

  • candidC5831 candidC5831 | 9 Nov 11

    Nowhere near as good as it was when Rufus and Marcus were team captains. Sean Locke is a fantastic comedian, but for that reason he's wasted as a presenter following the auto-cue. Dave ruined a great formula... What the hell...

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 5 Nov 11

    the new show driving was is excellent and should be put on dvd

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 5 Nov 11

    the new series of Argumental is funny but bring back marcus and rufus and u should bring Argumental to dvd and all of new shows on dave to dvd to

Displaying 6 to 11 of 71

  • DavidL61132 DavidL61132 | 4 Nov 11

    bring back John,Marcus and Rufus the new one is nowhere near as good. Shame on you Dave.....

  • zadiyya zadiyya | 3 Nov 11

    completely agree with sid. bring back the originals. sean lock is sooo much better as part of the panel rather than behind the desk. bad decision dave

  • sidW8971 sidW8971 | 27 Oct 11

    i'm sorry, but dropping Marcus, rufus and John was the worst move dave could have made. its like sacking Sir alex ferguson from man u,because he made that football club what it is, and the three presenters made argumental what it is. its an insult to them and they shouldnt have been rewarded like this for making a show great.

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 7 Oct 11

    Dave you should bring argumental to DVD

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 7 Oct 11

    cannot wait for one night stand to star the last series was so funny hope this series topes it

Displaying 11 to 16 of 71

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 7 Oct 11

    jo brands big splash is so funny hope she dos more comedy for dave

  • neilP85035 neilP85035 | 7 Oct 11

    I'm glad argumental is back cant wait for it to start. Hope the new team captains and presenter is funnier than the last ones was

  • Carrier Bag Carrier Bag | 6 Sep 11

    It is coming back!! With Sean Lock and Robert Webb and I'm going to see it filmed live this Sunday! Can't wait...

  • DaveF125 DaveF125 | 29 Aug 11

    anywhere I can buy the box set. Cant find it online.

  • RO42983 RO42983 | 24 Aug 11

    Is this supposed to be funny!

Displaying 16 to 21 of 71

  • PhilipT48243 PhilipT48243 | 13 Jul 11

    I agree. Argumental is a fantastic show, easily the best show that Dave ever made. It is a absolute shame that they cancelled it and I how they bring it back someday, although I'm not holding my breath.

  • StuartC88083 StuartC88083 | 13 Jun 11

    I hear from a reliable source that Rufus, Marcus and John will not be back for the new series. After making it a success they are now to be dumped, no doubt for someone cheaper! Really smart move from Dave eh? erm.. NO. I for one won't be watching, if it ain't broke don't try and fix it, some smart arsed young exec probably thinks he know better. We'll see.

  • AlexB2175 AlexB2175 | 21 Mar 11

    I agree I have really fallen for this show, pity English panel shows aren't so big in New Zealand.

  • michaelK49969 michaelK49969 | 12 Feb 11

    the only bits of this show i can see are on youtube. cant view video on your site. this upsets me.

  • xjewelzx xjewelzx | 14 Nov 10

    Go sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/ArguDave/ - Save the best show on Dave!!

Displaying 21 to 26 of 71

  • DavidL61132 DavidL61132 | 3 Nov 10

    Twitter is saying that Argumental has been cancelled. Can someone from Dave please correct them, as clearly cancelling your best original program would be the act of massive lunacy I love this show and can not wait for it to be on

  • badbadger badbadger | 2 Nov 10

    Twitter is saying that Argumental has been cancelled. Can someone from Dave please correct them, as clearly cancelling your best original program would be the act of massive lunacy and sure result in the end of Dave in 5-9 weeks.

  • Vidlina Vidlina | 3 Aug 10

    Rufus naked was scary and sexy at the same time.

  • fredwardW89952 fredwardW89952 | 22 Jul 10

    ARGUEMENTAL is awesome even if rufus naked that time doing cartwheels was a bit disturbing XD i love it with the great comics and their wittyness

  • steffanC92766 steffanC92766 | 2 May 10

    WHERE IS Q I THE BEST LEARNING PROGRAMME ON THE PLANAET

Displaying 26 to 31 of 71

  • ScottF98075 ScottF98075 | 9 Mar 10

    love argumental

  • MARKG20561 MARKG20561 | 28 Feb 10

    GET THEM TWO BIRDS BACK ON THAT WERE PRESENT IN THE ARGUMENT A THREESOME IS BETTER IN YOUR MIND THAN IN REAL LIFE BUT ARGUE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE MUCH BETTER LOOKIN THAN THE BIRDS THAT U SEE IN YOUR LOCAL CLUBS

  • DeclanT85733 DeclanT85733 | 17 Feb 10

    even take off his cloths ha :)

  • DaniiWho DaniiWho | 24 Jan 10

    Rufus Hound will do anything to win an argument hahaaa :D

  • DaniiWho DaniiWho | 24 Jan 10

    This Show is Brilliant i would say its in Week i line with Mock the Week i have to watch them both :)

Displaying 31 to 36 of 71

  • stephaniewoohoo stephaniewoohoo | 8 Dec 09

    shame the new series is over i look 4ward to the nxt 1 x

  • i love stephen fry i love stephen fry | 30 Nov 09

    this show is actually beautiful

  • ChrisS5234 ChrisS5234 | 17 Nov 09

    Just watched the episode of Argumental with Mark Watson & Hugh Dennis. I'm originally from Portsmouth, but Mark got it spot on - if you're travelling to Portsmouth at night on the train you're in trouble! Couldn't help laugh at this... There is, however, somewhere worse... It's called Southampton! =]

  • VickyS12869 VickyS12869 | 13 Nov 09

    Had a brainwave! I'm recording it on Dave Ja Vu! Clearly the second best channel (though with the best name!)

  • VickyS12869 VickyS12869 | 13 Nov 09

    Just watched the repeat and got even more notes! Still could really really do with some sort of transcript or some way of being able to pause and rewind it. Can anything be done to help me?

Displaying 36 to 41 of 71

  • VickyS12869 VickyS12869 | 10 Nov 09

    Hi, I'm not sure anyone can help me on here. I can't seem to find any sort of 'Contact Me' option. I'm currently studying for a Masters Dissertation on Religion and Popular Culture. The episode aired on 10-11-09 is really fantastic for my research! Is there any way of getting some sort of transcript for the episode so I can study it in more depth? Do love the show!

  • stephaniewoohoo stephaniewoohoo | 5 Nov 09

    lovin da new series , brigstocke is gr8 , you cant beat 'the gunt'gag

  • LaurenP54246 LaurenP54246 | 14 Oct 09

    I had such a horrific day yesterday, and my silver lining was knowing that Argumental was on later that evening. It did not disappoint. I nearly died laughing!! It cheered me up no end, and seeing Rufus Hound naked and doing yoga right infront of Marcus Brigstocke just to win a round in a game show was possibly one of the funniest (and most surreal) things I've ever seen. I love Argumental, thankyou Dave!! :D

  • RussellA131 RussellA131 | 12 Oct 09

    PS: We still haven't worked out a better caption for the pringles with a kitten in them ;-)

  • RussellA131 RussellA131 | 12 Oct 09

    RE: mickeyM63955 - that's definitely an argument in favour of introducing involuntary euthanasia for Jeremy Kyle fans! :-)

Displaying 41 to 46 of 71

  • mickeyM63955 mickeyM63955 | 11 Oct 09

    why not have an arguement on why on earth arguemental should be scrapped as its a load of rubbish!!!! marcus brigstock is not even funn and has been using the same material since he was first on tv. the other guy who has come from nowhere is even worse its the worst, not even funny programme on tv its on dave but never made it on mainstream TV doesnt that say something about how crap it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • lalalala123 lalalala123 | 31 Aug 09

    I have tickets to be in the argumental audience. However, it says on the eticket that it is first come first serve, so i should arrive as early as possible. Was just wondering how early they mean? Cheers

  • kimmiecat kimmiecat | 9 Aug 09

    i want to see marcus can anybody help?

  • kimmiecat kimmiecat | 6 Aug 09

    i watched argumental last night i thought the topics they had to argue where a bit unfair on marcus mind you i would say that i am totally besotted with him

  • kimmiecat kimmiecat | 5 Aug 09

    how come my comments have not been posted

Displaying 46 to 51 of 71

  • kimmiecat kimmiecat | 5 Aug 09

    i love marcus he is boss

  • kimmiecat kimmiecat | 12 Jul 09

    I think argumental is brilliant I think marcus brigstocke is hot Ilove the way he talks when he swears it really turns me on i would love to be in the audience but i cant get down to london hot

  • CHEEF CHEEF | 11 May 09

    Right does ANYONE know when this PS3 competition is ending. I may as well have bought one for a small fortune.....!!

  • lisa0581 lisa0581 | 10 May 09

    Rufus Hound is enough to make me watch it every monday..........PHWAR!!!!!!

  • nottzlad1 nottzlad1 | 5 May 09

    gt acdemy is a wikid program their so lucky to be doing what i wanna do

Displaying 51 to 56 of 71

  • angel82 angel82 | 3 May 09

    does anyone know why playstation is blurred out on some cars and on jackets?

  • iyan iyan | 21 Apr 09

    Help! What's happened to GT Academy this week? What' going on? Who's made it to the finals? Couldn't see it on Dave but it was listed on Dave Ja Vu. When I tuned in it was Speeders!?! I need to see it. Get it sorted, PLEASE! Iyan

  • CHEEF CHEEF | 7 Apr 09

    Just watched this today on Dave, Have to say I'm chuffed that Gran Turismo is being taken seriously now. It's about time! CHEEF

  • Roona Roona | 3 Feb 09

    anybody know how to get tickets for the filming of the new series?

  • langy16 langy16 | 3 Feb 09

    anybody else think this show is rubbish? spopils my monday nights :(

Displaying 56 to 61 of 71

  • Opiel16 Opiel16 | 14 Jan 09

    Love the show... Anyway, I don't suppose you'll be needing that cardboard cutout of Jeremy Clarkson anymore ,will you? Just wondering... ;)

  • Grindstonem Grindstonem | 6 Jan 09

    Argumental is the 1st Debatecom I've ever seen, and I'd say its pretty xxxxxx good, Rufus, Marcus and John are the great Trio which is Argumental! The only people that say that they dislike John Seargant are the ones who watch that damned Dance programme Strictly come Dancing!

  • shearsyboi shearsyboi | 5 Jan 09

    I actually find this program quite amusing. The comedians are quite popular, I mean, I recognise all of them and I don't pay any attention to celebrities. Honestly, some of them are actually quite funny. I suppose this program isn't probably aimed at the wee geeks, as they seem to take it all too seriously. Helloo... don't take comedy shows so seriously. It's a laugh, it's a giggle. Wayhey.

  • fredthefish fredthefish | 3 Jan 09

    John is a TERRIBLE host with absolutely no charisma or comedy talent whatsoever. He can read a teleprompter, which is just about enough to get by, but catch him off guard and he just doesn't come up with anything original whatsoever.

  • Space Alien Space Alien | 20 Dec 08

    There's something about this program that annoys me ...maybe it's because everyone is so posh and a bit snobby, mainly John, Marcus and Rufus...but then Marcus makes up for it for being so unbelievably cute and funny...

Displaying 61 to 66 of 71

  • TheComedian TheComedian | 19 Dec 08

    The majority of comedians on the Argumental program are extremely hilarious! I love the program and will do anything to watch every program. Thanks for running it, and also the other comedy programs.

  • lar1409 lar1409 | 24 Nov 08

    I love watching Argumental and you're right, the advert did not really do it much justice. As my TV practically lives on this Channel, I came across it that way. Although, is it me or am I the only one who thinks the guests Marcus has been up against each week is a little unfair. (Daro O'brien, Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, Johnny Vegas, and tonight Hugh Dennis, to name a few.) My point is that they are all well known and very funny comedians. I didn't even know who the guy was on Marcus's team tonight. I dont know if it's just me but It does seem a little one-sided!

  • mentalist queen mentalist queen | 23 Nov 08

    I love this programme. The name is not the greatest and the advertising is definately not the best I have ever seen but I think this is a brilliant show that maes me wish for monday to come round again. That is how much I love this, I wish for the most depressing day of the week to come round so that I can have a 40 minutelook at the geinious that is Marcus Brigstock, Rfus Hound and John Sergeant!

  • Fizzwidgit Fizzwidgit | 11 Nov 08

    Never judge a programme on advertising. This is a fantastic, top notch comedy quizcom, and I whole-heartedly reccommend it to all.

  • UKTV Moderator 7 UKTV Moderator 7 | 11 Nov 08

    Good programme, worth giving a try if you haven't already.

Displaying 66 to 71 of 71

  • Lilzz Lilzz | 7 Nov 08

    When I first saw the advert for this on Dave, I didn't think it looked very good. Looks can be deceiving, it's a brilliant show!

  • mattgc mattgc | 6 Nov 08

    Look I'm not usually a belligerent kinda fella but I direct you to this quote: "I certainly won't confront you on your opinions because... well, they're your opinions; I have no right to confront you on them, and I'm certainly not self-righteous enough to try and confront you so that you change them. People's tastes differ - Dave ask for comments, and you should be prepared for both positive and negative. It might help you occasionally to realise that the concept of differing opinions is not entirely an anomaly." Which infers that I also have no right to confront Monk on his opinions in return. I have no problem with people having differing points of view, but I do find it somewhat galling when I'm told that I have no right to question or challenge them if I don't agree.

  • mattgc mattgc | 5 Nov 08

    @The Monk. So in short you claim the god-given right to express your opinion on a public forum and have no-one question that opinion. Glad we cleared that one up.

  • mattgc mattgc | 4 Nov 08

    @ The Monk. So you appear to dislike Dave because it shows repeats and you absolutely despise Rufus Hound. Yet not only do you tune into the channel you dislike to watch a program co-hosted by a person you despise, you also join the website of the channel you dislike to post a red-mist diatribe. Are you some kind of masochist? Here's a tip. Find a channel you like that features talent you admire... and watch it! Simple really.

  • Steebs Steebs | 1 Nov 08

    Considering all the hype this was getting, it's actually pretty good in my opinion. One of the shows that actually make me laugh too!

Displaying 71 to 71 of 71