Distraction is a game show that aired on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom from 31 October 2003 to 11 June 2004. Presented by comedian Jimmy Carr, the show involves contestants answering questions while being distracted in various bizarre, painful and humiliating ways. Carr is aided by "distractors", who as the name suggests, attempt to distract the contestants painfully or emotionally. Examples include losing contestants, nudists, creepy carny guys, tattoo/piercing experts, professional wrestlers, midgets, Roller Derby girls, professional hockey players, professional volleyball players, paintball players, and a large bouncer-type male nicknamed "Tiny". Occasionally, a number of female assistants helped with some of the distractions; depending on the stunt being played, they could be referred to as "Jimmy's interns", "farmer girls", "schoolgirls" or "ammo ladies." A quiz book, featuring most of the distractions seen on the show, was released by Carlton Books in late 2004.
Distraction (Season 1)
Episode 1 (Episode 1)
Air date: 2010-10-08
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: In the opening show, the four volunteers must avoid being distracted by a food cannon - and by the dubious antics of several middle-aged nudes.
Episode 2 (Episode 2)
Air date: 2010-10-08
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Can four contestants rise above distraction caused by bubble machines, mousetrap buzzers and some unusual piercings?
Episode 3 (Episode 3)
Air date: 2010-10-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jimmy Carr hosts a game show that tests the contestants' physical endurance and mental strength with a host of fiendish challenges.
Episode 4 (Episode 4)
Air date: 2010-10-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Jimmy Carr tests the endurance of four more brave contestants as they try to avoid being driven to distraction.
Episode 5 (Episode 5)
Air date: 2010-10-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Electric shocks, burning money and edible snails are among the bizarre distractions created to throw this week's contestants off their stride.
Episode 6 (Episode 6)
Air date: 2010-10-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Wrestlers, pigeons, buzzers... the combination is more than enough to put four contestants of their game.
Episode 7 (Episode 7)
Air date: 2010-10-15
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Nudity, cactus buzzers and the Platter of Doom are just some of the surprises endured by the brave contestants.
Episode 8 (Episode 8)
Air date: 2010-10-15
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Can another batch of contestants rise above the trivial distraction caused by bubble machines and electrocution?
Episode 106 (Episode 9)
Air date: 2005-03-15
Runtime: 30 min
Episode 112 (Episode 10)
Air date: 2005-03-22
Runtime: 30 min
Episode 111 (Episode 11)
Air date: 2005-03-29
Runtime: 30 min
Episode 102 (Episode 12)
Air date: 2005-04-05
Runtime: 30 min