Pairing comedians with smart kids

Jack Dee is to host a new U&Dave comedy game show that pairs children with stand-up comedians.

In Help Me Tiny Big Brain, three young contestants known as ‘Tiny Big Brains’ are each paired with a comedian, who try their best not to ruin the youngsters’ chances of winning.

The comics appearing will be: Maisie Adam, Lucy Beaumont, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Ivo Graham, Guz Khan, Johnny Vegas, Tim Vine, Phil Wang and Sophie Willan.  

Dee said: ‘I will be asking some of the brightest young people in the country to collaborate with some top comedians in order to solve maddeningly frustrating problems. It’s fun, uplifting and has an irresistible feel-good vibe. Precisely the kind of thing I am best known for.’

The Belfast-based production company Stellify Media is making the show, which will run for four 40-minute episodes

Executive producer Tracie O’Neill said: ‘Pairing super smart kids with brilliant comedians under the guidance of Jack Dee was always going to lead to unpredictable chaos - and that’s exactly what makes Help Me Tiny Big Brain such a joy. It’s funny, smart and surprisingly full of heart.’

Gerald Casey, UKTV’s director of unscripted programming, orders the programme. He said: ‘Help Me Tiny Big Brain is an idea that the channel has been looking at for a long time, and I’m delighted we are finally bringing it to the screen. Jack Dee teaming up with three Tiny Big Brains to run the rule over UK comedy’s finest promises to be unique and hilarious viewing.’

The programme will air later this year on U&Dave and free streaming service U.

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Published: 26 Aug 2026