Richard Osman

Creator & Co-Host of BBC’s ‘Pointless’, Regular Guest on ‘Would I Lie to You?’ & ‘Have I Got News for You’, & Bestselling Author of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ Series

Richard Osman’s Biography:

Richard Osman is a bestselling author, television presenter and producer best known as the creator and co-host of the hugely successful BBC quiz show Pointless and the author of The Thursday Murder Club series. Combining sharp wit, intelligence and a highly engaging on-screen presence, Richard has become one of the UK’s most recognisable broadcasting and literary figures. His transition from television executive to internationally bestselling novelist has cemented his reputation as one of Britain’s leading modern storytellers.

Richard studied Politics and Sociology at Trinity College, Cambridge, between 1989 and 1992 before beginning his career in television production. He worked behind the scenes in the television industry throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including senior roles at Endemol UK, where he helped develop and produce major entertainment formats. His breakthrough as an on-screen personality came with Pointless in 2009, the BBC quiz show he co-created and co-presented, which became one of the corporation’s most popular daytime programmes.

Alongside Pointless, Richard expanded his broadcasting career through programmes such as Richard Osman’s House of Games, which launched in 2017 and quickly became a major BBC success. He also became a regular face on British panel shows, including Would I Lie to You?, QI and Have I Got News for You. In parallel with his television work, Richard launched his writing career with The Thursday Murder Club in 2020, achieving extraordinary commercial success and establishing himself as one of the UK’s bestselling crime authors.

Richard’s literary success has continued to grow internationally, with The Thursday Murder Club series selling millions of copies worldwide and being adapted for film. In recognition of his contribution to broadcasting and literature, he was appointed OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours. Known for his warmth, humour and storytelling ability, Richard has successfully bridged the worlds of television, publishing and entertainment, becoming one of the UK’s most influential creative figures.

Why Hire Richard Osman?

Richard is hired as a speaker for his exceptional storytelling ability, creative insight and experience across both broadcasting and publishing. Having built successful television formats and become an internationally bestselling novelist, he offers audiences valuable perspectives on creativity, communication and entertainment.

His talks explore topics such as writing, television production, storytelling and popular culture, often combining humour with behind-the-scenes insight from his work in media and publishing. With his engaging personality and natural wit, Richard delivers highly entertaining and insightful presentations that resonate with audiences across corporate, literary and live event settings.

Richard Osman’s Career Highlights:

Below are some of Richard Osman’s most notable career milestones:

  • 2026 – Appointed OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to literature and broadcasting.
  • 2019 – Viking Press acquired the rights to The Thursday Murder Club and another novel for a seven-figure sum.
  • 2017 – Launched Richard Osman’s House of Games which became a major BBC quiz show success.
  • 2009 – Co-created and began hosting the BBC quiz show Pointless.
  • 2000s – Served as Creative Director of Endemol UK producing major entertainment formats.
  • 1990s – Worked at Hat Trick Productions building his television production career.
  • 1989 – 1992 – Studied Politics and Sociology at Trinity College, Cambridge.