British Comedy Guide
Yes Minister. Image shows from L to R: James Hacker (Paul Eddington), Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne), Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds). Copyright: BBC
Yes Minister

Yes Minister

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two
  • 1980 - 1984
  • 22 episodes (3 series)

Political satire in which well-meaning MP Jim Hacker has a fast introduction to the world of Whitehall and must then struggle against the Civil Service. Stars Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds, Diana Hoddinott and Neil Fitzwiliam

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 687

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Press clippings Page 3

The top 10 British sitcoms of the 80s

After the dourness of the 1970s, the following decade was much more colourful and self-confident, and this reflected in the increasingly audacious premises of the best situation comedies of the era. There were still perennial British interests of class and social status, with observations on suburban life providing plenty of opportunity for writers.

Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus, 29th December 2018

The Best Politically-Powered Comedies

What is it about the violently egotistical, easily corrupted, self-doubt-riddled nature of your typical politician that makes them such a perfect target for comedy?

BBC, 1st September 2018

Jonathan Lynn on Sir Antony Jay

He was a very funny writer.

The Guardian, 25th August 2016

Comedy writer Antony Jay dies aged 86

Sir Antony Jay, the co-writer of Yes, Minister, has died at the age of 86.

British Comedy Guide, 23rd August 2016

Yes Minister shows some things never change

The BBC sitcom is 36 years old and yet it remains, as recent events have shown, bang on the money. Here's some proof that, in politics and the media, some things never change.

Standard Issue, 4th July 2016

Brexit vote makes Yes Minister clip go viral

In the episode "The Writing on the Wall", Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby patiently explains to minister Jim Hacker precisely why Britain has such a vexed relationship with the EU. "Minister, Britain has had the same foreign policy objective for at least the last five hundred years: to create a disunited Europe," he says.

James Gill, Radio Times, 24th June 2016

David Cameron: Yes Minister is true to life

As Malaysian PM reveals he loved show, Cameron says he has changed his mind on whether it is accurate since taking office.

Sam Jones and Nicholas Watt, The Guardian, 12th April 2012

Yes Minister co-creator attacks 'biased' BBC

The BBC has has become 'too powerful' and should be downsized, says Sir Antony Jay.

Daniel Martin, Daily Mail, 10th December 2011

TV matters: Yes, Minister

Anyone writing comedy about politics would do well to study a new book by one of the writers of the classic Whitehall satire.

Mark Lawson, The Guardian, 18th August 2011

Yes, Prime Minister to return to the Gielgud

Yes, Prime Minister is to transfer from the Apollo Theatre to the Gielgud Theatre for a final eight-week run this autumn.

Natalie Woolman, The Stage, 5th August 2011

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