Richard Osman is preparing to say goodbye to House of Games after almost a decade in the presenter’s chair – but fans will not have to wait long to see what he does next.
The television presenter and bestselling author is stepping down from the BBC quiz show after nine years, with actor Michael Sheen lined up to take over.
Osman’s final week is now underway, giving viewers a final chance to see the original host preside over the popular BBC Two quiz before the show enters a new era.
But when exactly is Richard Osman’s last episode of House of Games, why is he leaving and what is his new ITV game show?
When is Richard Osman’s last episode of House of Games?
Where to Watch Richard Osman’s final week on House of Games: His last episodes began on Monday, September 28, 2026, with his final episode scheduled to air on Friday, October 2.
The episodes are airing at 6pm on BBC Two, with viewers also able to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The final week has been given a special twist, with four previous winners returning for the first-ever Champion of Champion of Champions competition.
They are Miles Jupp, Cariad Lloyd, Lucy Porter and Kiell Smith-Bynoe.
BBC programme information confirms that Osman is taking the host’s seat for one final week before handing the baton to a new presenter.
Osman has also confirmed that his final week marks the end of his run on the programme, telling fans that the following week will begin the new era of Michael Sheen’s House of Games.
When is Richard Osman’s final House of Games episode?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Final week begins | Monday, September 28, 2026 |
| Richard Osman’s final episode | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Time | 6pm |
| Channel | BBC Two |
| Streaming | BBC iPlayer |
| New host | Michael Sheen |
Why is Richard Osman leaving House of Games?
Osman announced earlier this year that he was stepping down after nine years as host.
One of the reasons he has given is the amount of time required to make the programme.
House of Games produces around 110 episodes a year, and Osman explained that filming the show takes up several months of his schedule, preventing him from concentrating on his writing.
Speaking about his decision, Osman said he did not want to leave the programme and see it disappear because he loved the team behind it.
He is also now a hugely successful novelist, best known for The Thursday Murder Club series, and continues to work on his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment.
Osman has therefore been gradually reducing his television commitments, having previously stepped down from Pointless in 2022.
What is Richard Osman doing next?
Rather than disappearing from television altogether, Osman is moving to ITV for a brand-new quiz show called The Golden Elevators.
The series has been officially commissioned by ITV and will be hosted by Osman.
It comes from Studio Lambert, the production company behind shows including The Traitors, and Talpa Studios.
The format is very different from House of Games.
What is The Golden Elevators about?
The Golden Elevators puts 10 contestants inside the lobby of a giant skyscraper, where they must answer a series of seemingly simple A or B questions.
The twist is that each answer is represented by one of two elevators.
Contestants have to decide which lift contains the correct answer before the doors close.
Choose correctly and they move closer to the penthouse.
Choose incorrectly and everyone inside the wrong elevator is sent back to the lobby and eliminated.
The contestants can discuss the questions, persuade one another and even attempt to mislead their rivals before making their choice.
The ultimate aim is to reach the penthouse and claim a huge cash jackpot.
However, there is another twist: the prize can be shared between everyone who reaches the top, or a player could potentially try to manipulate the game and take the money for themselves.
ITV describes it as a high-stakes quiz show built around simple A-or-B questions.
Osman has already joked that he calls the programme “The Golden Lifts”.
He said he signed up after being shown the game and described it as a quiz show unlike anything he had seen before.
When is The Golden Elevators on ITV?
ITV has confirmed that The Golden Elevators is coming to the broadcaster, with Richard Osman as host.
However, ITV has not yet announced a confirmed broadcast date.
That means viewers will have to wait for further details about when the new series will premiere on ITV and ITVX.
What is clear is that Osman is not leaving television behind – he is moving from one quiz format to another, with The Golden Elevators giving him a completely new format to front.
Who is replacing Richard Osman on House of Games?
Michael Sheen is taking over as the host of House of Games.
The Welsh actor was announced as Osman’s successor earlier this year and will begin presenting the programme immediately after Osman’s final week.
Sheen is making his quiz-show hosting debut with the programme.
The show will also undergo a title change, becoming Michael Sheen’s House of Games.
Osman revealed that a handover between the two presenters was filmed, allowing the original host to pass the show on to his successor.
The new era begins in the week after Osman’s final episodes.
When does Michael Sheen start House of Games?
Michael Sheen takes over from Monday, October 5, 2026, following Richard Osman’s final episode on Friday, October 2.
The programme will continue to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Sheen will therefore become only the second permanent presenter of the quiz show, following Osman’s nine-year run.
What happens to House of Games after Richard Osman leaves?
The BBC quiz show is continuing rather than ending with Osman’s departure.
The format remains in place, but the programme is entering a new era under Michael Sheen.
Osman has said he is delighted that the show is continuing, particularly because of the team who work behind the scenes.
For viewers, the biggest change will be seeing a different personality sitting behind the famous House of Games desk.
Richard Osman’s House of Games exit explained
Richard Osman’s departure does not mark the end of his television career.
Instead, he is swapping BBC Two for ITV and House of Games for The Golden Elevators, while continuing his work as an author and podcaster.
His final House of Games episode airs on Friday, October 2, before Michael Sheen takes over the following Monday.
For fans of Osman’s quiz-show style, there is therefore another game show to look forward to – but this time, instead of four celebrities competing across a week of quirky challenges, 10 contestants will be choosing between two elevators with a potentially huge cash prize waiting at the top.
Richard Osman’s House of Games exit: quick answers
When is Richard Osman’s final House of Games episode?
Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6pm on BBC Two.
Who is replacing Richard Osman?
Michael Sheen.
When does Michael Sheen start House of Games?
Monday, October 5, 2026.
What is Richard Osman’s new ITV show called?
The Golden Elevators.
What is The Golden Elevators about?
Ten contestants answer A-or-B questions by choosing between two elevators. Choosing correctly takes them towards the penthouse, while choosing incorrectly can eliminate them from the game.
When is The Golden Elevators on ITV?
ITV has commissioned the show but has not yet announced its broadcast date.
Is Richard Osman leaving television?
No. He is moving to ITV for The Golden Elevators while continuing his writing and podcast work.
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