University Challenge: 1996/1997
Testing university quiz show.
Season 26 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of University Challenge Season 25.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Season overview
Testing university quiz show.
Episode Guide
Season 26 Progress Shield
Newnham College, Cambridge v L.S.E.
Dec 10, 1996 · 30 min
Jeremy Paxman presens the general knowledge quiz between teams from Newnham College, Cambridge and the London School of Economics.
West of England v Surrey
Jan 13, 1997 · 30 min
Jeremy Paxman chairs the general knowledge quiz between teams from the University of the West of England and Surrey University
The Open University v Swansea
Jan 27, 1997 · 30 min
Jeremy Paxman hosts the general-knowledge quiz with teams from University of Wales, Swansea and the Open University, which includes one of the oldest contestants to take part - a 7
Magdalen College, Oxford v University of the West of England, Bristol
Feb 26, 1997 · 30 min
Magdalen College, Oxford return to take on the University of the West of England, Bristol in the first of eight second-round matches. Jeremy Paxman is the discerning quizmaster.
Newnham College, Cambridge v Harris Manchester College, Oxford
Mar 26, 1997 · 30 min
Newnham College, Cambridge take on Harris Manchester College, Oxford for a place in the quarter-finals.
St Catharine's College, Cambridge v Exeter College, Oxford
Apr 9, 1997 · 30 min
Jeremy Paxman welcomes St. Catharine's College, Cambridge and Exeter College, Oxford to the general-knowledge quiz show.
Magdalen College, Oxford v Queen's University, Belfast
Apr 23, 1997 · 30 min
Magdalen College, Oxford and Queen's College, Belfast compete in the quarter-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
Exeter College, Oxford v The Open University
May 14, 1997 · 30 min
Jeremy Paxman presents the last quarter-final, as Exeter College, Oxford take on Open University for a place in the semi-finals.
Final: Magdalen College, Oxford v The Open University
Jun 4, 1997 · 30 min
Magdalen College, Oxford and the Open University battle it out in the final. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions and Germaine Greer presents the trophy to the winners.