Britcoms of Yesteryear
Posted Sun, 08/25/13
I adore British sitcoms, probably more so than American varieties. I used to watch a half-hour show known as Yes, Minister many years ago, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The program ran from 1986-88, with a meager total of thirty-eight episodes. I also rather liked the caricature artwork shown at the show's intro (drawn by Gerald Scarfe).
A few weeks ago, the local PBS station in my area began running the old episodes on weeknights. It's literally been decades since I saw the show last, so I'm truly enjoying the replays. However, I was surprised to learn that two main characters in Yes, Minister have passed away.
Paul Eddington, who played the minister, died from lymphoma in 1995. He was also in other British shows, including The Good Life.
Nigel Hawthorne, who played Sir Humphrey Appleby on Yes, Minister died in 2001. I loved his devious character on the show - he did it so well.
My other favorite Britcoms (in order of preference):
The only American programs I find humorous are Mike & Molly, Frasier, Monk, Two and a Half Men (via Sheen), Roseanne, MASH and Mister Ed.
My tastes probably show my age, but so be it.
Postscript 09/12/13: Yes, Prime Minister continued the Yes, Minister series. I love how PM Jim Hacker became wiser and finally outsmarted his nemesis Sir Humphrey Appleby.
*RELATED POST: Foot in the Grave (02/02/14).