Darts

[@stewux]

I love the fact that whilst one of them is taking his go with the drinks, the other player in the background casually throws a few darts. Clever little touch.

[@martm216]

Yes, excellent!

[@WalterJoergLangbein]

I did not See that the first time!

[@williamfallon1506]

This video was old when you made this comment

[@koeielul112]

casually into the faces of the audience LOL

[@EnglishRepublican48]

Bring this shit back

[@soleneisconbi7302]

The casually seldom darts playing in the background is the best part.

[@erikziak1249]

Just like dart player taking a drink in the background. I noticed it too. The level so subtle detail is perfect!

[@uwerichter]

My Drinking Team has a Darts Problem... ;-)

[@donuranyer]

As a professional Drinker..I mean Darts player I can confirm that this is totally 100% accurate!

[@malcolmmitchell6529]

What humourless morons dislike this?. Woke off twat.

[@manithemaniac6533]

agreed

[@Name-ul8es]

you mean it was a bullseye

[@martinpowell5769]

Perhaps years ago when darts professionals could drink on stage but its water only now, sadly. I used to love all the smoking & drinking years ago - too politicly correct nowadays

[@airwolf5826]

I am also a professional darts player.

[@EleanorPeterson]

What I love is that they're actually throwing their darts and having a 'proper' match in the background. Out of focus, out of shot, it's beautifully subtle writing and directing. :-)

[@brianmullins5824]

Really clever

[@giarceca]

RIP Mel Smith. You were one of the funniest men ever and made so much great material, you will be sorely missed.

[@scoutfinch47]

I remember watching this when it was first televised. I was sat in the lounge with my mum, dad and two brothers, not one of us could stop laughing all the way through.

[@Jarek_73]

There is no greater blessing than a childhood in a complete family!

[@ac-gp3kz]

Yep I watched it with my mum and dad too. Mum sat stony faced, thought it was shite, dad was pissing himself laughing :)

[@Fleur_de_lis2k]

@@ac-gp3kz 😄

[@g.h.milanboseblut5616]

I remember watching it for the 1st time. We only had 2 channels

[@78rpmblog]

Rest in peace, Mel Smith

[@dennishunt1590]

Fair Bloody Dinkum, the first time I saw this skit, I got into an uncontrollable belly laugh on hearing their names announced. Bloody funny skit. British comedy is the best by heaps. And Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith (RIP) were two of the BEST!

[@geoffpoole483]

It was such a simple idea for the sketch and it worked brilliantly.

[@fredwest7436]

@@geoffpoole483 Everything was simple but it worked great.

[@alanrix5344]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above comments, absolutely hilarious, but today I reckon the fun police would say there's nothing funny about binge drinking

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@alanrix5344 it seems you can’t laugh at fuck all anymore, if I want to watch the likes of chubby brown ( just using as an example) then nobody is going to stop me and I’ll still laugh if the jokes about a Pakistani or an Irishman, I couldn’t give a toss.

[@Mirren81]

He always brought a smile to my face when younger and even now watching stuff like this, R.I.P Mel.

[@stephensaxby2820]

One of my favourite British tv comedy sketches ever.Both Griff Rhys Jones and the late Mel Smith are wonderful here.

[@garrysmith6734]

Mel smiths gone?? that's news to me.

[@nigelft]

@@garrysmith6734 Yup ... passed away 19th July 2013, age 60 ... I completely forgot that had happened until I just double checked ....

[@garrysmith6734]

all the good ones are disappearing.

[@loungejay8555]

This is absolutely genius writing and milligrams of alcohol scoring metre is just inspired.

[@DARRBEV]

Playing darts in the background between drinks, used to love this show. I like trucking, and I like to truck lol

[@ianisme]

If you don't like trucking, tough luck!

[@TLChivz]

+DARRBEV Yeah, that's the thing with this show, it lingers.....kinda lingers...

[@timewalker6654]

yeah ,nice video shame about the song

[@alextaylor3015]

I prefer bouncing, boing boing boing!@@ianisme

[@1065chris]

I always come back to this video already once every month.

[@carljhirst]

I keep coming back to watch this. For just that smile power.

[@KrillLiberator]

I'd completely forgotten that he's playing darts in the background between visits to the table.

[@jrp312]

“Oh no he’s got a broon ale!”

[@scopeh2006]

Every time I've seen this sketch I have never noticed 😂😂😂 as if they really are at a darts match but the real event is the drinking 😂😂😂 Crazy that they even allowed them to drink while playing back in the day 😂

[@petermaughan6570]

@@jrp312 read that in Sid Waddell's accent 😂

[@WalterJoergLangbein]

I did not see that, but you are right, of course!

[@Dan-lt3nk]

The only comedy sketch to have single handedly destroyed the reputation of a sport haha

[@pappergoja4815]

Watch QI much? :)

[@ScorpiusZA.]

@@pappergoja4815 yup

[@RKM8506]

Like Bosch said: if you can drink and smoke while playing it, it's not a sport.

[@EvilBlakey]

@@RKM8506 So basketball isn't a sport? Tell that to the inner-city youths.

[@NixCM]

@@EvilBlakey if you can drink and smoke whilst playing pro level then

[@GumbootZone]

First time I've seen this since it was shown on TV 40 years ago!

[@MickJaggerLoveChild]

"Ahh would you believe it, it's gone in but it's come out again!!" Hahhhahahahaaaaa

[@jameswest4692]

@monkey Nutts It was 7 years ago, probably very loose now

[@wateryteat5837]

What is wrong with you people?

[@jameswest4692]

@ThatDutchGuy Can you be both Neolithic and a Boomer? I'm a millennial i guess anyway. Given the fact the Tv series is reasonably 'rude', reasonably rude comments should be in the spirit of the thing. I was only talking about darts anyway, in the same way they only talked about trucks

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@Jay Boomer Comedy - fuck me you’ve fallen into those young fuckers traps already! If they stopped drinking Americanos and shaved their beards they might be able to afford a house one day!

[@MikSrf723]

Happens sometimes.

[@Ray.Norrish]

Sad loss. They don't make them like this anymore. At least we have moments like this to remember you with. RIP Mel.

[@matthewmccann9753]

Anyone else randomly get this recommended?

[@mestarij6668]

Yeah. But glad I did. Was golden

[@You_Eat]

Yep, that happens when you've watched Britain's Got Talent 😄

[@M1STYWORLD]

Yeah and it was toppa ☺

[@wideawake914]

me too, so funny.

[@fredwest7436]

Yep and the need for the complete series on dvd grows every day.

[@sirknight1399]

RIP Mel, a truly great performer who gave me many hours of enjoyment in my youth.

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

This isn't a comedy. It's a factual darts documentary

[@GA-sb9sz]

This skit is the reason they don't drink/smoke on TV anymore

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

@@GA-sb9sz :D. I miss these guys

[@AR-jo5vv]

It’s from Smith and Jones which was a comedy sketch show. Enjoy!

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

@@AR-jo5vv ye I know, great memories :D

[@juliem540]

so was stout life

[@tsrgoinc]

This scene is actual reason why the BDO banned the drinking of alcohol during televised matches back in the 80’s as this was the perception that people had of professional darts!

[@scoutfinch47]

This is true....still have the big bellies ... Must be too many trips to Maccidees 😉

[@workhorse7134]

It was the start of sanitizing the character of the sport. They did the same with snooker. They were both pub games played and watched by people enjoying a few drinks.

[@seanhuds229]

That everybody is permanently mortal drunk?

[@Koersch1902]

Ban alcohol from dart sports is the same as banning sex from people which are doing it professional. That just does not work

[@TheAnon03]

And so, somehow, Darts became boring to watch.

[@airwolf5826]

The technique of both sportsmen is truly beyond comprehension.

[@barraletd05]

Can't believe how old this is, never seen it before was just randomly recommended. Absolutely brilliant love darts and love drinking haha

[@DaleDix]

British humour was the best. We couldn't get enough of it in Australia back in the day.

[@mossygreen2790]

Similar culture, so you understand it. We thought it hilarious when it was first shown, it certainly rung true back then

[@streathamsoprano8025]

You still gave us Paul Hogan though.

[@andrevanderkant6616]

THe best part is them actually playing darts between turns

[@oldtimer4863]

No matter how many times I watch this I always laugh like hell.

[@HistoryonYouTube]

I remember seeing this when it was originally on the telly and then discussing it with one of my teachers at school!

[@deanie557]

RIP Mel Smith. A British comedy legend!!!

[@g.h.milanboseblut5616]

I knew it was him

[@97channel]

*burp* "Oh, and he's missed the table altogether". "Oh, would you believe it? It went in, but it's come out again". XD Genius. One of the all time greatest sketches.

[@KevinSmith-wp9qs]

'He really needs a triple gin, with ice & lemon' 😂

[@tbalciunas333]

Seeing this 14 years after it was uploaded. Worth it

[@lutont59]

One of my faves. Love Rowan's Geordie accent.

[@thomasrobinette3227]

His accent sucks. And you suck.

[@Matthew-ut6ed]

@@thomasrobinette3227 Well, seeing as Atkinson was born and raised in Consett and studied in Newcastle I'd say his accent here is original and genuine...

[@lutont59]

@@thomasrobinette3227 I actually blow. Your page is a great cure for insomnia. Thanks, mate.

[@tommyross1872]

Remember watching at the time, still brilliant!

[@johnsmith-px1sr]

absolutely brilliant sketch..it sticks in my mind even after all these years..we need more of this on mainstream now...i remember a certain hedgehog sketch which received complaints.nowadays they'd have had to apologised...instead, the following week they just kept repeating it over and over again..after that, no more complaints

[@3DecksRaver]

Very Very Big Thanks for uploading as i never forget this clip from Not Nine o Clock News on BBC 2 back in the early 80s. When smith belch, our mum looked cross and said Honestly'' Woz ther any need for That!!! while the rest of family bust out laughing. Cant beat old days.

[@junelawson5100]

Watched this when it was first on tv. Nobody had a clue what what they were doing until they did it with the drinks. Sooo funny then, and even funnier now.

[@Romartus]

Still so funny 44 years later.

[@utharkruna1116]

It went in, but it's come out again. Oh no. 😂😂😂

[@huntermc6770]

😂

[@withapulse2000]

This is funny and from a nostalgic point of view so true....my recollection as a boy watching darts and snooker in the late 70s was pretty much this!

[@tonypap1]

All the best Mel. You are a legend. Gutted you left us so young. Heaven's a funnier place now.

[@chelseacharger]

'Three triple Bracardi's'. The score-keeper was pished too.

[@forgive7449]

scorer was in downton abbey 🍷

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

This when comedy was at its best.a world away.

[@aight329]

ok boomer

[@ghamandlupinwalkingtours]

Ok

[@ghamandlupinwalkingtours]

@Marco Creen like you

[@ghamandlupinwalkingtours]

@Marco Creen Oh god yeah men throwing darts and drinking is SO offensive 😂

[@ghamandlupinwalkingtours]

All that toxic masculinity and those fat bellies, clear fat shaming, as well as promoting alcholism.. Will you hold me tonight Marco whilst I cry myself to sleep? There ya go me laddo.

[@johnrobinson5025]

Not the Nine O' Clock News, Alas Smith and Jones and probably one of Mel's finest shows Colin's Sandwich. In additon directing one of my fave films of all time 'High Heels and Low Lifes' ... a great loss and will be very much missed ... a true comedy genius and a naturally funny man. Rest in Peace .... :(

[@TheCheshireCat2190]

I remember in the 80s n being a teenager that dart players use to smoke n drink on the occy hahahaha

[@bungerroyale112]

From the best comedy show I have ever seen

[@stubmandrel]

"Completely Newscasted" was a sideways reference to Not the Nine O'Clock News favourite Reginald Bosanquet a contemporary newsreader who was 'fond of a tipple' :-)

[@miketaverner4451]

You would never get away with this today, some idiot would take offence. One of my favourite sketches from not the. 9 o'clock news

[@jacksheppard4642]

"Not bad...fairly pissed..."

[@WhatWouldNinjaDo1]

I just realized Atkinson's doing the commentary

[@SkipperGriffin1973]

Thanks I was wondering who commentated. He really makes the sketch.

[@kisbie]

​@@SkipperGriffin1973 Often forgotten that Rowan Atkinson is, like Sid Waddell, a North-Easterner.

[@WhatWouldNinjaDo1]

@@jbob64 it’s definitely him man

[@NicholasCotter]

It’s Jim Carter

[@davidluck4608]

Look at the concentration on Griff’s face, and the wheezing after downing the pints so quickly😂

[@azapro911]

The kind of diligent mental and physical preparation that made Eric Bristow and Phil Taylor champions.

[@3DecksRaver]

Classic never ever to forget from Late Great Mel and Legend Jones. I remmmber this very well on Tv.

[@HudsonAO8TQ1]

I love them playing darts in the background

[@mgtowchampion7961]

This is what darts was actually like back in the day.

[@garethonthetube]

Haven't seen if anybody has mentioned the "completely newscasted" level at the top of the scoreboard. This was inspired by the newsreader Reginald Bosanquet who allegedly went on air somewhat under the influence.

[@anthonyclay4962]

Atkinson was born in County Durham and educated in the North East, including Newcastle University. That's why he does such a good North Eastern accent taking off Sid Wadell the 'Voice of Darts' who was brought up in Northumberland.

[@geoffpoole483]

@Astral Nemix The late Sid Waddell had an academic background. I think he was a medieval historian.

[@andybycz]

This was one of the greatest examples of satire that hit its mark, and changed the world in doing so. I don't know about nearly being destroyed, but, after this sketch was aired, the Darts Authorities were so embarrassed they began to work at changing the culture, and therefore the image, of professional darts.

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

Even in the states in electronic darts leagues, this sums up league finals. Watched a player somehow made it to single's finals, and was so plastered he was lunging halfway to board before throwing

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

@king offa lol yup. Our league is minor stuff... finals are in casino hotel ballrooms. 4 day events and 12 hours or more of throwing. I dont drink but people there would prob go crazy not getting their fix

[@skycinestudio7275]

This movie is absolutely brilliant!

[@FART-REPELLENT]

This isn't a movie, it's a professional sport

[@solidbronze]

Lovely to see the great Jim Carter as the scorer, looking very young!

[@djsega4289]

ah darts, one of the few sports you can be a fat bastard and be a pro. what a game!

[@SirJonilot]

I can proudly say this wasn't recommented for me.I looked for it myself

[@walboyfredo6025]

I can never forget Eric Bristow carry is pint to the hockey on his left hand while throwing his arrows with his right.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Tremendous athletes these lads.

[@eldritchwulfe]

rest in peace Mel, thank you for all the laughs

[@paulbessant8182]

Rest in peace Mel, thank you so much for the laughs

[@DerWachelor]

Thats a good Start…Double Wodka 😂

[@henningandersen4728]

The score keeper is, rightly spotted, Jim Carter of Downtown Abbey. He also played a memorable part in " Top secret".

[@incurableromantic4006]

"Oii noh! It's a bruwn ale! His gam has absolutly gunta peeces!"

[@bluesboy8237]

Being from the north, Rowan Atkinson actually did talk like this once.

[@Rayfaedundee]

When comedy was normal and funny and uncensored. Not the nine o’clock news were the best and just said things as they were. Bring back those days.

[@lukefreeman828]

There’s always someone moaning about comedy being “censored” now 😒 I think you’re just watching entirely the wrong stuff. NTNoCN was always pretty timid, wide-audience comedy (still great). But you really think today is censored? Did you ever watch Mock the Week when Frankie Boyle was on the show? Or the episode of Peep Show where Jez wanks over the queen on a £20 note in a sperm bank? Literally anything on Southpark or Rick and Morty if you include adult cartoons. Or if you’re not strictly talking about comedy, what’s censored in shows like Euphoria, Altered Carbon or The Punisher? That’s just off the top of my head - 30 odd years ago these shows would have caused protests from snowflake religious groups and parents for “excessive violence, drugs and portrayal of sex”, now no one bats an eye. No, shows are less censored now than at any point - you’re just watching the wrong stuff, at the wrong time, in the wrong places and therefor reach the wrong conclusion.

[@DanteIsAwake]

@@lukefreeman828 don't conflate anime porn with telly shows ffs. Gtfo. Comedy on the TV is more dead than ever with so much politically correct bullshit to appease the can't offend crowd. Bullshit.

[@lukefreeman828]

@@DanteIsAwake just ignore the rest of the shows I mentioned then. Idiot 😂

[@lukefreeman828]

@The Head Reacher oh no... a few tiny words have been censored? Oh no! But thankfully portrayal of real life I.e. death, violence, drugs and sex are all far less censored these days than they used to be. Because the perpetually offended do-gooders of the older generations are being ignored.

[@Cenot4ph]

@@lukefreeman828 it starts with a few words and it moves on to banning the whole thing. that's how this will play out in the long run. Mandating speech is when you're on thin ice when it comes to freedom of speech.

[@MsPixi66]

They don't make comedy like they use to absolutely fantastic !

[@Tridhos]

A great comedian you gave us many laughs, thank you.

[@liammccarron8191]

I remember this at the time NTNOCN was brilliant. Must be 40 years ago.

[@buster76246]

Now they were true sportsmen, anyone who can pull of a nine dart finish or a 147 break while 5 times over the limit has to be admired.

[@tomclifford1951]

God this is classic. I bet they were over the moon when they thought of this.

[@Sjmby95]

Absolutely fantastic 👏

[@martinbayliss3868]

Absolutely Newcastled! Why can’t we do humour like this anymore?

[@NathanMcCabe88]

Because of snowflakes...

[@tomsilberberg1978]

...because it says "Newscasted" as in, "Drunk as a News Caster".

[@michaelexactly5741]

Because of Ant and Dec !

[@DaleDix]

Because reasons.

[@cccpkingu]

I thought it was "Newstcast". Newcastled is even funnier.

[@jslfcs6655]

I remember watching these with my father. Pure class these and funny as f...!!! 😄

[@rinsedpie]

Awww i miss these times.. i'd watched reruns of rising damp in between spitting image and rory bremner

[@knightforlorn6731]

thanks, I had never heard of rising damp before

[@VandrefalkTV]

The character names have me bursting with laughter EVERY single time I watch this- LMFAO!

[@stimp313]

One of my favourite sketches they did. Hilarious. R.I.P mel you will be missed.

[@BillWhammers]

not to mention douglas adams

[@edoardoburlini8394]

The plain truth. Even now that drinking is forbidden during matches, you can see how much players... "grow", season after season. It's the most body-destructive sport, ever. (take a look at van Gerwen, how he was and how he is, just to mention one).To anyone who might ask: I LOVE darts.

[@marcoys4524]

Timeless classic 🤣. Still love it

[@donsmad81]

Love this sketch, totally ripped into the Darts era at that time. RIP Mel Smith

[@michealthomas]

So funny watching this again 🤣.

[@Drachenhannes]

I had to watch a second time to notice they are having an actual dart match going on.

[@FSMDog]

Thanks for the memories and the laughs

[@Wigedywezzers1]

i had four triple vodkas on evenfatterbelly to win. pit, they don't make comedy like that anymore. RIP mel

[@sittingbull6475]

Great competitors...!

[@stevebinning977]

Remember the good old days of Jocky Wilson and Cliff Lazarenko and the Geordie Darts commentator Sid Waddell who once referred to them as these fine athletes.

[@simonphoenix3018]

Fine athletes! :) The days when we had 2 or 3 channels to watch and World of Sport with Dickie Davies was a must see. Good days.

[@Tayloradrift]

I love the way they're playing darts while waiting for their turn 😂

[@pieandbeans13]

His Xmas record aside - genuinely entertaining man - sleep well Mr Smith x

[@EdVanMeyer]

This is still hilarious and I saw it when it was first broadcast!

[@smilertoo]

They banned drinking by competitors during darts matches not long after this aired.

[@ednuttah]

Playing darts in the background! Genius.

[@1990-t1j]

Mel Smith's hair-do was something.