
The 1 Percent Club – Complete Guide to Lee Mack’s Hit ITV Quiz
Since its debut in 2022, The 1% Club has become one of the most talked-about quiz shows on British television. Hosted by comedian Lee Mack, the programme tests logic and common sense rather than factual knowledge, making it a rare format where an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old can compete on equal footing. With over 6 million viewers per episode and 43 million total viewers by early 2026, the show has won a BAFTA nomination and a National Television Award, cementing its place as ITV’s biggest original quiz launch in more than a decade.
Each episode starts with 100 contestants, each given a £1,000 stake. They answer questions that become progressively harder, based on surveys showing what percentage of the British public can answer correctly. A wrong answer means elimination, and the contestant’s stake is added to a growing prize pot. The last contestant standing wins £10,000 and gets a chance to answer the final 1% question for the full pot of up to £100,000. This simple but tense format, combined with Mack’s quick‑fire humour, has drawn a loyal audience and a companion mobile game that keeps fans engaged between broadcasts.
What Is The 1% Club? (Explanation, Host, and Premise)
A logic‑based quiz where contestants face a question that only 1% of Britain can answer, competing for £100,000.
Lee Mack, known for his comedic style and quick wit, hosting since the show’s launch in 2022.
ITV in the UK, also available on STV Player, with international distribution varying by region.
A companion mobile game app (“The 1% Club: TV Show Quiz Game”) offering daily challenges.
Key Insights
- The show has strong repeatability because of its unique “IQ test” format rather than pure trivia.
- The mobile game extends brand reach beyond the TV broadcast, engaging audiences daily.
- The show’s popularity is reflected in its NTAs win (2025).
- Production location change reflects scalability/practical concerns as the show grows.
- Episodes run approximately 46–48 minutes, with a festive special in Season 5.
- Viewers can play along via an official app during live broadcasts.
- Over 40 million streams have been recorded across platforms.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | 9 April 2022 |
| Network | ITV (UK), STV (Scotland) |
| Host | Lee Mack |
| Prize | £100,000 |
| Mobile App | The 1% Club: TV Show Quiz Game (Google Play / App Store) |
| Season Count (as of March 2025) | 5 regular seasons + specials (e.g., Soccer Aid special) |
| Notable Awards | Winner at the 2025 National Television Awards |
How Does The 1% Club Work? (Rules, Format, and Prize)
Core Structure
The show begins with 100 contestants. Each receives a £1,000 stake. Questions are drawn from scientific surveys that determine what percentage of the UK population can answer them correctly. Round progression typically follows thresholds: 90%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 2%, and finally the 1% question. A wrong answer means elimination, and the loser’s £1,000 is added to the prize pot. The last surviving player wins £10,000 and a chance to answer the 1% question for the full pot, which can reach £100,000.
The “Pay to Pass” Option
At certain points, contestants can spend their stake to skip a question. That £1,000 transfers to the pot. This strategic choice adds a layer of risk management rarely seen in other quizzes.
No general knowledge is required. All questions rely on logic and common sense. This is why the show’s creators say an 8-year-old has as much chance as an 80-year-old.
What Is the 1% Question?
The climactic 1% question is designed so that only 1% of the population can solve it. It is always a logic puzzle—never a trivia fact. Contestants who reach this stage have already outlasted 99 others and must answer correctly to win the entire prize pot.
Where Can You Watch or Stream The 1% Club?
Primary Platform: ITV and ITVX
Episodes air live on ITV1 and are available on ITVX (free with ads or Premium ad‑free). The festive special (Season 5, Episode 23) aired on 25 December at 9:15pm and can be streamed on ITVX.
Other Streaming Options
Viewers in Scotland can watch via STV Player. Full seasons are also available on Apple TV (subscription) and Sky Go (next day). YouTube hosts full episodes from Season 5 (e.g., Episode 1) and Season 5 Episode 11 can be found on Dailymotion. For international viewers, ITVX with a VPN is often the most reliable option; streaming rights outside the UK remain limited.
Is The 1% Club on Netflix?
As of May 2026, there is no confirmed Netflix or Amazon Prime Video deal. The primary streaming home remains ITVX and STV Player.
The 1% Club Seasons: What Is the Latest Season (Season 5)?
Season 5 Airing Details
Season 5 of The 1% Club premiered on ITV1 on Saturday, 10 January 2026 (per TV Zone UK). However, some episodes appeared earlier on YouTube (e.g., Episode 1 uploaded on 12 October 2025) and on ITVX listings showing a 21 March 2025 air date, suggesting regional previews or staggered release. The season includes 23 episodes, with a festive special on 25 December 2025. No major format changes were reported.
A Soccer Aid special has aired, and Season 5 includes a festive edition with holiday‑themed questions. More celebrity editions may follow.
The 1% Club Timeline: How Has the Show Evolved?
- April 2022: The 1% Club premieres on ITV with Lee Mack as host.
- 2022–2024: Seasons 1–4 air to strong ratings and critical acclaim.
- 2024: The 1% Club mobile game app is released.
- Late 2024/Early 2025: Season 5 begins filming.
- 2025: Show wins National Television Award; news breaks about filming moving to London from the North.
- Present: Season 5 airs (or is imminent); fans can stream past episodes on ITVX/STV Player and play the daily quiz game.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About The 1% Club?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The show airs on ITV, hosted by Lee Mack, as an IQ‑style elimination quiz for £100k. | The precise date for the Season 5 finale (if currently airing) or future seasons beyond 5. |
| Winner at the 2025 National Television Awards. | Exact number of episodes per season for Season 5 (varies by season). |
| Filming moved to London in 2025. (Source: The Sun, corroborated by ITV sources.) | International streaming rights beyond ITV/STV (e.g., Netflix, Prime Video). |
| A mobile game app exists and is available on Google Play. | Official reasons for the filming location change have not been detailed in public statements. |
Why Does The 1% Club Stand Out in the Quiz Show Landscape?
The show uses a flat 1%‑difficulty bar for its climactic question, creating an “all‑or‑nothing” tension that is unique among UK game shows. Its success is partly due to Lee Mack’s comedic hosting and the show’s intellectual appeal without being elitist. The companion app represents a transmedia strategy that keeps the brand visible year‑round. The move of filming to London likely reflects the show’s major status, allowing for a larger studio and easier talent access, though the change has sparked discussion among Northern audiences.
Sources and Official Statements
“The 1% Club is a logic‑based quiz where contestants face a question that only 1% of Britain can answer, competing for £100,000.”
— ITV official description, via ITVX
“The show has become the UK’s biggest original quiz show in over a decade, regularly drawing over 6 million viewers per episode.”
— ITV press materials, reported by Wikipedia
“ITV’s The 1% Club has moved filming from the North to London.”
— The Sun, 2025
Additional details on the mobile app can be found on Google Play and the STV Player.
What’s Next for The 1% Club?
With Season 5 currently airing and a popular mobile game extending its reach, The 1% Club shows no signs of slowing down. Viewers can watch new episodes on ITV1 and ITVX, and official announcements about future seasons and international streaming deals are expected. For more on top TV shows in 2026, see Top Series to Watch Right Now: Best TV Shows in 2026. Meanwhile, the end of another long‑running quiz series is covered in Never Mind the Buzzcocks Ends in 2025 After 33 Seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About The 1% Club
Can I watch The 1% Club outside the UK?
Mostly available via ITVX with a VPN or occasional international syndication. Check local listings for specific availability.
How many questions do contestants face?
The exact number varies per episode; the format involves gradual elimination rounds (e.g., 90%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%).
Are there age restrictions to appear on The 1% Club?
Likely 18+. Check official ITV application terms for precise requirements.
How do I get the 1% Club game app?
Search “The 1% Club” on Google Play or the Apple App Store. The official app offers daily challenges.
When did Season 1 of The 1% Club air?
9 April 2022.
Who hosts The 1% Club?
Lee Mack has been the sole host since the show’s launch in 2022.
What is the top prize on The 1% Club?
Up to £100,000, awarded to a contestant who answers the final 1% question correctly.
Does The 1% Club have a mobile app?
Yes, the official app allows viewers to play along during episodes and features replica questions.
Why did The 1% Club move filming to London?
Reports from The Sun indicate a move in 2025, but ITV has not issued an official public statement detailing the reasons.
Is The 1% Club suitable for children?
The show is family‑friendly; it requires logic and common sense, not specialised knowledge. Viewing age is not restricted.