Not the Nine O'Clock News

Not the Nine O'Clock News
source
Title	Not the Nine O'Clock News
Creator	John Lloyd
Starring	Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones
Country	United Kingdom
Network	BBC Two
First aired	16 October 1979
Last aired	15 March 1982

Not the Nine O'Clock News was a groundbreaking British television sketch comedy series that aired on BBC Two from 1979 to 1982. Conceived as a satirical alternative to the mainstream BBC Nine O'Clock News, the show became a cultural phenomenon known for its sharp, topical humor and innovative format. It launched the careers of several major comedy performers and writers, establishing a new benchmark for televised satire in the United Kingdom.

Overview

The series was created by producer John Lloyd and developed as a direct response to the perceived staid nature of traditional BBC programming. It quickly distinguished itself through its fast-paced editing, use of video tape for location sketches, and willingness to tackle contemporary political and social issues. The show's content often parodied current events, popular culture, and the media itself, including frequent spoofs of programs like Nationwide and the style of newsreaders such as Richard Baker. Its success on BBC Two demonstrated the channel's capacity for innovative comedy, paving the way for later shows like The Young Ones.

Cast and characters

The core cast featured Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones, who each brought distinct comedic styles to a wide array of characters. Atkinson was renowned for his manic, often silent, physical performances, while Stephenson excelled in impressions of figures like Margaret Thatcher and Princess Anne. The duo of Smith and Rhys Jones provided a more grounded, everyman quality, frequently appearing as a pair of bewildered commentators. The ensemble was supported by a prolific writing team that included future comedy luminaries such as Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin, and Richard Curtis, with musical contributions from composer Philip Pope and the band Sky.

Production and broadcast history

Produced by John Lloyd and initially directed by Paul Jackson, the show was recorded at the BBC Television Centre in London. Its first series faced an inauspicious start, being postponed due to a strike by the Association of Cinematograph, Television and Allied Technicians, eventually premiering on 16 October 1979. Four series were produced, with the final episode airing on 15 March 1982. The program's scheduling opposite the ITN news on ITV was a deliberate competitive strategy by the BBC. Several compilation specials and highly successful LP albums followed, including the chart-topping The Not the Nine O'Clock News Album.

Episodes and sketches

The series was composed of short, punchy sketches, satirical songs, and parody news reports, often linked by quick-cut montages. Memorable segments included the "Gerald the Gorilla" sketches, spoofs of David Attenborough documentaries, and the infamous "Constable Savage" police training film. Musical parodies were a staple, with the team lampooning artists like Bob Dylan and genres such as punk rock. Recurring features mocked institutions like the Church of England and political events such as the Iranian Revolution. The show's ability to film on location, a novelty for studio-based sketch shows of the era, added to its fresh and immediate feel.

Reception and legacy

The program was a major critical and popular success, winning the BAFTA TV Award for Best Light Entertainment Programme in 1980. It significantly influenced the trajectory of British comedy, serving as a direct precursor to the more narrative-driven satire of Spitting Image and the character-based work of Alas Smith and Jones. The core team of John Lloyd, Rowan Atkinson, and Richard Curtis would later collaborate on the global hit Blackadder. The show's blend of topical satire and absurdist sketch comedy established a template that informed subsequent generations of performers and writers on shows ranging from The Comic Strip Presents... to The Day Today, cementing its status as a landmark in the history of BBC television.

Category:British television series Category:1979 British television series debuts Category:1982 British television series endings