The Review Show

So, I think I'm right in saying that the first Review Show since the programme went monthly and started airing on BBC Four was tonight, and it's all a bit different. They've got new graphics and music, and instead of coming from a small set the other side of the Reporting Scotland studio, they're coming from that area that Newsnight Scotland occasionally use when they have a special edition of the programme, in an open area in the middle of Pacific Quay. They've even put some dark lighting in the area around them and it looks like they've draped a massive banner or something with a bit of the Review Show's graphics on it on a wall far behind them, to give a better background. From a presentation point of view, it seems like a quite nice change. I think the only thing that remains from the old studio are the chairs, but even those were replaced by a sofa some time ago, so haven't been seen for some time.

Yep, and viewing figures have fallen 80% as a result of the move to BBC4: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22253093

Big mistake to move it really.

They probably knew that would happen. The objective would have been to save money, in that case not really a mistake. They can save even more money if they can now justify axing it all together due to hardly anyone watching it.

As a format it does feel really dated. Surely there are better ways to do arts coverage than sitting round a table discussing it? Wouldn't surprise me if it was quietly pulled in favour of a more modern format.

Isn't that The Culture Show though, the more modern equivalent?

Better, possibly. Cheaper, probably not.