Paul Eddington portrays bumbling Prime Minister Hacker with such ease, that he makes the highly incredible feat of him actually becoming the prime minister seem possible. What I mean to say is, you can almost believe that Hacker could have been the prime minister – crazier things have happened!
At the prime minister’s side is his cabinet secretary – Sir Humphrey Appleby. Nigel Hawthorne has created a character who will be remembered by all viewers of this phenomenally funny show. There are just a few stand-out, memorable television characters, and Sir Appleby has got to be one of them. (Let’s face it, when you think of Don Knott’s you probably picture Barney Fife.)
Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay are the creators and writers of both the Yes, Minister and the Yes, Prime Minister television series. These two men (Lynn and Jay) have created something that is literally nothing short of comedic genius. The back room wheeling and dealing, the ingratiating machinations of politicians, the true causes politicians want to promote – they are all here!
Both Yes, Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister are intelligent sitcoms. Yes, Prime Minister pokes fun at those who occupy the higher positions in political parties. Even though the show mocks the parties, it never seems to take particular sides. It doesn’t bash liberals or conservatives and doesn’t preach a particular doctrine. It makes fun of all!
This is one funny British series that ranks right up there!
If you would like to see more TV and Movies suggestions, click here.
Susan* says
“…the highly incredible feat of him actually becoming the prime minister.” Jim Hacker would never have been able to do it without Sir Humphrey. – Let’s face it, Hacker becoming PM was probably Humphrey’s idea in the first place! Lol!
As you say, more genius British comedy!
RIP Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne, and Long Live Hacker, Appleby and Co.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan*, I am so glad I was reminded to put up these both this entry and the one for Yes, Minister. It looks like a lot of us truly enjoyed these shows, and hopefully we have introduced them to others.
Michael G says
We have both series on DVD and they are among our all-time favorites. Few other shows make us laugh as much, and these can be watched again and again. It’s too bad that no similar show poking fun at politics has ever been created in the U.S.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Michael G, I think it might be because we really have a lack of intelligent shows here.