A Stab in the Dark

A Stab In The Dark was a British television programme of topical monologues and discussion screened on Channel 4 in 1992. It was hosted by comedian David Baddiel, journalist, future Conservative MP and schools secretary Michael Gove and critic and television presenter Tracey MacLeod. The monologues, often containing very dark humour, were delivered straight to camera by each host in turn before a small studio audience on a stark set with numerous staircases. Sometimes relevant guests were invited on to further or contradict a point, including Conservative MPs Jerry Hayes and Alan Clark. One of the more memorable routines was Baddiel’s contention, in opposition to contemporary feminist orthodoxy, that the word "cunt" should be reclaimed as a term of abuse, and no longer be used to refer to female genitalia. His task was made harder by the fact that the producers would not allow him to say the word itself. Viewing figures were not encouraging and the show ran for a single season. It has never been repeated.