Harry Hill Reflects on the Toll of ‘TV Burp’ and Current Projects
Harry Hill, the comedian best known for hosting the British television comedy clip show Harry Hill’s TV Burp, has spoken candidly about the impact the show had on his mental and physical health. Hill hosted the show from 2001 to 2012, and it became a popular Saturday night staple for many British families.
The Pressure of ‘TV Burp’
In a recent interview with The Times, Hill revealed that the demanding schedule and pressure of creating TV Burp led to significant stress and anxiety. He described becoming paranoid, even believing he was the target of an assassination attempt in 2012 after noticing damage to his car windscreen even as with his children. Harry Hill’s TV Burp – Wikipedia
Hill acknowledged that he “did not respond well to stress” and that his behavior during this period was tough for his wife, artist Magda Archer. He recalled Archer creating a painting titled “My Life Is Crap,” which he worried was a reflection of his impact on her well-being. He credits Archer with grounding him during this challenging time.
‘TV Burp’ Format and Legacy
Harry Hill’s TV Burp, produced by Avalon Television for ITV, was a clip show that satirized and mocked clips from other television programs. The show’s format involved Hill providing comedic commentary on the previous week’s television schedule, often featuring sketches and parodies. Harry Hill’s TV Burp – Wikipedia The show ran for 11 series, totaling 161 episodes plus 5 specials.
The show garnered critical acclaim, winning two BAFTA Awards and receiving a total of 16 nominations. TV Burp (TV Series 2001–2012) – IMDb
Current Projects
Hill is currently hosting The Harry Hill Show on YouTube, featuring interviews with comedians such as Stewart Lee, Nish Kumar, and Phil Wang. Harry Hill’s TV Burp – Wikipedia He recently performed with CMAT on stage at Alexandra Palace, appearing as a dartboard during her performance of ‘Have Fun’. He has too expressed his appreciation for CMAT’s album ‘Euro-Country’, having discovered her through her Glastonbury 2025 performance.
Hill is known for his support of indie music, having previously supported Yard Act at their Leeds residency and joining Black Midi on stage to perform a Cardi B verse.