As of July 2026, University Challenge Season 42 aired in 2012 with 37 episodes — streaming now on BBC iPlayer. Full episode guide and where to watch below.
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University Challenge Season 42

2012 37 Episodes Talk ⭐ 6/10

University Challenge Season 42 is currently streaming on , and it delivers exactly the kind of format-driven drama that keeps people talking. Across 1 season, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 12 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. The casting and pacing are what separate this from the rest of the genre. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

University Challenge Season 42 arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. What separates University Challenge Season 42 from the rest of its genre is a genuine understanding of what its audience actually wants to watch. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as two teams of students battle it out Jeremy Paxman and Roger Tilling lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2012. The format has been replicated endlessly since University Challenge Season 42 first appeared, which is its own form of tribute. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Reality sceptics are warned — University Challenge Season 42 has converted more than a few doubters. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in a weekend, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Jeremy Paxman is a big part of why it works, but the format itself is the real star. The kind of thing that generates strong opinions in every room it is watched in.

📡 Where to Watch University Challenge Season 42

🇬🇧 United Kingdom
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🎬 University Challenge Season 42 — Episode Guide

E1
Trinity Laban v York
2012-07-16
In the opening match of the series, students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire do battle with the team representing the University of York. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E2
St George's, London v King's College, Cambridge
2012-07-23
In the second of the first-round matches, the medical students representing St George's, London, fight it out against King's College, Cambridge, for a place in the next round.
E3
Wadham College, Oxford v Bristol
2012-08-13
Students representing Wadham College, Oxford, do battle with the University of Bristol for a place in the second round. With Jeremy Paxman.
E4
Strathclyde v Durham
2012-08-20
Students from the University of Strathclyde fight it out with the University of Durham in a bid to get through to the second round. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E5
Queen Mary, London v Jesus College, Oxford
2012-08-27
The students from Queen Mary, London do battle with the team representing Jesus College, Oxford for a place in the next stage of the competition. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E6
Magdalen College, Oxford v Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge
2012-09-03
Magdalen College, Oxford play Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge for a place in the second round of the student quiz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E7
Lincoln College, Oxford v Manchester
2012-09-10
Lincoln College, Oxford fights it out against the University of Manchester in a bid to reach the next stage of the competition. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E8
Imperial College, London v Jesus College, Cambridge
2012-09-17
A team of students representing Imperial College, London, is up against Jesus College, Cambridge. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E9
St Andrews v Bangor
2012-09-24
Scotland battles Wales, as the University of St Andrews take on Bangor University in a bid to reach the next stage of the competition. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
Pembroke College, Cambridge v Lancaster
2012-10-01
A team of students representing Pembroke College, Cambridge is up against the University of Lancaster in another first round match. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E11
Bath v Liverpool
2012-10-08
The University of Bath plays Liverpool University in another first-round match of the student quiz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E12
UCL v Exeter
2012-10-15
University College London takes on the University of Exeter in a bid to get through to the second round. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E13
New College, Oxford v Homerton College, Cambridge
2012-10-22
The students representing New College, Oxford, do battle against Homerton College, Cambridge, for a place in the second round of the student quiz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E14
Warwick v Aberdeen
2012-10-29
Students from the University of Warwick and Aberdeen University face each other for a place in the second round. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E15
Lincoln College, Oxford v Lancaster
2012-11-05
In the first of the two highest scoring losers play-off matches, Lincoln College, Oxford plays Lancaster for a place in the second round. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E16
Homerton College, Cambridge v King's College, Cambridge
2012-11-12
In the last of the two highest-scoring losers play-off matches, Cambridge colleges Homerton College and King's College fight for a place in the second round.
E17
Pembroke College, Cambridge v Bath
2012-11-19
In the first of the second round matches, Pembroke College, Cambridge plays the University of Bath for a place in the quarter-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E18
York v New College, Oxford
2012-11-26
In another second-round match, the students representing the University of York do battle with New College, Oxford for a place in the quarter-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E19
Warwick v King's College, Cambridge
2012-12-03
In another second-round match, the students representing the University of Warwick fight it out with King's College, Cambridge, for a place in the quarter-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E20
St George's London v Lancaster
2012-12-10
In another second-round match, the medics of St George's London fight it out against Lancaster for a place in the quarter finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

🎭 Cast of University Challenge Season 42

Jeremy Paxman
Jeremy Paxman
Self - Presenter
RT
Roger Tilling
Self - Narrator

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