Watch Trigger Happy TV

Trigger Happy TV is a hidden camera comedy series that originally aired from 2000-2003 on Channel 4 in the UK and later on Comedy Central in the US. Hosted by British comedian Dom Joly, the show involved Joly and his team of actors pranking unsuspecting members of the public in various locations, such as parks, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Unlike other hidden camera shows that often involved humiliating or embarrassing their targets, Trigger Happy TV was largely harmless and focused on making people laugh. Joly's pranks often involved surreal moments, such as dressing up in giant animal costumes, aggressively honking a large horn in public, or conducting absurd interviews with bystanders about made-up news stories.

The show was divided into several segments, including "The Big Mobile," which involved Joly using a giant mobile phone to create chaos in public spaces, "Mr. Hell," in which Joly wore a devil costume and played pranks on people, and "The Stuntman," where Joly dressed up as a stuntman and performed outrageous stunts in public places.

One of the show's most popular segments was "The Guy in the Big Suit," which involved Joly dressed up in a large animal costume and engaging in absurd behavior in front of unsuspecting members of the public. The segment was later adapted into a feature film called "Trigger Happy TV: The Movie."

Another popular segment was "The Antics Roadshow," which involved Joly showcasing funny home videos sent in by viewers. The segment was inspired by the popular BBC series "The Antiques Roadshow" and was one of the few parts of the show that did not involve hidden camera pranks.

Throughout the show's run, Joly became known for his distinctive catchphrase, "HELLOOOO," which he would shout at the beginning of each episode to introduce himself to viewers.

Trigger Happy TV was a hit with audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its innovative format and Joly's comedic talent. The show was nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Comedy Programme.

Despite its success, the show was not without controversy. Some critics accused Joly of exploiting his targets for laughs, while others criticized the show's use of hidden cameras as invasive and unethical.

Nevertheless, Trigger Happy TV remains a cult classic, beloved by fans for its surreal humor and irreverent approach to comedy. Joly went on to star in several other TV shows and films, but none captured the same anarchic spirit as Trigger Happy TV.