In the UK Distraction ran for 2 series (of 8 x 30 minute episodes each series) across Oct-Dec 2003 and Apr-Jun 2004.

Jimmy hosted the show and, if you don’t know what it is, this 2015 interview with Metro gives a flavour. See also the short clip below, found on YouTube (no indication of which series / episode it relates to).

The show did so well that Jimmy was commissioned to host 2 series in the US, in 2005-6 (separate post – here).

For anyone in the UK that can sign into C4 – series 1 is available on Demand (links shown below). I can’t find Series 2 anywhere and I could only identify the writers for a handful of episodes.

Note – Writers on Ep3 and 4, Andrew and Steve Dawson, went on to work with Jimmy many times, over the years. Most recently as co-writers on Fackham Hall (as The Dawson Brothers).

S1 Ep1 (officially the pilot)

Broadcast 31-10-2002: Here

In the opening show, the four volunteers must avoid being distracted by a food cannon – and by the dubious antics of several middle-aged nudes.

Writers: Frankie Boyle / Jim Muir (aka Vic Reeves) / Phil Tredinnick

S1 Ep2

Broadcast 7-11-2003: Here

Can four contestants rise above distraction caused by bubble machines, mousetrap buzzers and some unusual piercings?

Writers: Frankie Boyle / Jim Muir / Phil Tredinnick

S1 Ep3

Broadcast 14-11-2003: Here

Jimmy Carr hosts a game show that tests the contestants’ physical endurance and mental strength with a host of fiendish challenges.

Writers; Andrew Dawson / Steve Dawson / Phil Tredinnick

S1 Ep4

Broadcast 21-11-2003: Here

Jimmy Carr tests the endurance of four more brave contestants as they try to avoid being driven to distraction.

Writers: Andrew Dawson / Steve Dawson / Phil Tredinnick

S1 Ep5

Broadcast 28-11-2003: Here

Electric shocks, burning money and edible snails are among the bizarre distractions created to throw this week’s contestants off their stride.

S1 Ep6

Broadcast 5-12-2003: Here

Wrestlers, pigeons, buzzers… the combination is more than enough to put four contestants of their game.

S1 Ep7

Broadcast 12-12-2003: Here

Nudity, cactus buzzers and the Platter of Doom are just some of the surprises endured by the brave contestants.

S1 Ep8

Broadcast 19-12-2003: Here

Can another batch of contestants rise above the trivial distraction caused by bubble machines and electrocution?

Series 2 (UK)

S2 Ep1 – shown 16-4-2004

S2 Ep2 – shown 23-4-2004

S2 Ep3 – shown 30-4-2004

S2 Ep4 – shown 7-5-2004

S2 Ep5 – shown 14-5-2004

S2 Ep6 – shown 28-5-2004

S2 Ep7 – shown 4-6-2004

S2 Ep8 – shown 11-6-2004         

Distraction on IMDB can be found: Here

Apple TV have Series 1 listed (not sure if it’s still available): Here