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
- Special repeated Tuesday at 9:40pm on BBC4
Streaming rank this week: 517
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 2018The 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 2018Jonathan Lynn on Sir Antony Jay
He was a very funny writer.
The Guardian, 25th August 2016Comedy 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 2016Yes 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 2016Brexit 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 2016David 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 2012Yes 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 2011TV 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 2011Yes, 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