Everyone Loves a Bit of Bully!

There are not many shows that people who watched telly in the 80's remember as fondly as Bullseye. With its unforgettable blend of trivia, darts, and cheeky charm, the show became a TV staple throughout the 1980s and early '90s. Now after a long absence (excusing a few mis-hits) Bullseye is making a welcome return onto our TVs in 2025 — and it’s bringing a modern twist to its classic formula.

Bullseye first aired on ITV in 1981 and was hosted by the beloved Cheshire comedian Jim Bowen, whose warm wit and iconic catchphrases ("Super, smashing, great!") became part of the national lexicon. The show paired general knowledge with darts, featuring teams of two: one answering questions (the "knower") and the other throwing darts (the "thrower"). The goal? To win prizes ranging from modest household items to — famously — speedboats, regardless of whether contestants lived anywhere near water. 

The show’s unique format with its low-budget charm and Bowen’s affable hosting, made it a massive hit. At its peak Bullseye was watched by over 17 million viewers making it one of the most-popular game shows on British TV.

And now with the incredible rise in popularity of darts among a whole new cohort Bullseye is back — this time with a fresh coat of paint and a new host at the helm: Freddie Flintoff, the former England cricketer. Following a successful Christmas special in 2024 that drew over 8 million viewers, ITV has commissioned a full series, which will premiere on November 9th at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX (in the UK).

The reboot stays true to the original format: three teams of two (a thrower and a knower) compete in a mix of darts and trivia, aiming for points, prizes, and the chance to win Bully’s Mystery Star Prize. But this time, the show adds a modern twist with professional darts players joining the action and Richard Ashdown returning as the Master of Ceremonies.

What makes Bullseye so enduring? It’s the perfect storm of nostalgia, simplicity, and good-natured fun. The 2025 version taps into that legacy while updating the production values and injecting new energy through Flintoff’s charisma and the inclusion of pro darts stars.

Whether or not you remember the show from watching it on your house's only (box) TV with the whole family gathered round this old school British show promises to be a whole lot of fun! 

So dust off your dartboard, brush up on your trivia, and get ready to shout “You can’t beat a bit of Bully!” — Bullseye is back, and it’s aiming straight for the minds of a new generation. 

If you missed the Bullseye Christmas special it is still available on the ITV website.