Yes, Minister Best of Series 1 & 1984 Christmas Special | BBC Comedy Greats

Join Hacker, Sir Humphrey and Bernard LIVE for their best bits from the first series of Yes, Minister. We've also got a festive treat with the highlights from the 1984 Christmas Special 'Party Games', which sees Jim Hacker become Prime Minister!
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#comedy #comedyvideo #yesminister #yesprimeminister #christmas #christmasspecial

[@ronseymour4976]

"I don't want the truth, I want something I can tell parliament" Classic!

[@user-xu2lq1py4u]

Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, and Derek Fowlds were all brilliant in their roles. RIP to all of them

[@user-ox9ep9ki6h]

That scene when Hacker is finally told he's gonna be PM, it's so masterfully done. You almost get a tear in your eye as well.

[@RJ-lk6qn]

So many years have passed and I never get tired of this amazingly brilliant show. And I’m not even British. So good.

[@Carolinejoyamico]

Same here!

[@katekohl6059]

Ditto!

[@michaelahern226]

Zdv c​@@Carolinejoyamico

[@nicolasviard2252]

Absolutely brillant. Every sentence is a masterpiece by the writers.

[@sunnyinsanya2]

I can watch and re-watch this show, still fresh and relevant today. The 3 main protagonists were all in their prime, and this show stands forever as a testament to that!

[@AGMundy]

"Party Games" where Jim becomes PM is my favourite episode. The three leads were superb but the supporting actors were outstanding - in particular I think of John Nettleton as Sir Arnold.

[@TheAlchemycast]

RIP John Nettleton July 12, 2023 you will be missed

[@jimsmith9419]

And it’s so well constructed.

[@josephgonzalez_]

I’ve seen every episode of Yes Minster and Yes Prime Minister at least a dozen times each, know so many of the lines, and I still laugh. Absolutely top drawer comedy. The best.

[@barbarastewart8066]

Sir Humphrey is absolutely impeccable and so well poised. Suits so worn so well. Love them all. The best laugh in many years.

[@gailrichards6061]

Brilliant, acting suburb.

[@ashroskell]

I love this show and the warm, fuzzy nostalgia buzz that comes with the great writing and even greater performances (at least, from the three leads, while some of their supporting cast ranges from superb to amateur rep levels of awful) and it was considered rather ground breaking in its day. Not for any political reasons, but simply that there was such an appetite for comedy of manners with a political backdrop among the viewing public. It far exceeded all expectations, being loved by viewers on both sides of the political divide. I’m curious: did any of you get ad-locked? I started getting whole 20 second adverts with no skip option after 5 seconds at all! In the end, I bailed, rather than doing what used to work; which was jumping to a different video and coming back later. It was intolerable and ruined it for me.

[@thorstenbuechner9227]

Best sitcom ever.

[@peternowicki2183]

7news has u u uuuuiijh

[@peternowicki2183]

U i7nm

[@5433D]

Wait I thought this was a documentary?

[@barbarastewart8066]

I love how Bernard stands between the two, looking at each other as Humphrey and PM talks. Very controlled🤣🤣

[@amitgokhale6578]

This is timeless classic

[@alexday5892]

This was way ahead of its time even if it was feeling very present at the time. A lot of the jokes still apply to todays politics. RIP Nigel. Hard to believe I saw Nigel on Xmas day morning 2001 and wished him merry Xmas and then we lost him the very next day 😢

[@TheAlchemycast]

I was only 6 months old at the time but I retroactively feel his loss and that of Paul Eddington, Derek Fowlds, and John Nettleton. All great actors who are sorely missed by one who wishes he could have seen them at their primes.

[@andyadler]

In memory of the great character actor John Nettleton --a.k.a. Sir Arnold Robinson

[@davecai999]

YM and YPM have become a major cultural icon among Chinese amateur political observers, from which they drew numerous quotations to interpret the politics today, in China or other countries.

[@brand8590]

Still absolutely brilliant. There's never been a show on Gov't that comes close.

[@Sgt_Bill_T_Co]

Never a dull episode, and whatever the climate this was truly a tonic.

[@lakshangunasinghe4837]

calling civil service delays tactics, would confuse strategy with lethargy. best line ever!

[@nicolaidelahaye8209]

I watched this series as a kid I enjoyed it then and still enjoy it now.

[@MuscleFlexChris]

I love that the more time goes on, the better this show ages 😂

[@ronseymour4976]

If the beeb replayed this series at prime viewing times it would eclipse any current viewing figures!

[@barbarastewart8066]

What I would do to have this now!!! 2022 how politics is a joke. Love these series, absolutely brilliant.

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

"HE'S AN ENIGMA!" "I don't like that word..." 🤣🤣

[@aelinsardothien8926]

i don’t get the joke, can someone explain please?

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

@@aelinsardothien8926 Enigma kinda sounds like "A Ni66er".

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

@@aelinsardothien8926 Enigma kinda sounds like he's saying "A ni**er".

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

@@aelinsardothien8926 Enigma kinda sounds like "a n-word".

[@rodneyboateng8412]

I think Jim heard the N word

[@RandallHallKaizenReiki]

Watching Bernard when Hacker and Humphrey are doing the Joe Morgan thing is hilarious.

[@guguigugu]

we will economize... on the beaches!

[@walkabout16]

In British politics, a comic display, With Hacker and Humphrey, in a class of their own. In the corridors of power, they'd cleverly sway, To make us laugh heartily, their talents well-known. In each episode's twist, their brilliance would bloom, In Whitehall's grandeur, they'd chart their own course. Through political storms, they'd dispel the gloom, With humor and satire, they'd wield their own force. From crises to blunders, they'd navigate through, In Westminster's theater, they'd shine every night. In each satirical plot, they'd share what they knew, By "Yes Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister," what a delight. In British politics, their banter was prime, With Hacker's ambition and Humphrey's finesse. In the corridors of power, their rhythm would chime, To make us chuckle, what a comedic duress. In each witty exchange, their chemistry soared, In Whitehall's grandeur, they'd dance to their beat. Through political storms, their humor explored, With jest and satire, a laughter-filled feat. From crises to blunders, they'd find their way clear, In Westminster's chaos, they'd play their own game. In each satirical plot, they'd keep us near, By "Yes Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister," their fame. In classic episodes, their legacy persists, With humor and insight, they'd always win. In the annals of TV, they're cherished by all lists, A timeless pair, where comedy begins. So let's raise a toast to this comic sensation, To "Yes Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister" with delight. In the world of satire, they've left their foundation, A duo we'll cherish, both day and night.

[@mauraoboyle1714]

LOVE IT WALKABOUT - YOU SPENT A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT - THANKS

[@Philly_Jump_Over_The_Fence]

"I think it is Mr. Ferret."

[@akhan3682]

I've read the books and watched both the series at least three times and am doing it again.

[@DavidWilliams-zj8wo]

One of the very best ever British comedies. Up there with Fawlty Towers, Ripping Yarns, and of course Dad’s Army. As with all the above, never any profanities or foul language. Some innuendo maybe, but no more. Just clever script writing that never needed to resort to swearing, nor should there ever be if the script is top class.

[@roohamm2456]

Forever trying to find complete series! What a classic!

[@jimspink2922]

Yoou used to be able to buy a DVD box set which was the complete series of Yes Minister?Yes Prime Minister

[@devonseamoor]

Brilliant. The British sense of humour is like the weatherforecast predicting showers, and hailstorms. One sunny spell and all is well. Again. 👋🧙‍♀️

[@terranceparsons5185]

Robert Dougall! When my sister was very small, she thought Dougall off the Magic Roundabout was his dog.

[@debbieramsey-hanks3757]

What a delight. Thank you

[@alialmuhanna4938]

13:06 Despite showing up in a couple of episodes, I do enjoy Sir Frederick very much.

[@unrealuknow864]

Jumbo!

[@Mossgiel]

9:20 Oh my God, that's hilarious. This is from an altogether more fun time.

[@Dream.of.Endless]

The Transport Supremo was the best...

[@DIVADUCHESSE]

Haha... it takes two to Quango... haha

[@arvindsahai552]

Why old is better than the new!!!

[@JKH133]

I’m listening to all of these on Audible!

[@anastasiaanastasia1209]

Great tip, thank u! What a treat to listen to these on Audible.

[@timludlow1]

Thanks for the heads-up. Just downloaded it 👍

[@waltertaylor44]

Gutted i missed the live stream, such a classic

[@embreis2257]

38:18 'minister, I have something to say to you which you may not like to hear. [...] minister, the traditional allocation of executive responsibilities has always been so determined as to liberate the ministerial incumbent from the administrative minutiae by devolving the managerial functions to those whose experience and qualifications have better formed them for the performance of such humble offices thereby releasing their political overlords for the more onerous duties and profound deliberations which are the inevitable concomitant of their exalted position.' well, this was't exactly 'colloquial' English but with the possible exception of the word _concomitant_ it was easy enough for this non-native speaker to get the message instantly. I love Humpy. 😆

[@hurobiont1054]

It's interesting how Bernard seems impartial and neutral with no moral leanings, but he ends up the one with the most compunctions. :)

[@Halo-fv7lp]

Can't remember exactly but was it Clive James who joked with Bob Hawke about yes minister and he said the Australians watched it as a documentary

[@chorister20002000]

This is a documentary mate.

[@thisisit9829]

One of the best! Greetings from Sweden!

[@anandacharyuluadvocatefami680]

i really love his hurry and worry to pick up the call...may be its soo important for a LEADER to wait after winning to get a CALL from PM OFFICE. it makes all the difference after winning...and its really shown very casually to laugh at by perfect writers perfect artists and perfect public who are enjoying watching it in may 2024

[@jeffmitchell4372]

Absolutely Priceless !!

[@arbknight12]

I wish American TV was this clever

[@psr0459]

Wonderful stuff. Never more true than today

[@thomasthompson6378]

Nobody does "drunk" better than Paul Eddington . . . er, I mean, Jim Hacker.

[@kaimuller169]

"You may have earned yourself a new record" if he had done it he would have lost it to Michelle Donelan who resigned after less than 2 days lol

[@lesliephillpott8989]

Scarily close to real life

[@rittervonsport-zl1df]

Timeless Brilliant

[@yodude1194]

This is what call 'Real telly.' Miles better than the modern crap shown today.

[@edenJesuschildofGod8132]

The time when we don’t mind to pay to license 😅

[@rammylevy2436]

Absolute brilliance!

[@jamesjamey8596]

9:25 That was pure genius 😂

[@uppanadam]

Default by sausage!! LOL!!

[@sgrannie9938]

Brilliant cast ❤️

[@mrbolimaga]

Good stuff

[@susansherlock6934]

I have the same crockery. Kiln Craft in the first scene...

[@hart1625]

Yes Minister (TV Series 1980-1984) The Right Honorable James Hacker has landed the plum job of Cabinet Minister to the Department of Administration. At last he is in a position of power and can carry out some long-needed reforms, or so he thinks. - imdb 8.7

[@sidensvans67]

Fantastic .

[@monicagabay5497]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@StewH08]

Loved this so much i purchased this on Audible.❤

[@grimorio6968]

13:11 the line was improvised... The actors were fighting not to laugh.

[@himanshujovi]

Timeless comedy and so informative to learn politics for everyone.

[@janethammond5925]

What worries me is that I can understand everything Humphrey says....even when he's deep in Humphrey - speak. Oh dear 😯😯

[@nickolasreeks4743]

Utterly awesome programming by the BBC. They'd never have the balls to do this in 2022.

[@paulschonewald4735]

Wouldn't be able to get it in 1 series.

[@peternowicki2183]

@@paulschonewald4735 876iu

[@Withcare11]

It is 2022. The BBC have somehow managed to find the balls to 'do this', for free, on their KZbin channel. A remake would only tarnish the originals reputation, and I would suggest that The Thick of It is equally excellent political satire.

[@rphilipsgeekery4589]

It's not reality about balls, yes minister wasn't edgy ...just gentle satire, they simply don't have skill to do it ,,BBC is totally low grade trash now

[@THINKincessantly]

BBC wants you w folks gone!

[@terranceparsons5185]

Say things with tact and finesse, you berk!😂😂

[@polythenewrappedme6102]

One of my favourite sitcoms. Albeit, somewhat Brexiteer in nature. "They made us give up the tanner, the thruppenny-bit, the two-bob and the half crown". We went over to decimal currency in 1971, and did not join Brussels until 1973. LOL !

[@user-sm1id4xw7i]

Looks behind him and whispers "the Irish"

[@hurobiont1054]

48:40 I bet that was an outtake which was kept in. :)

[@euntro40]

soooooo funnnyyyyyyyy

[@rajeshmalhotra2084]

Impossible today. But timeless

[@anthealibby3571]

COME ON BBC!!!!! START A COMEDY OF dONALD tRUMPS REIGN!!!!!

[@_jpg]

If he gets his second term, reality will outdo satire 😢

[@tomhaskett5161]

3:59 "in politics, you have to learn to say things with tact and finesse, you berk!"

[@guguigugu]

customary surprise

[@hifijohn]

10:56 they seemed to have forgotten to put a roof on that train car.

[@aemeromedia]

cool post! 💪

[@angelp4724]

Omg lol

[@goryedigaryan]

Is it possible for this legendary series to be streamed via Netflix?

[@badrlabraiki2753]

+1 or youtube or amazon prime or anything 🙏 Low quality on Dailymotion or DVD is all we got now

[@johnking5174]

You need to contact Netflix and ask them to apply to the BBC for rights. I doubt that it will happen, as it is not even available on the BBC iPlayer, as the BBC in a content deal with ITV have it all on BritBox service.

[@goryedigaryan]

@@johnking5174, you are right. E.g., I did ask Netflix 2 yrs ago through their website for that but no success.

[@nickolasreeks4743]

Got the Boxed set !!!!

[@mark4lev]

This is heavily edited….

[@anikovarga8612]

❤

[@sciencefictiongeek14]

9:20 I didn't even catch that the first time I watched it.

[@atikshagarwal5147]

I still don't get it. Please explain

[@sciencefictiongeek14]

@@atikshagarwal5147 Hacker thought Humphrey had used a slur.

[@dallaskoivu8951]

This show is very relevant to American politics first and foremost the government thinks it’s primary purposes is to protect the jobs of government employees from ever being cut back or discontinued what is calledIn Some political circles is called the swamp

[@Kim-gv5bw]

🤣🤣🤣😍

[@astrocat84]

It’s my wife’s wedding anniversary 😂😂😂

[@joe-vl3nd]

Wonderful English 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@nagahariprasad1061]

I wish someone can produce something like this in India.

[@ibubezi7685]

So, and correct me if I'm wrong, one could deduce that, ultimately, Hacker's sausage was responsible for the Brexit?

[@hifijohn]

Its officially called the emulsified high fat awful tube

[@user-cc7vx7sw4z]

@@hifijohnactually it’s an offal (organ meat, pronounced the same as awful) tube

[@G1ordi]

Underbart!

[@filipef.4150]

Masterpiece that represent the hypocrasy within the government. Genius! Such genius

[@perirgensolsson3673]

the cabine odea was probably borrowed from Groucho marx and the marx brothers

[@Hascienda27]

9:24 what A clever joke

[@mpnikhil]

Not egg minister just imperialistic yoke/yolk. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@studyruler7278]

The abide with me reference gets me all the time 😂 11:29

[@nickjung7394]

From a time when the BBC was capable of making decent programmes!

[@jacksimpson-rogers1069]

As a matter of individual preference (and a retired civil servant) I reckon that when politicians of too radically destructive a sort get elected, Britain's Civil Service has a better record o being able to restrain them. But even they failed to defend the CEGB from being sold off by Maggie Thatcher. The nuclear power plants that were owned by the taxpayers were sold to the British private sector, which bungled their ownership badly enough that a French company, the offspring of Électricité de France, bought British Nuclear.

[@theSPUK901]

The civil service is there partly to restrain a government, why?

[@senanur1983]

Just like they stopped scrapping of ECHR rules.

[@garathminis5108]

This is turning out to be a documentary on the functions of government .

[@sandranaylor2348]

A great series but again spoilt by the inclusion of the adverts

[@paddy654]

You can’t have it all for free😂😂😂

[@riaagarwal6840]

52:08 😮😮😮