Viewers of University Challenge were left astonished on March 10, 2025, when contestants struggled with what many deemed basic questions during the episode broadcast on BBC Two. The quiz show, recognized for its challenging trivia and bright contestants, featured Warwick University competing against Christ's College, Cambridge, and it quickly turned surprising as the first question left them stumped.
Host Amol Rajan posed the opening question about the 1977 film _Close Encounters of the Third Kind_, which centers around the iconic Devil's Tower, located in Northeast Wyoming. While the movie's recognition should be relatively common knowledge among trivia enthusiasts, the members of the Warwick team were baffled. One contestant even remarked, "I had no idea," which led them to pass on the question. Rajan revealed the answer, sparking disbelief and humor among viewers who commented on the incident, one stating, "Heathens!" This widespread astonishment underscored the viewer's expectations for higher knowledge levels from the competing teams.
Yet the show's troubles didn’t conclude with the movie question. Viewers also reacted strongly to the subsequent query about the historical figure who signed multiple major American documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. This question, reportedly posed to gauge how well the contestants knew fundamental American history, was answered quickly by Warwick's Siddle, who correctly identified Benjamin Franklin. Afterward, viewers took to social media to express their frustrations, with one tweeting, "Actually too easy #UniversityChallenge," indicating the perceived simplicity of the question.
The episode marked another important competition moment as Christ's Cambridge emerged as the winner with 205 points, defeating Warwick, which finished with 155 points. Amol Rajan praised their performance and commended Warwick for their impressive comeback after falling significantly behind during the show. "You came back incredibly well against a strong team. It's not the end. We will see you again," he told Warwick’s team, highlighting both the competitive spirit and graciousness of the program.
Turning back to the audience reactions, many were compelled to voice their opinions about contestants’ responses. One viewer expressed burning curiosity, saying, "Turns out I know more about Wyoming (at least in films) than I thought!" Another commentator humorously reflected, "Years of working at Blockbuster paid off" when they revealed their own knowledge of the film. The juxtaposition of these viewer responses against the competitive missteps of the contestants painted a vivid picture of fan engagement with the show.
Notably, the episode also showcased some lighthearted moments, including commentary on contestant Thomas Hart's unusual buzzing technique, which amused and distracted viewers. Fans took to X to remark on his habit, labeling it "The Hart Attack," referring to his unconventional method of buzzing during questions. This was not the first time viewers had mentioned these quirks; audience reactions from previous episodes indicated similar fascination with contestant habits, particularly when Hart showcased his odd signaling technique during his match-ups.
Reflecting on the episode's highs and lows, it's evident why viewers continue to tune in weekly to University Challenge. The clash of knowledge, quirky contestant behaviors, and the wit of host Amol Rajan create compelling television for audiences who enjoy competition and camaraderie. The anticipation for the next episode already builds, as the show prepares to return on March 17, 2025, at 8:30 pm, promising another round of mind-bending questions and perhaps more surprises for fans. Viewers look forward to the future possibility of suspense as they await to see who will edge closer to victory within the competition, continuing the tradition of rigorous academic challenge.