How to watch Only Connect Series 21 in the US

The long-running quiz show Only Connect returns for its 21st series. With its trademark blend of brain-teasing connections, clever team names, and dry wit, this new season promises another round of fiercely competitive intellectual combat, led once again by the ever-witty Victoria Coren Mitchell.

If you’re wondering when it starts, how to watch it, or what to expect this year, this detailed guide has you covered.

Only Connect 2025 – Series 21 Synopsis

Only Connect is not your average quiz show. Instead of straightforward trivia, contestants are challenged to make connections between seemingly unrelated clues, find sequences, untangle word puzzles, and decode cryptic logic grids. It’s a test of lateral thinking, teamwork, and cultural depth where knowledge alone isn’t enough.

Series 21 continues the legacy with 28 brand new episodes featuring quirky, passionate teams facing off in four unique rounds: Connections, Sequences, Connecting Wall, and Missing Vowels.

When Does Only Connect Series 21 Premiere

Only Connect Series 21 premieres on Monday, 21 July, 2025, at 8:00 PM on BBC Two. The season launches with a brand-new episode featuring the Whitley Baes versus the Caraxians, marking the start of another 28-episode run.

Who Is Hosting Only Connect Series 21

The series continues to be hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, known for her sharp wit, dry humour, and no-nonsense delivery. She has been the face of the show since its debut in 2008 and is beloved for her playful sarcasm and intellectual poise.

Only Connect 2025 Cast – Who’s Competing

The show features two teams of three players per episode, often with creative names referencing pop culture, academia, or hobbies.

Teams in Episode 1

Whitley Baes – A husband-wife-friend trio
Caraxians – Three fans of director Leos Carax

Episode 2 Teams

Oh No They Didn’t – Lovers of Pantomime and Alan Partridge
Pear Trees – Quirky logic enthusiasts

Only Connect Season 21 – Episode Guide

There are 28 episodes in Only Connect Season 21, and here is a list of episodes.

Episode 1 – Whitley Baes v Caraxians

Premiere: 21 July, 2025
Runtime: 28 minutes
Highlights: Connecting clues like President Carter, Actor Jones, and Assassin Ray

Episode 2 – Oh No They Didn’t v Pear Trees

Premiere: 28 July, 2025
Runtime: 28 minutes
Highlights: Clues include Inner Mongolia, New Mexico, South Holland, and East Azerbaija

Is Only Connect Suitable for All Ages

Yes. While the content is intellectually challenging, there is no inappropriate material, making it suitable for teenagers, adults, and family viewing. Younger kids might find it difficult, but there’s no age restriction.

FAQs

How many episodes are in Series 21

There are 28 episodes in total, airing weekly from July 21 2025 to early 2026.

Where is Only Connect filmed

It is filmed at Enfys Studios in Cardiff, Wales.

What makes Only Connect different from other quiz shows

Unlike most shows that rely on trivia, Only Connect focuses on making connections, completing sequences, sorting categories in a logic grid, and solving puzzles with missing vowels. It’s less about memorization and more about reasoning and pattern recognition.

Can I play Only Connect online

The BBC used to offer interactive Connecting Walls, but those games have been discontinued. However, many fan-made puzzles are available on quiz forums.

Who creates the puzzles for Only Connect

The puzzles are written by a team of expert quiz setters and editors, some of whom have even competed on the show in the past.

Only Connect Series 21 Preview

You can take a look at this:

We are past the mid point of July, the air is warm, the dahlias are flowering. Is it time to start relaxing for the summer, winding down and having some fun?

NO IT ISN’T.

Only Connect returns on Monday night, 8pm @BBCTwo

— Victoria Coren Mitchell (@VictoriaCoren) July 18, 2025

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