Every season of The Culture Show ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of The Culture Show!

Verity Sharp presents an accessible guide to the best exhibitions, books, films and music. As Disney's effects-laden The Incredibles opens in cinemas, The Culture Show considers the future of traditional hand-painted animation. And David Hockney talks to Andrew Marr about his new book Hockney's Pictures.

Episode 1

As the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art in New York reopens, world-renowned art critic Robert Hughes is offered a first look into the building designed by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi. Kwame Kwei-Armah presents the arts round-up.

Episode 2

Ahead of its official opening by the Queen, Charles Hazlewood gets an advance look inside the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and examines whether this long-awaited performing arts centre can live up to expectations. Plus the other top arts and cultural stories of the week.

Episode 3

Dissected livestock, a cast of a house, a painting with elephant dung and an electrical time switch - all past winners of the Turner Prize. Tonight Mariella Frostrup takes a look at this year's shortlist ahead of next week's award ceremony. Plus the most prominent arts and culture stories of the week.

Episode 4

Germaine Greer meets artist Paula Rego and Andrew Graham-Dixon uncovers the secret of Velazquez's 'Lady with a Fan'. Plus reports on animated film 'Valiant' and the death of broadsheet newspapers.

Episode 5

A report on Gateshead's new Sage music centre, which opens tomorrow, plus the rest of the top stories in art and culture. With Charles Hazlewood.

Episode 6

Reports on Charles Saatchi 's rediscovery of painting, the competition to be recognised as Britain's best museum and a close-up look at what makes a great news photograph. Plus a profile of conductor Simon Rattle and an appreciation of the Hammond organ's place in pop music over the past 50 years.

Episode 7

The review of the latest developments on the arts and culture scene includes a report on the Celtic Connections music festival, a 19-day celebration taking place in Glasgow.

Episode 8

London's Abbey Road Studios opens its doors to the public next month for the first time in 20 years. Mariella Frostrup previews the forthcoming festival celebrating 25 years of films scored in Studio One - the world's biggest purpose-built recording studio. Shelley Jofre, meanwhile, talks to author Malcolm Gladwell about his guide to effective decision-making - Blink: the Power of Thinking without Thinking.

Episode 9

Kurt Vonnegut's novel Slaughterhouse Five was inspired by his experiences in Dresden during the devastating Second World War bombing. To mark 60 years since the attack on the German city, Vonnegut gives a rare interview in which he talks about his life and work.

Episode 10

Director Martin Scorsese explains the influence of Caravaggio on his films, particularly with regard to light, shadow and realism. Plus Kazuo Ishiguro on his novel 'Never Let Me Go', and the troubled history of EastEnders as it celebrates its 20th birthday.

Episode 11

A report from Ferryside in Carmarthenshire where a trial for TV's digital switchover is taking place. Plus Liam Neeson on his biopic of controversial sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, and a backstage pass to Kaiser Chiefs' tour.

Episode 12

Woody Allen talks about his latest film Melinda and Melinda, starring Radha Mitchell and Chloe Sevigny, and there's an interview with children's author

Jacqueline Wilson. Plus an edifying peek into the secret world of fonts.

Episode 13

As well as an interview with 1960s counter-culture cartoonist Robert Crumb at his house in France, there's analysis of the legacy of the Arts & Crafts movement on the eve of a major exhibition at London's V&A Museum. Plus a fly-on-the-wall report from Brixton Prison as some of the inmates rehearse a production of Shakespeare's Othello.

Episode 14

Damien Hirst, dubbed Britain's most expensive living artist, discusses his recently opened exhibition of paintings in New York. Plus the imminent return of Doctor Who, and the English village that's launched its own book prize.

Episode 15

Composer and Master of the Queen's Music Sir Peter Maxwell Davies talks about his career, there's an interview with maverick architectural talent Zaha Hadid, and a look at the arctic Cape Farewell Expedition, which is all about deriving inspiration from the ice, seas and environment in temperatures of -35°C. Plus Robert Hughes on the latest big art history book.

Episode 16

Sylvie Guillem - widely considered one of the greatest dancers of her generation - is interviewed in the week she and the Ballet Boyz perform An Evening of Work by Russell Maliphant at Sadler's Well in London. Harold Pinter discusses director Lindsay Posner's new staging of his first full-length play, The Birthday Party. And which is the true-life portrait of William Shakespeare? A centuries-old debate could finally be resolved.

Episode 17

Conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Deutsche Staatsoper in Berlin, discusses the art of playing Johann Sebastian Bach. Plus a look at what makes an "original" work of art - is the art-buying public being misled?

Episode 18

As Tate Modern celebrates its fifth birthday, Charles Hazlewood considers the extent of its cultural impact. Plus, Matthew Sweet on how TV taught us parenting, Nick Hornby on his latest novel, and a preview of Robert Lepage's production of opera Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Episode 19

American crime novelist Ed McBain talks about turning real life into fiction and discusses his battle with cancer. Plus a visit to West Sussex for a display of the best examples of British sculpture, and a mysterious new game that has players around the world competing for clues.

Episode 20

Lawrence Pollard reports on a new approach to public art being trialled in Bristol, with temporary exhibits taking the place of traditional permanent statues. Plus cinematographer Chris Doyle gives a masterclass in movie-making and Kathy Burke discusses her new role as an acclaimed theatre director.

Episode 21

Gillian Ayres discusses her work and Louisa Buck visits two art exhibitions. Lawrence Pollard considers whether 'book towns' such as Hay-on-Wye can halt the decline of second-hand bookshops in the internet age, and there's news on the debate about the siting and design of wind farms.

Episode 22

Germaine Greer and artist Susan Wilson are among the women explaining what Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's work means to them, and singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright reveals how Verdi's music has influenced his career.

Episode 23

Maverick artists Gilbert and George discuss their work for the British Pavilion at the 51st Venice Biennale. Ewan McGregor talks about his role in stage musical Guys and Dolls, and DJ Annie Mac goes to Glyndebourne to find out how they're trying to appeal to younger audiences.

Episode 24

U2 talk about music, politics and 25 years together, on the eve of the UK leg of their world tour. There's a rare interview with controversial German artist Anselm Kiefer, and leading operatic baritone Bryn Terfel discusses singing Wagner.

Episode 25

A reminder of the genius of 17th century Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Franz Ferdinand reveal the ideas behind their songs, and the homeless stage an opera in Nottingham. Plus the restoration of Bexhill's modernist masterpiece, the De La Warr Pavilion, and Salman Rushdie's gruelling publicity tour of Britain and the United States for his book Shalimar the Clown.

With John Le Carre's novel The Constant Gardener on release as a film, the writer talks about conspiracy theories. Plus sculptor Rachel Whiteread's work for Tate Modern; the search for Britain's best city for music; director Todd Solondz on photographer Diane Arbus's bizarre vision; the boom in guides to modern etiquette; and Britain's new ballet capital - Birmingham.

Comment on the Turner Prize shortlist, while Henri Rousseau's paintings come to the Tate. Director Tim Burton talks about Corpse Bride and the rising musical stars of the F-ire Collective explain how they plan to shake up British jazz. Plus a glimpse of one of the most ambitious pieces of public art since the Angel of the North.

An exclusive encounter with the secretive guerrilla graffiti artist Banksy, a report into the search for an authentic portrait of William Shakespeare, plus a rare interview with composer Karlheinz Stockhausen.

A rare interview with controversial French author Michel Houellebecq on his new book, The Possibility of an Island, Sir Timothy Clifford on 21 years as the head of Scotland's National Galleries, and how the search for a new way of dealing with the visual arts in remote rural areas has thrown up a new musical fusion: knitting and opera.

An exhibition at the Royal Academy titled Three Emperors kicks off a season of China-related cultural events in London. Michael Rosen searches Britain for "suburban utopia" in recognition of 50 years of Ian Nairn's controversial book Counter-attack against Subtopia. Martha Wainwright discusses her music. Tom Hunter talks about photographing modern versions of Old Master paintings. Valery Gergiev reflects on the music of Shostakovitch.

Young soprano Katherine Jenkins is the fastest-selling female opera singer since Maria Callas - we consider the canny marketing of popular classical music. George Michael discusses songwriting. Artists' quest for the perfect shade of white. Annie Mac casts off for a spot of fishing as we ask whether angling can ever become female friendly.

An interview with composer Philip Glass as he returns to Britain with pieces originally scored for Godfrey Reggio's Qats; trilogy of wordless films. Plus, George Michael discusses sex, his musical influences and the industry itself. And as the Christmas panto season gets under way, performers from around the country share dreams, frustrations and tantrums.

Andy Serkis, the British actor who so memorably created the character of Gollum for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, talks of his new role as titular star of Peter Jackson's King Kong. Plus Matthew Sweet reporting on the ways new technology will affect our roles as cultural consumers.

Award-winning artists feature in highlights from the past year: Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter on the future of theatre; and Mercury Music Prize winners Antony and the Johnsons. Plus Martin Scorsese on Caravaggio; Sylvie Guillem ; Damien Hirst ; Kaiser Chiefs; Kurt Vonnegut ; Anselm Kiefer ; Gilbert and George; Daniel Barenboim on Bach; Rufus and Martha Wainwright ; Franz Ferdinand ; Rachel Whiteread ; and U2. Verity Sharp hosts.

What is the public's favourite piece of British design since 1900? The Great British Design Quest aims to find out with everything from the Mini to the mini-skirt being considered. Plus

Gwyneth Paltrow on her new film Proof and hip-hop star 50 Cent on why he's branching out from music into merchandising. With Verity Sharp.

With Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown heading for the courts accused of plagiarism, the arts show asks if the bestselling book was a rip-off. Sarah Waters discusses The Night Watch, her new novel of lesbian love in wartime England, while director Werner Herzog talks about his latest film Grizzly Man. Plus the gothic work of Fuseli and William Blake , the controversy over performers who mime and the future of public libraries. Hosted by Verity Sharp.

At the Winter Olympics in Turin, an accompanying "snow show" brings together the likes of Yoko Ono and Norman Foster to make monumental - albeit inevitably short-lived - creations of snow and ice.  The show also explores why Britain is getting a new National Theatre, and goes on tour with comedians the Mighty Boosh. Andrew Graham-Dixon hosts.

As part of the strand's Great British Design Quest, Verity Sharp reveals the top ten British creations of the last 100 years as voted for by the public. The overall winner will be announced on 16 March. Plus Matthew Sweet on a century of ventriloquists and end-of-pier performers, and the man billed as the first great new composer of the 21st century: Osvaldo Golijov.

Two big Hollywood names are interviewed: director Robert Altman , who at the age of 80 is about to direct his first play on the London stage: and actor Philip Seymour Hoffman , Oscar nominee for his title role in the film Capote. Plus a look at Richard Rogers 's new building for the Welsh Assembly and the latest on the search to find Britain's favourite piece of 20th-century design. With Verity Sharp.

George Clooney discusses politics and film-making. There's a report from Amsterdam on Caravaggio and Rembrandt, and a look at Welsh rock music. Mark Kermode awards his alternative Oscars, and Saira Khan of The Apprentice reports on the Festival of Muslim Culture. Charles Hazlewood reveals the final contenders for our favourite design. And can DBC Pierre repeat the success of Vernon God Little?

A rare television interview with acclaimed graphic novelist Alan Moore - author of V for Vendetta,

Watchmen and From Hell. Plus, the elaborate world of Victorian country house theatricals, the drawings of Michelangelo and cult rock band Mystery Jets. Presented by Andrew Graham-Dixon.

Which iconic creation has been voted victor of the Great British Design Quest? Plus Spike Lee talking about two decades of politically charged film-making, an interview with British singer/songwriter Richard Hawley and the latest on a long-running row between the Government and conservationists over Stonehenge. Presented by Verity Sharp.

Dawn French and singer Alison Moyet talk about their roles in the emotionally charged play Smaller, currently touring the UK. Plus the secrets behind Bernard Herrmann 's stunning film scores. And crime writer Elizabeth George researches the latest Inspector Lynley novel. Hosted by Charles Hazlewood.

The first TV interview for over a decade with reclusive music icon Scott Walker - a hero to both 1960s contemporaries such as David Bowie and modern pop pioneers including Alison Goldfrapp and Jarvis Cocker. What does Walker's first album for over ten years have in store? Plus Matthew Sweet assessing Merchant Ivory's contribution to period film drama, a profile of influential children's author Allan Ahlberg , and an examination of the modernist credentials of the fitted kitchen. With Andrew Graham-Dixon.

Author and acclaimed travel writer Jan Morris talks about her forthcoming novel, Hav, while Brian Eno discusses his latest artistic venture, a piece of audio-visual software called 77 Million Paintings.  On the centenary of Samuel Beckett 's birth, top comedy figures, including Alistair McGowan , reveal the debt that they owe the Irish playwright. Plus a debate over skyscrapers in London, a dance group trying to overhaul the outdated image of morris dancing, and sex, salsa and laughs courtesy of the Cuban Brothers. Lawrence Pollard presents.

Andrew Graham-Dixon goes behind the hype to reveal the true genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The Pet Shop Boys discuss the future of pop, and viewers get to nominate the parts of British culture they can live without.

An interview with director Ken Loach at the Cannes film festival as he waits to see whether he has won the coveted Palme d'Or. Plus Mark Kermode reflects on disaster movies as United 93 hits our cinema screens.

What brought New York punk icon Patti Smith to Charleston, the rural retreat of the Bloomsbury group. Plus, the ingredients of the perfect pop song according to Paul Weller, and the naturally curly actor Alan Davies laments the demise of the perm.

A visit to Nottingham, currently home to the biggest showcase of contemporary art in Britain. Plus Zina Saro-Wiwa meets the puppets and stars of Broadway hit Avenue Q, author Elmore Leonard gives tips on how to write a novel, Matthew Sweet explores the booming subculture of the paranormal, and Perrier Award-winning comedian Laura Solon hits the road.

Acclaimed British film actress Charlotte Rampling discusses her revitalised career as one of European cinema's most glamorous grandes dames; Studs Terkel, arguably America's greatest recorder of oral history, relives his encounters with Bob Dylan , Dizzy Gillespie and Martin Luther King ; celebrating 25 years of hip music channel MTV; and the dirtier side of architecture - yes, incinerators and sewage farms can be beautiful, too. Presented by Verity Sharp.

Sir Simon Rattle talks about the production of Wagner's Ring cycle he's conducting next month at the Aix-en-Provence festival, renowned artists Bill Viola and Gillian Wearing unveil their latest video installations, and Inspector Lynley creator Elizabeth George discusses researching her next novel.  Plus, the conclusion of Danny Robins ' quest to see all of Shakespeare's plays in a month, views from viewers on the bits of contemporary culture they wish to avoid, and, as the series ends, recommendations from the critics of what to look out for over the summer months. Presented by Andrew Graham -Dixon. The series is set to return in September.

Scissor Sisters discuss their inspirations, Oliver Stone discusses his new movie World Trade Center and Sting performs tracks from his new album. Plus buildings that make us laugh, Holbein at the Tate and a quirky take on the Booker Prize shortlist. Presented by Lauren Laverne.

As Michael Palin publishes his diaries, he discusses his part in one of the most influential comedy troupes. The show investigates Palin the actor, and looks at his evolution into a national treasure. Eddie Izzard , Vic Reeves , the creators of South Park, and Chris Addison pay tribute.

Presenter Lauren Laverne launches the search for Britain's greatest living icon, with Russell Brand, Lily Allen , Max Clifford and David Bailey offering their suggestions. Plus Mark Kermode talks to Sofia Coppola about her latest controversial film Marie Antoinette , hip-hop stars OutKast discuss their taste in music, Andrew Graham-Dixon meets award-winning video artist Candice Breitz, and Matthew Sweet asks why craft has never been so cool.

As Britain's biggest exhibition of Velazquez's work opens at the National Gallery in London, host Lauren Laverne is taken on a guided tour by art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon to examine the work of the Spanish painter. Plus Mark Kermode asks actor Gael Garcia Bernal about the rise in popularity of Mexican cinema, author John Grisham talks about his new book An Innocent Man, Radiohead's Thom Yorke discusses his turbulent relationship with the press, South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker give a masterclass on how to cause offence, and the search for Britain's greatest living icon continues.

Damon Albarn talks about his new band the Good, the Bad and the Queen, who are due to make an appearance at the BBC's Electric Proms season.  Plus a sneak look inside star architect Zaha Hadid's first UK building - the Maggie's Fife centre in Scotland, and Britain's favourite female artist Beryl Cook talks about turning 80 and still not being shown in the Tate. Also, presenter Lauren Laverne catches up with comic duo Mitchell and Webb, who are about to take their show on the road.

Steven Spielberg, the world's most commercially successful director, talks to Mark Kermode about his career - from first sneaking into Universal Studios to the blockbusters he has helmed, including ET, Jaws and Saving Private Ryan.

Sir Paul McCartney tells Verity Sharp how he feels about making music and taking knocks in the British press. Kate Winslet talks about her latest role in new thriller Little Children and hip Sheffield band the Long Blondes perform live. Plus the unveiling of the top ten nominations in the search for Britain's greatest living icon. Presented by Lauren Laverne.

Jarvis Cocker performs songs from his new solo album and Jude Law discusses his latest film, Breaking and Entering. Matthew Herbert makes a composition from sounds in chef Heston Blumenthal's kitchen, and Britain's greenest buildings are assessed. With Verity Sharp.

He's painted a few, so he should know: David Hockney talks about what makes a great iconic image. Award-winning comedian and pianist Tim Minchin talks about his fascination with Mozart and why he believes artistic ability goes hand in hand with antisocial behaviour. Plus, a surprise guest joins presenter Verity Sharp , and the search for Britain's greatest living icons continues.

The quest to find Britain's greatest living icon is down to the final three. Ricky Gervais 's radio producer and comic foil, Karl Pilkington, talks about the new animations of the exceedingly popular podcasts he produces with Ricky and Stephen Merchant.  Controversial writer and theatre director Mark Ravenhill explains why he is trying his hand at panto, and there's anthemic dance music from Faithless.

Mark Kermode meets director Paul Verhoeven ahead of the release of his new film Zwartboek - a portrait of Nazi-occupied Holland. Verhoeven claims he lost his soul in Hollywood and with this, the film he's always wanted to make, he gets it back.

Acclaimed DJs and video artists Coldcut provide their own unique festive message, there's a special performance from Pete Doherty , and the final chance to vote for Britain's greatest living icon.

Who has the public voted as Britain's greatest living icon? The final result of the search for the person who's had the biggest impact on our cultural life is revealed. And there's a look back at some of the highlights of the show over the past year, with contributions from Scissor Sisters, Michael Palin , Thorn Yorke , Steven Spielberg , Werner Herzog , Pet Shop Boys, Sting and Alan Moore among many others.

Lauren Laverne presents the magazine show which casts a critical eye over the arts. Comedians Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson reveal why phone-ins are ripe for ridicule and preview the new series of their BBC Radio 4 spoof Down the Line. The naughty brothers of British art, Jake and Dinos Chapman , talk to Mark Kermode about their controversial new show at Tate Liverpool, Bad Art for Bad People, and there's a look at how porn culture is entering the mainstream. Plus, Lauren Laverne picks out the five bands to watch out for in including the View and the Brian Jacket Letdown.

Leonardo DiCaprio talks about his controversial new film, Blood Diamond, while presenter

Lauren Laverne visits the small seaside town of Anstruther in Fife, home to the Fence Collective and one of Britain's most vibrant alternative music scenes.

Mark Kermode meets Christopher Guest and asks him about his new film, For Your Consideration. Andrew Graham-Dixon examines the work of Hogarth and Canaletto, two 18th-century artists who portrayed contemporary life very differently.

This week's smorgasbord of the arts includes a look at what happened when Bill Bailey joined forces with the BBC Concert Orchestra for his cosmic shindig.  Comedians Stewart Lee, Phill Jupitus and Robin Ince pay tribute to 1980s comic Ted Chippington. Danny Robins infiltrates the alternative folk scene and actor Patrick Stewart talks to presenter Lauren Laverne about the differing demands of Shakespeare and Star Trek. Plus there's music from pop phenomenon Mika.

Series 5, Episode 3

The stars of Shaun of the Dead and new movie Hot Fuzz, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost talk about gun-slinging action movies, and the show goes on the road with new rave pioneers, the Klaxons.

Andrew Graham-Dixon reviews Citizens and Kings: Portraits in the Age of Revolution, 1760-1830, the new exhibition at the Royal Academy, and Bat for Lashes play live in the studio. Plus the first of 50 Culture Show plaques is awarded and viewers give their suggestions as to where they think deserves a plaque.

Art critic Ben Lewis expresses grave doubts about the work of artist duo Gilbert and George as their retrospective opens at Tate Modern, while musician Brett Anderson and Janet Street-Porter offer a riposte. Director Michel Gondry talks to Mark Kermode about his next film, The Science of Sleep. Musician Nick Cave talks about his latest project, Grinderman, and there's a behind-the-scenes look as designer Duro Olowu launches his new collection.

Everything Is Average Nowadays: at least according to Kaiser Chiefs' eagerly anticipated second album - they explain why. Ahead of tomorrow's Oscars ceremony, Mark Kermode offers his highly coveted alternative awards, the Kermodes, to those he thinks deserve praise but who won't be acknowledged by the Academy. Tom Dyckoff assesses architect David Adjaye 's ambition to build spaces that bring communities together, and acclaimed tenor Juan Diego Florez speaks to Zina Saro-Wiwa . Presented by Lauren Laverne.

Bryan Ferry chats with Lauren Laverne about his new album of Bob Dylan covers, the return of Roxy Music, and also performs live in the studio. Verity Sharp talks to composer Thomas Ades in his first TV interview for seven years, David Lynch discusses an exhibition of his paintings and his latest film Inland Empire with Andrew Graham-Dixon , Maximo Park give a sneak preview of their second album, and there's a look at the battle between two islands to be known as the inspiration for Father Ted's Craggy Island.

The smorgasbord of the arts returns with a typically diverse menu, which includes

Rowan Atkinson discussing his new film Mr Bean 's Holiday, Canadian rock band Arcade Fire playing from their new album, Neon Bible, and violinist Maxim Vengerov giving a special performance. Plus there's a look behind the scenes at the Glasgow Comedy Festival.

This week art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon meets up with land artist Andy Goldsworthy in a Yorkshire field as he prepares for a major new exhibition. Mark Kermode is on the road with Zina Saro-Wiwa to hand out plaques for popular culture hotspots and Damon Gough talks about what it means to be British. With music from singer/songwriter Joan Wasser.

In the last of the current run, mavericks take centre stage. Comedian Frank Skinner takes his life in his hands when he celebrates the 50th birthday of the Fall's irrepressible hell-raiser Mark E Smith. Actor John Simm joins Lauren Laverne at the bar to talk about the last ever episode of Life on Mars (on Tuesday at 9pm on BBC1), while Mark Kermode hits the streets of Nottingham to meet uncompromising film director Shane Meadows for a pint in his local and Andrew Graham-Dixon is in Wakefield for the opening of land artist

Andy Goldsworthy 's exhibition. There's also a look at the amazing creations of designer Hussein Chalayan at Paris Fashion Week.

The Canadian art-rockers are notoriously reluctant to give interviews, but Lauren Laverne meets front man Win Butler and his brother Will. Plus there's an exclusive acoustic performance of the title track from the new album Neon Bible and a cover of Guns of Brixton.

Arcade Fire - the Culture Show Session

Lauren Laverne talks to the Manic Street Preachers, who perform live and discuss their new album Send Away the Tigers. Eurovision Song Contest fan Neil Hannon from the Divine

Comedy gives his take on how to write the perfect Eurovision song and political cartoonist Steve Bell talks about his work as a major retrospective exhibition opens in Norwich. Mark Kermode picks up the thread of the story behind the action adventure Spider-Man 3.

This week, Andrew Graham-Dixon tours Britain's land art in a helicopter, Chinese pianist Lang Lang demonstrates his virtuoso skills and Charlie Brooker surveys the week's TV highlights. Plus there's a look at how 9/11 has been depicted in a graphic novel and why chess is the latest urban craze. With music from Mutya Buena and Groove Armada. Lauren Laverne hosts.

This week Helena Bonham Carter discusses her role in the acclaimed film Conversations with Other

Women and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips gives a masterclass in rock showmanship as festival goers gear up for the summer season. There's an examination of just how good the new Wembley stadium is and Mark Kermode sings the praises of the unfashionable music genre skiff le, with a contribution from his own rockabilly band, the Dodge Brothers. There's also live music from broken beat rising star Mpho Skeef. Presented by Lauren Laverne.

This week Mark Kermode travels to the Cannes Film Festival to talk to cult filmmakers the Coen brothers about their new movie, No Country for Old Men. Meanwhile, art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon takes to the skies in a helicopter to present his favourite land art from the air. And Zina Saro Wiwa laments the slow death of pub culture in our major cities. Presented by Lauren Laverne.

Paul McCartney discusses his new album Memory Almost Full and how his work has changed since his first meeting with John Lennon, 50 years ago this summer. Elsewhere, Kitty Empire pitches up at Glastonbudget, a festival where all the acts are tribute bands, and there's a peek at Damien Hirst's latest collection. Plus Mark Kermode's film round-up and a performance by rapper Dizzee Rascal.

A special edition focusing on the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall on London's South Bank after its two-year refit. Architecture critic Tom Dyckhoff and Verity Sharp assess its impact then and now. Jarvis Cocker reveals the reasons for his choices for this year's Meltdown festival and John Barry talks about his part in the festival. In a special end to the show, Cornershop perform their own version of Waterloo Sunset on the terrace.

Lou Reed talks to Lauren Laverne about his upcoming tour performing his seminal album from 1973, Berlin. Andrew Graham-Dixon investigates the world art market amid the glamour and gondolas of the 52nd Venice Biennale, a city rich in artistic and cultural history.

Mark Kermode and Lauren Laverne celebrate iconic British film locations, from a Brief Encounter at Carnforth railway station in Lancashire, to the real Sheffield Full Monty. Also, Danny Boyle reveals how he conjured the illusion of a deserted London for 28 Days Later, and Edward Woodward revisits the imaginary island he created for The Wicker Man.

Lauren Laverne kicks off a new series with Mark Kermode gaining a rare interview with Canadian country music star Neil Young. The acclaimed songwriter talks about his forthcoming album Chrome Dreams 2 and looks back at the changes of direction his music has taken over the past four decades. Elsewhere, Quentin Tarantino provides a masterclass in creating the perfect movie soundtrack, Andrew Graham-Dixon takes an aerial tour of Britain's land art, and Tim Samuels saturates a Scottish village with copies of this year's Booker-nominated novels to find out who gets the villagers' vote for the prize. Plus music from Oxford indie trio the Young Knives.

Lauren Laverne meets fashion designer Matthew Williamson ahead of his upcoming exhibition at the Design Museum, and Andrew Graham-Dixon visits the Tuscan city of Siena to assess its role in the Renaissance. In Reykjavik, Verity Sharp talks to Icelandic band Sigur Ros about their film Heima, which focuses on the group's series of unannounced gigs performed across their home country in 2006. Elsewhere, Tom Dyckhoff profiles some of Britain's best young architects and Mark Kermode reviews the week's movie releases.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner reviews the latest films which deal with the war on terror, including Lions for Lambs and Rendition.  Verity Sharp talks to Cate Blanchett about Elizabeth: The Golden Age and her role as Bob Dylan in the Oscar-tipped I'm Not There. Plus fresh from the Electric Proms, Handsome Family perform live.

Tom Dyckhoff gets a sneak preview of the newly refurbished St Pancras International station in London, before embarking on a tour of Europe's most striking train stations. Elsewhere, Andrew Graham-Dixon visits the Palais des Beaux Arts in Lille, while actor and Oscar-winning director Robert Redford talks to Mark Kermode about his latest drama Lions for Lambs. Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant , and Alison Krauss , bluegrass diva, discuss their new album Raising Sand, which is winning enormous critical acclaim. Plus a backstage report of life on the road with Canadian singer/songwriter Feist, and music from experimental pop singer Bishi.

[Episode 5] In a wide-ranging and frank interview, Stephen Poliakoff talks to Mark Kermode about the themes he explores in his works and how he has maintained his status as an auteur.  There are also contributions from some of the leading actors who have worked with Poliakoff including Sir Michael Gambon, David Walliams, Rupert Penry-Jones, Ruth Wilson and Kelly Reilly. [Episode 5]

Stephen Poliakoff: A Culture Show Special

Tim Samuels examines the enduring power of Beowulf, an epic eighth-century Anglo-Saxon poem that has recently been dramatised into a film starring Ray Winstone. Elsewhere, actor and director Steve Buscemi talks to Mark Kermode about making Interview with Sienna Miller; Scottish electro-pop star Calvin Harris takes us behind the scenes of his UK tour; and Radio Times's Grace Dent casts her acid eye over the flood of US TV series starring British actors such as Bionic Woman, which features former EastEnders star Michelle Ryan. Plus, reviews of Ridley Scott 's American Gangster and the much-anticipated dramatisation of Monica Ali's novel Brick Lane.

Actor and director Kenneth Branagh talks to Mark Kermode about his latest films Sleuth and The Magic Flute. Elsewhere, PJ Harvey talks to Verity Sharp about her new album White Chalk, designer Peter Saville journeys to the heart of the Bauhaus movement in East Germany and John Waters, cult director of films such as Hairspray, teaches a bad-taste masterclass. Plus music from Ray Davies of the Kinks, and Scottish rock band Sons and Daughters.

Andrew Graham-Dixon marks the 250th anniversary of William Blake 's birth with a profile of the poet. painter and printer, while Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers perform their version of Blake's Jerusalem. Elsewhere, Tom Dyckhoff travels to Brazil to meet controversial architect Oscar Niemeyer ahead of his 100th birthday, Jimmy Carr attempts to tell the history of the joke.... in under ten minutes, and Mark Kermode talks to director Todd Haynes about the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, I'm Not There. Plus music from Richard Hawley.

Screen legend Dustin Hoffman talks to host Lauren Laverne about his enduring career and new film, Mr Magorium 's Wonder Emporium, while Oscar-winning director Ang Lee chats to

Mark Kermode about his latest espionage thriller, Lust Caution. Elsewhere, comedian Russell Brand takes us behind the scenes of his debut performance at the Oxford Union; KT Tunstall performs a track from her new album Drastic Fantastic; and Radio Times's Grace Dent looks back at the year in which ITV, the BBC and Channel 4 eroded some of their viewers' trust.

Host Lauren Laverne casts her eye over the best bits of the series, which has seen her interview and jam with Sir Paul McCartney, point guns at Quentin Tarantino and flirt with Lou Reed, while Andrew Graham-Dixon took a helicopter journey over Britain to survey natural art galleries. Plus, revisiting exhibitions from the Chapman brothers and David Lynch; behind-the-scenes looks at the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Biennale and the re-opening of London's Royal Festival Hall; and interviews with the Coen Brothers, Michel Gondry, David Cronenberg and Danny Boyle.

US movie star and stand-up comedian Chris Rock talks to Lauren Laverne about what tickles his funny bone. Mark Kermode interviews Sweeney Todd star Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton , while the Coen brothers talk about their acclaimed modern western No Country for Old Men. Author Toby Young goes to New York where the film version of his book How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is being made and confronts Simon Pegg , who has the difficult job of playing the writer on the big screen. Plus Glasgow band Sons and Daughters perform a song from new album This Gift.

Lauren Laverne hosts another bumper batch of cultural gems, including Mark Kermode talking to the multiple Oscar winner Tom Hanks about his latest film, Charlie Wilson 's War, plus there's an interview with cult actress Laura Linney about her role in The Savages. Elsewhere, BBC Radio 1's DJ Nihal travels to Belgium to meet the Dewaele brothers, better known as Soulwax, Author Conn Iggulden visits a story-telling festival in Galway, and folk rockers Beirut hit the streets of Cardiff to see how much they can make as buskers. Studio music comes from electro-pop stars Hot Chip.

Lauren Laverne meets Elliot Page , who has been nominated for an Oscar for her role in the acclaimed film Juno. Also, can art ever make you laugh?  London's Hayward Gallery thinks so. They're staging an exhibition called Laughing in a Foreign Language. Podcaster Karl Pilkington takes comic Noel Fielding to find out whether this show can deliver. Elsewhere, artist and film director Julian Schnabel talks to Mark Kermode about his film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and Tim Samuels has a night on the tiles with New York singer/songwriter Jeffrey Lewis.

Series 8, Episode 3

Lauren Laverne lays out another smorgasbord of the arts, including author JG Ballard talking to Mark Kermode about his autobiography and artist Sebastian Horsley coming face to face with six representations of St Sebastian by the great Italian painter Guido Reni. There's a look at a reworking of Mozart's The Magic Flute, Tim Samuels tracks down his childhood hero Morrissey and Verity Sharp talks to kd lang about her album Watershed. In addition Seasick Steve brings his three-string guitar blues to the bar.

Lauren Laverne dishes up another succulent banquet of the arts, including fashion designer Giles Deacon and comic duo David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Plus, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter discusses the magazine's portraits, which are due to go up in the National Portrait Gallery. Plus music from Moby. Series producer Danielle Graham ; Exec producer Edward Morgan

Lauren Laverne shakes up another intoxicating cocktail of the arts, including, on the eve of the Oscars, film critic Mark Kermode revealing his winners. Plus there's electronics whizz Moritz Waldemeyer, fashion designer Henry Holland and cellist Josephine Knight. Meanwhile, former Pixie, Frank Black, busks and Duffy performs in the bar.

Mark Kermode organises a Hollywood-style premiere at La Charrette, one of Britain's oldest and smallest cinemas, before it closes, persuading Miramax to release Danny Boyle 's "lost" film Alien Love Triangle and convincing star Kenneth Branagh to attend. Elsewhere, Andrew Graham-Dixon appraises the late conceptual art maestro Marcel Duchamp , while Tom Dyckhoff sees the architectural extremes of Liverpool. Plus music from British Sea Power, Hot 8 and E, aka Mark Oliver Everett. With Lauren Laverne.

A weekly BBC Two magazine programme focusing on the best of the week's arts and culture news, covering books, art, film, architecture and more.

The Best Seasons of The Culture Show

The Best Seasons of The Culture Show

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10

Season 11

Season 12

Season 13

Season 14

Season 15

Season 16

Season 17

Season 18

Season 19