Netflix Quietly Streams 'Quiz' Drama on Infamous Game Show Cheat Scandal
Netflix has discreetly added the acclaimed drama series Quiz to its streaming library, offering viewers a chance to delve into one of the most bizarre real-life controversies of the past decade. Originally released on ITV in 2020, this gripping three-part series explores the scandal surrounding Charles Ingram, the former army major who became known as the 'coughing major' after his appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
The Story Behind the Series
Written by James Graham and based on his play of the same name, as well as the book Bad Show: the Quiz, the Cough, the Millionaire Major by Bob Woffinden and James Plaskett, Quiz recounts how Ingram won the £1,000,000 jackpot in 2001, only to have his winnings withheld. He was later convicted of procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception, a charge that stemmed from allegations of cheating aided by suspicious coughs from the audience.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series features a stellar ensemble cast, including Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Ingram, Sian Clifford as his wife Diana, and Michael Sheen portraying the iconic host Chris Tarrant. Supporting roles are played by Mark Bonnar, Helen McCrory, and Michael Jibson, among others. Airing during the pandemic, Quiz attracted a massive audience, with its first episode drawing 5.3 million viewers in the UK.
Critics and viewers alike praised the series, with The Guardian noting its addictive quality and ability to humanise the story while highlighting its oddities. Metro described it as a balance of farce and high art, dissecting perceptions of truth, while Empire lauded its final episode as a modern parable about opposing narratives.
Behind the Scenes Insights
In a revealing podcast interview, writer James Graham shared that while Sian Clifford alternated her views on the Ingrams' guilt, Matthew Macfadyen kept his opinions private. Director Stephen Frears encouraged Macfadyen to perform takes with different interpretations of guilt, adding depth to the portrayal. This ambiguity allowed the drama to explore the complexities of the case without taking a definitive stance.
The Real-Life Scandal and Aftermath
For those unfamiliar, Charles Ingram appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in September 2001, with his behaviour raising suspicions due to odd answer changes and patterned coughs from the audience. He, along with his wife Diana and fellow contestant Tecwen Whittock, were arrested and convicted. The Ingrams received an 18-month suspended sentence and fines, while Whittock faced a shorter sentence.
Since then, Ingram has written novels and appeared on other TV shows, but the scandal has had lasting repercussions, including further fraud charges unrelated to the quiz show. The judge considered his financial state and self-inflicted punishment in sentencing, highlighting the profound impact of the controversy.
Availability and Legacy
Quiz is now available for streaming on both ITVX and Netflix, allowing a new audience to engage with this captivating story. The series serves as a reminder of how a simple game show can unravel into a national debate on truth, deception, and the human desire for fortune.
