Yes, Prime Minister

Difficult to asses the first episode of the new series, compared to the brilliant original.

It was written by the writers of the original series, but it is difficult not to compare the new actors with Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds. Still worth a watch though.

http://www.yesprimeminister.co.uk/uk-gold/

29 MARCH 2011, LONDON – UKTV’s flagship comedy channel, Gold, has commissioned the return of Yes, Prime Minister (6 x 40 mins) in a brand new series which will see the Rt. Hon Jim Hacker back in office as PM, leading a coalition government confronting the greatest economic crisis in a generation, with European economies going down the toilet, a tempting energy deal from an unusual source, a leadership crisis with his coalition partners, a Scottish independence referendum and the greatest moral dilemma he has ever faced. 

The lauded satire, with new episodes produced by BBC Productions exclusively for Gold, will return in a contemporary setting, scripted by the original writing team, Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay, and based on their hit play. This is the first commission to follow Gold’s announcement that it will inject “double-digit millions” into original content as it seeks to add to its ‘crown jewels of comedy’ schedule in 2012, its 20th year on air.

The ultimately powerful but beleaguered Prime Minister Jim Hacker – assisted by his impenetrably loquacious advisor Sir Humphrey Appleby and Principal Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley – were last seen on screen in 1988 in the BAFTA winning series which was, famously, the favourite comedy of then incumbent Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. The series garnered high critical acclaim and influenced latter satirical writers and performers such as Stephen Fry and Armando Iannucci.

UKTV’s Director of Commissioning, Jane Rogerson commented, “The political landscape in Britain today is the perfect setting for Yes, Prime Minister to return. I’m thrilled that Gold has enticed Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay to pen a brand new series, and can’t wait to see this constitutional treasure back on screens across the country.”  

Steve North, General Manager, Gold, added, “Gold is making a great investment into iconic and original British programming and what better place to start than with the timely return of the nation’s greatest satire: Yes, Prime Minister. I’m a huge fan of the original and it’s a real treat to be able to bring this utterly brilliant series to a whole new generation”.

Mark Freeland, Head of BBC In-House Comedy said “The much extended tour of Yes Prime Minister in theatres up & down the country proved that this iconic comedy has lost none of its satirical bite. The one liners hit home like the crack of the Whip. BBC In House Comedy is delighted to team up with Gold to bring this classic back to our screens with all new episodes”.

Yes Prime Minister has been commissioned by UKTV’s Director of Commissioning, Jane Rogerson, and ordered by Gold’s General Manager, Steve North. Executive Producer for Gold will be Sarah Fraser.

BBC website for original Series HERE