HACKER VS HUMPHREY: A Compilation | Yes, Minister | BBC Comedy Greats

[@JonasGrumby-OO]

You Brits are so lucky to have such good documentaries

[@pauldavidmartin8062]

Documentaries??? Well yes, I reckon you're right, fiction sometimes reveals the bare truth...! Will we ever get a Yes, Boris?

[@ciaranstaunton]

LOL

[@idleishde6124]

I don't know the American House of Cards was a pretty good documentary.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

Indeed. They had Yes Minister for their look into Politics and Fawlty Towers for their look into the tourism industry.

[@tivvy9708]

Yes we are , have you seen the series, I Claudius? Brilliant.🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Best decision this show ever made was starting to let Hacker get the drop on Humphrey from time to time, especially in the next series as PM.

[@luminair11]

Just checked out the 3 main protagonist of this English sitcom on Wikipedia only to find that they've all died.....never the less they are still with us in their splendid roles they play in the timeless comedy that this is.....and thank God for KZbin that we can enjoy their brilliant performances over and over again.....RIP to all of them and thanks for the memories!

[@craigfowler7098]

No surprise they were in their forties or fifties and this was 40 years ago. But alas all left a great legacy.

[@craigfowler7098]

True but the actress who played Annie Hacker (Diana Hoddinott) is still alive.

[@TonyWright-tf5zy]

@@craigfowler7098 Yes, I am sure there are other people associated with the show, like the tea lady for example, who are also alive.

[@dazeleaper4542]

well said. as Shakespear. "ne'er a true'(r) word but (of that) spoken in jest!"

[@user-fc1ld9ts8u]

Comedy? I thought this was an inside expose of the Democrat bureaucracy in Washington D.C.

[@2008giles]

I can never get tired of watching these scenes. So well written, so well acted and, as even Thatcher herself said, so close to real life!

[@polliebain7450]

Yes. I am word perfect...

[@fryavanbosh3563]

Still actual ! I love iT !

[@petermills542]

Accurate maybe, but the Comedy of it all would not have even registered which Thatcher!!😂

[@sa25-svredemption98]

@@petermills542 it was actually such that Thatcher was a huge fan of the comedy series. She even got the actors to do a live action performance with her, when she was still PM. Her reason: it was so accurate and a great way to make light of otherwise debilitating situations.

[@punyira]

Funny but a perfect reflection everyday life even today 2023.😅😅😅😅

[@g2macs]

It's quite interesting to see how Hacker evolves from a lowly Minister who is completely 'house trained ' to the P. M. who recognizes the shenanigans of the Civil Service and sometimes to actually get a win against Humpy

[@lakshmivuppala9484]

That was wonderful years of Doordarshan. I had the privilege of having one amongst many of talented programmes. How it expanded today.etc..to be continued..

[@heymukedit56]

@@lakshmivuppala9484 it was broadcasted in doordarshan back then?

[@stanalvares6888]

@@heymukedit56 Yes

[@abparker9971]

Hacker might be painted as incompetent at times, but he's probably the Minister who's got the most out of Humphrey in terms of policy changes. Same with Hacker as PM, getting the cabinet secretary to do things he was wholly against.

[@fsdds1488]

None amongst the trio are really incompetent, they just specialise in different aspect.

[@M1tjakaramazov]

He was never really incompetent, merely inexperienced. By the end of Yes PM he has Humphrey almost entirely under control.

[@anyonehome8609]

@@M1tjakaramazov I hated this as a kid, but with current events I find it funny.

[@beckyenglish4783]

He became more cunning as he learned from Humphrey’s machinations: they had such an interesting relationship!

[@Giveme1goodreason]

Honestly my favourite thing in the series is that you’re always wondering who will win between hacker and Humphrey. They both get wins here and there so it’s a great series.

[@MrMyers758]

“I believe the going rate is 30 pieces of silver Minister” is such an amazing deep cut

[@merlinious01]

I just heard that and had to check the comments to ensure others appreciate how great it was. 25:20

[@MrMyers758]

@@SojourningOnline Well RE is still taught in school, and has a predominant focus of Christianity, and Christian schools do hyms during assembly's, they just don't do them in non-religious schools because they are open to all faiths and so don't pick favourites. But even as someone who went to school when church visits were a common occurrence even for a state school, and as someone who went to Sunday school a lot, and as someone who also went to a Christian primary school, I didn't learn about the 30 pieces of silver until I was an adult choosing to learn about different religions in my own time. Maybe it was just me who completely missed it and it is less of a deep cut than either of us realise, and just as many people of my age are aware of it as of your age. I could be the exception haha

[@SojourningOnline]

@@MrMyers758 What are you talking about?

[@MrMyers758]

@@SojourningOnline you can’t just delete your own comment and pretend I’m responding to you utterly randomly

[@SojourningOnline]

@@MrMyers758 Grow up and go away!

[@andyray89]

The best comedy/satire I have ever seen, with three incredible actors and a superlative script. YM/YPM had high expectations of its viewers

[@marknorman3658]

This is not a satire. Here in Australia it is a documentary on what our government looks like

[@grahortarg9933]

@@marknorman3658 you don't even understand how lucky you are. What would I give to have a government like this! Despite some minor, how would I call it, moments of apathy and miscompetence, people are actually, well, nice and generally well-meaning and not at all prone to belligerence, torture and tyranny. Also, I haven't noticed Sir Humphrey building himself a palace with stolen money. I was quite young when I've watched this this series for the first time, and it was very important for me growing up as anglophile. :) I've also watched somewhat similar, although not as great, Australian series, "The Hollowmen", and I loved that one too. Them are good people, government officials in that series. I would love to be governed by them, as opposed to what I have now, and would have for a pretty long time, for rulers don't change in Russia...

[@FrankHeuvelman]

Yes, a really small success.

[@rohithparashivamurthy3268]

May I ask why it was a superlative script?

[@tee2567]

@@rohithparashivamurthy3268 No, you may not.

[@nathelondon3719]

One of the greatest tv series of all time. RIP all three leading actors!

[@brunokoch672]

"Will you tell the press about the communications room, or shall I ?" 180 degrees rotation. Simply brilliant.

[@btho5531]

"Urgent humphrey? What a lof of new words were learning!' Its brillant writing by the script writers. They balance this battle of the wills between Humphrey and the Minister brillantly - just whe you think humphrey is getting the upper hand, the Minister comes back with the same tactics of Humphrey and the civil service. Its brillant acting and script writing.

[@adam__smith]

… and they made a formidable pair when their interests aligned and they worked together. Yes, absolutely brilliant writing.

[@mainmanbumfuzz8983]

2:50 Nothing beats Appleby's indignant look every time he realize Jim Hacker is acting in an uncharacteristically informed and competent manner. He looks personally offended that Hacker actually found his way through the civil services carefully constructed maze of bureaucratic obfuscation.

[@AquaPholic]

THREE AMAZING ACTORS NOW PASSED AWAY leaving this series as a memory to saver RIP BOYS

[@tomharrison1849]

Savour

[@daronmann7159]

Well saved!

[@nbmheaty]

Hear! Hear!

[@Michelle-7887]

Three amazing actors passed away, leaving now this series to be safely kept in our memory. RIP boys.

[@neilangus4401]

Precisely May generations to come listen and enjoy timeless classic comedy

[@synthonaplinth5980]

The facial expressions of Paul and Nigel were two of the best things about this show.

[@poppy5525]

Such perfect writing, Sir Humphry's dialogue is just beautiful. Also, regardless of the period, some things never change... especially in the UK. Timeless.

[@irishmade8136]

One of the best serious comedy ever made. Brilliant. It should be shown over and over again on Dave or even the BBC. From Ireland. So true to life in any country 👍👍👍

[@selmonpogba6080]

Nothing comes close. Brilliant all around. The writing, the acting, all on point. Sublime, Glorious, Brilliant!

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Why was my first thought "They're all dead, Dave'?

[@fryavanbosh3563]

All over the world ! I have seen most off them. And see, nothing have change. It’s worse .

[@chrishampton1981]

A superb series and one of my favourite sitcoms. Brilliantly written scripts that never needed to resort to coarse language to get laughs and masterful performances from Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds. I'm very grateful to my Mum and Dad for introducing me to Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister

[@keithbulley2587]

I love it when Hacker is making a speech and goes into his Churchillian voice and phrases!

[@thomasjamison2050]

Such a wonderful series that just never goes out of date.

[@crnalegija9]

Yes, minister

[@beckyenglish4783]

Yes.

[@nerdistkingdom2930]

All part of the joke

[@Jenna_Gray]

No it doesn't - too true

[@johncumiskey672]

As reveling and relevant to day , just the names have changed.

[@jimmygreen281]

"I dont want the truth, I want something I can tell Parliament" Jim Hacker

[@wizofoz0605]

....Said every politician ever....

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Love it

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

This superb series is from way back. But it never got old. It's as apt today as ever it was. Eternal truths from the British corridors of power.

[@senoradelvita]

Sir Humphrey had the longest lines...I wonder how Nigel Hawthorne managed to remember all of them. Just brilliant.

[@NickiesAdventureChannel]

I watched a documentary on him … apparently he remembered them all years after the show.

[@paulrugg1629]

Having not been aware during the initial run,I am blessed to have utube bring them to me now. What a group of writers, actors, and all who sailed with them.

[@neotropos]

I have learned more about government from Yes Minister, than I have from 20 years of actually working in government... This show is just stone cold genius. It captures so much about the inner workings of Whitehall so brilliantly - the grotesquely-rendered characters, the scheming & plotting, the Kafkaesque bureaucratic structures. It's a frighteningly accurate parody and incredibly funny. Don't think we'll ever see anything quite like this again, sadly...

[@Dwarf2005]

sure we will. you just have to switch to the channel that shows debates in the parliament...

[@loveukraineloverussians2535]

albeit that most of the civil service don't work in Whitehall in reality. I am sure you know most of the DM rhetoric on the civil service is written as if most civil servants are bowler hatted mandarins etc when no one wears a bowler hat and most are not on good wages

[@rockstoneballs]

The Thick of It

[@rosemariemann1719]

It's so near many folk's perception of government... The writers ARE " naughty", aren't they ?!😊. And Nigel 's face is SO expressive ! 🇬🇧💕🇬🇧😊🇬🇧

[@rosemariemann1719]

Around 33 min's : Sir Humphrey threatens to drop the Minister "in the Moral Dimension "! L.O.L. !😊 🇬🇧💕😊🇬🇧💕😊

[@M1tjakaramazov]

The fact this show never places much higher than half way whenever there is a poll of the greatest British comedy shows is a great indictment of its audience...

[@user-ik4mf2lu1h]

Not really. There are just a vast variety of brilliant British comedy series out there. And it is always on the list - even though it is how many years old now?

[@beckyenglish4783]

I find it very odd.

[@M1tjakaramazov]

@@user-ik4mf2lu1h That doesn't really countermand what I said...

[@andyray89]

@@user-ik4mf2lu1h Again to each his own, but no other British comedy, neither Fawlty Tower nor Blackadder comes close to Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister in terms of the nuance in the dialogues and the acting. Unfortunately, average viewers appreciate slapstick more than witty comedy.

[@fatty_owls]

@@andyray89 I agree, although Fawlty Towers will always be a favourite of mine, even if it is mainly because I find it hilarious to see John Cleese "acting" a "character" that is just literally himself.

[@beertruk2429]

Notice that Bernard is usually smirking in the backgound when when things are going bad for Sir Humphrey.

[@morioro]

This series even today hits the nail on the head so well, incredibly well written!!

[@janelavie4115]

This was soo good. Still hilarious. So well written, so well produced. And… still relevant.

[@HampsteadOwl]

Also quite badly written in parts, with numerous examples of unrealistic or contrived dialogue which was written in a way nobody would actually speak solely to arrive at a particular punchline.

[@fatty_owls]

​@@HampsteadOwl Which is the same with all sitcoms.....? I get what you mean, but I personally think this is the best written since Fatty Owls.

[@paulyflyer8154]

Absolutely timeless. I was maybe 5 or 10 years too young to really appreciate it at the time, but better late than never. Such a shame Nigel and Paul passed away so prematurely.

[@fatty_owls]

I only came to it in 2014, and have loved it ever since, so it truly is timeless. My parents' favourite thing about me is that when I was 8 years old I could understand all of Humphrey's monologues without anyone explaining them 😂. It's the first thing they tell any of their friends when talking about me. Also so many adults have said that I remind them of Humphrey, despite the fact that I'm a 15 year old girl 😂

[@paulyflyer8154]

@@fatty_owls Make the most of your talent!!

[@pat8295]

Great writing, great cast, great acting. The best comedy. My favourite kind of comedy

[@Spacegamejunkie]

My favorite British comedy, maybe all-time favorite. The writing and acting is just so amazing on every level.

[@harishnunkoo509]

I just love Bernard standing there and enjoying the debates between these two giants, if I may call them so.

[@jamesappleton7390]

Not many of Nigel's famous monologues on here but they were fantastic. Comedic mastery at its best..... R.I.P. all three....

[@embreis2257]

9:08 '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.' Hacker: 'Humphrey, for God's sake for once in your life put it into plain English.' Humpy: 'if you insist: you are _not_ here to run this department.'

[@georgeh5075]

Many years after they filmed a look back on the series, and the producers were appalled to know that Nigel had retained all his monologues in full and said that they were horrified they had filled such a brilliant mind with nonsense. It was a well known party trick of his to recite them when prompted.

[@terranceparsons5185]

The need to know!

[@josemaria8177]

Sir Humphrey may be a master against Hacker, but he was a mere amateur when compared with Sir Arnold

[@ryanendsley3274]

Although the only time they go head to head (the Transport Supremo episode) Humphrey and Hacker win!

[@mac_tire_aonair]

"Oh Minister, it takes a LONG time to do things now" One of the best 🙂

[@antoninchrysos7859]

"I believe the going rate is 30 pieces of silver." 😂

[@diamondaxe4133]

Classic!

[@jbtv7955]

Another classic clip this never gets old

[@RasPutintheGreat]

When I'm drinking alone, I always watch these compilation. Bought the DVD and from time to time I'd watch them, the best documentary about how government works. Read some article that in Australia, these are a "must" to watch by government officials and to those who wanted to be in government and even the PM watched these....

[@io4439]

I recall in the early 1980's hearing about 'Think Tanks' and 'Public / Private partnerships' on the radio in Australia. Our Ministers and Councillors look to Britain for policy ideas to copy, even to this day.

[@mavisemberson8737]

I wish that were true in New Zealand.

[@thomasobrien4667]

It’s the government’s how to Manuel

[@robertsykes6309]

I understand your comment, but the current Australian government are a bunch of grubs and bullshit artists, unlike “Yes Minister/PrimeMinister” which was clever and funny 😄.

[@bloggsie45]

In Chinese government service circles also.

[@jackfitzpatrick8173]

Perhaps the most thoughtful,well written and well acted "comedy" I've ever seen.

[@bozm9961]

"It takes time to do things now" classic.

[@jonamore2102]

3:32 that almost passive agressive and demanding smile by Humphrey is SO spot on it made me jittery

[@richposports7030]

Tuning in to this again after decades away. A gem. All time great 👍

[@Simqer]

I love seeing Bernard smiling in the background.

[@vydave]

I forgot to write this but - This video came out on my birthday. Made the day jollier. Thanks, this channel has gold. Loved both the Minister shows, remember them by heart. Cheers!

[@philpryor7524]

Excellent, better than ever recalled, quality in every professional way, informative, instructive...

[@jonblake2033]

Me and my dad loved watching this clever and funny need more of this xx

[@votemonty1815]

When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

[@MrUndersolo]

Reading Johnathan Lynn's 'Comedy Rules' now, and he talks about the writing of the series. He mentions that the episode they wrote about the hospital with no patients actually did exist at the time and they had no idea. Still a brilliant show...

[@MrBbergum]

I remember watching this show as a child in the late seventies, and not understanding much of it, as i didnt speak english, but watching it again now, and fully appreciating it, it is amazing!

[@embreis2257]

a bit difficult to have watched it 'in the late seventies' when it first aired in February 1980.

[@MrBbergum]

@@embreis2257 i guess you are right :D Memory glitch !

[@RagnellAvalon]

@@embreis2257 the slightly-late seventies

[@deserteagle9025]

From the times when England was still a normal country with the best sitcoms ever. This one is a jewel. Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne are acting virtuosos.

[@laurentdrozin812]

Now the sitcom is at Downing Street, but you are still making us laugh.

[@shawnkristoferu8303]

So was Derek Fowlds. I actually think he was rather good waiting for such a long time for his line.

[@deserteagle9025]

@@shawnkristoferu8303 Agreed 100%. He had quite tough position. He did very good!!

[@shawnkristoferu8303]

@@deserteagle9025 My favorite statement from Bernard: SUN readers don’t care who is the Prime Minister as long as she has big tits.

[@deserteagle9025]

@@shawnkristoferu8303 😄Yes,...!! That's a true killer.

[@robertmcqueen289]

A wonderful selection of the Humprey & Hacker events. Have got both Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister on DVD. Great entertainment. The one clip missing from this is when they both conspire against the Prime minister to get rid of a job no one wants. The line where Jim says ' Oh look!, a park!', is pure brilliance.

[@kennethcrist443]

As great as the episodes are, the books adapting the series are just as good. Written from the view point of the various characters it adds a lot to the story without losing what makes the show so good.

[@beckyenglish4783]

I didn’t know about them!

[@kennethcrist443]

@@beckyenglish4783 Look for them. They are very enjoyable. They are written as if from Hacker’s diary that he kept to someday write his memoirs. There are comments from his contemporaries, except for Sir Humphrey who spent his last years in an insane asylum. 😂

[@nicholashylton6857]

Thanks for letting me know! I'll find those books right now!!

[@mandivambajavangwe5923]

What are they called ? Links ?

[@Bagster321]

​@@mandivambajavangwe5923If you google "Yes, Prime Minister" diaries you should be able to find them.

[@lhia0416]

As much as I love Humpy, I do enjoy the times when Hacker got the best of him. Who can forget Humphrey's exasperation after climbing the no. 10 balcony or complete panic when he found out his BBC interview tape was in Hacker's hand? I love YM & YPM!

[@Farhadk1989]

I can't believe this show is not more popular. One of the best shows and basically a documentary on how governments works. Edit: i can quite see that it would have been popular when it came out, i am talking about now and I am more talking about the US and more precisely I am talking about the general public as opposed to older generation. I discovered this show a few years ago and have watched both series, yes minister and yes prime minister, and I love it. Ever since I started watching, anytime I told anyone about this, no one knew what I was talking about, granted most people I asked are around my age, late 20s early 30s.

[@raistormrs]

But it's ranked one of the Top 20 BBC Shows, it is quite Popular.

[@Farhadk1989]

@@raistormrs i guess I'm talking more about the US.

[@timnor4803]

Do short governments work differently?

[@Farhadk1989]

@@timnor4803 haha, typo, edited it out, thanks

[@philipconway7907]

@@raistormrs ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp

[@thomasberry1664]

Absolutely wonderful to discover this brilliant comedy.

[@friendlystonepeople]

This is, hands down. the best TV show ever made.

[@asharma103]

This was another great 80s show and fondly remember how much fun it was to watch it.

[@GrandPrixDecals]

If you want to join the Civil Service and are from a good university (either one of them), then this is your introductory learning course

[@HyperionRexx]

i wish we had intelligent sit-coms like this today

[@WolfieRich1]

One of my favourite moments of this show is when Jim is really proud of a new policy announcement, and the chief aide to the PM comes in and just says "You really are a pain in the arse, aren't you?"

[@lehlongwane]

"...stirring up apathy"😂

[@ramzimakarem1837]

Each year, the scripts seem for the present year, I always watch the series like it's my first time. It never ceases to amaze me. Actually, I've learned a great deal of how governments around the world function and that what we read or hear is not what is really happening. I can't thank you enough for this both entertaining and educational series.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

It´s amaxing how this series is always current😄Although current government is more of a jawdroppingly stupid and freakish horror show.

[@user-ik4mf2lu1h]

You must mean the previous govt if you are in the US. I can't wait to see a documentary or better, a comedy series about the Trump administration - they wouldn't have to make anything up at all, but just use the real words and real situations. It would also make a really good history/civics class.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

@@user-ik4mf2lu1h Im not in the US. I was referring to the current UK government although the same can indeed be said about the Trump era😄🤮

[@user-ik4mf2lu1h]

@@gretareinarsson7461 Oh, ok, yeah Boris is interesting.

[@arnoldvanheusden2660]

@@user-ik4mf2lu1h Boris indeed. Who ever saw a clearer example of crass stupidity and heartless exceptionalism in the light of a major national crisis.

[@Maisiewuppp]

Then you have obviously missed the entire point of the satire - it is independent of any political party and in a deeper sense any country in this world. Its clothing is British but it is profoundly relevant to the entire political world. Also, take a look at the Labour shambles that was the 1970’s and the state of economy at the end of the Blairite years. Government failings are also universal and not limited to one party or the other. Grow up.

[@blaggercoyote]

One the most hilarious comedies ever. The dialogue was very clever and Sir Humphrey's pomposity above all was brilliant and so well delivered by Nigel Hawthorne!

[@ChrisGWGreen]

Wow! Masterclass in taking the humour out of a perfect, humorous series.

[@bizzbarberbarryt747]

they should show this series in school to the kids . what a proper education that would be the kids would understand how the gvrmt and the elite hold us all in contempt and how the wheels of power do not turn to help the masses only to serve the status quo . great comedy great actors great script and just a classic funny british comedy

[@user-ik4mf2lu1h]

Older students perhaps.

[@davidherz9968]

@@user-ik4mf2lu1h much older

[@peterhagan8454]

Jim hacker almost sounding so basil Rathbone "in the fullness of time "very elegant and rich velvet tones master class acting

[@arnoldlong8119]

such a brilliant documentary on government. ageless 40 years and nothing has changed apart from the people doing the same things have changed

[@Ladynipchick2]

I rewatch these regularly every few months. Love them.

[@sbatty65227]

One of the best comedies ever written.

[@ash36230]

The talk about Hacker vs Humphrey but I think it's Bernard's deconstruction of metaphors and his quips I enjoy more XD

[@georgeknox1822]

The most intelligent comedy of all time . Genius

[@BedsitBob]

Hacker doesn't often get one over on Sir Humphrey (I can only think of three episodes where he does), but when he does, it's 🤣

[@youria2559]

"I believe the going rate is 30 pieces of silver" I completely lost it by then :D

[@manojha3390]

9:51 "How could it, I didn't understand a single word" From this to outmanoeuvring Humphrey, Jim Hacker truely represented OJT curve. Magnificent

[@janethammond5925]

A great compilation but would've loved to see the scene where Hacker blocks Humphrey from access to him and Humphrey has to resort to climbing in the window! 😆

[@cornfield755]

07:36, Humphrey has one more thing to say that rounds the conversation off perfectly: "If you're going to do this damn silly thing, don't do it in this damn silly way"

[@Dave174385]

Ah, when the BBC did something worthwhile - now a distant memory.

[@viewfromeastnwest]

To never ever happen again. bbc is now woke.

[@jamesmunro5368]

Always gets me when Jim recoils in fear at the letter from the PM.

[@evilscotsman495]

What an education for Derek Fowlds to sit and watch these two masters at work.

[@user-ik4mf2lu1h]

In these clips Fowlds does appear to be doing just that, but his character is quite brilliant as a background/holding it all together/getting in his own educated sway & advice character, and who is which is spot on.

[@craigthomson6661]

Is that 500 quid a roll wallpaper?, years before, pioneers!.

[@shankarbalan3813]

The first one….Perfectly topical in 2021-2022…..particularly in this world where Data Privacy is of paramount importance.

[@naqwnaqw3712]

“Why should subsidized the culture of the axis powers” lol

[@paddybpaddyb9940]

"Don't want to make you late for your works outing" Classic.

[@alexlandherr]

Seeing Humphrey flabbergasted is one of the best parts.

[@sblack48]

I love how Hacker does his Churchill

[@MrTshirt1978]

One million views in 10 months for a 40 year old comedy... and yet the BBC think that there's no public interest in intelligent comedies.

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

Maybe the BBC has run off all the great writers and they cannot produce great TV like this. They must want to be as lowbrow and trashy as American TV. DiversityInclusionEquity and Quality CANNOT coexist.

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

Can’t have the peasants getting an inside look into the mind of their rightful masters, get me Fam?

[@Schabur247]

The BBC cannot have their woke agenda exposed. Series like these will just shine a spotlight on what the BBC has become. Definitely not a campfighter for freedom of speech or thought.

[@JasonAFlintham]

One thing I love about this is it would’ve been so easy to write Hacker as being a complete idiot that gets in the way. Instead, Hacker is shown to be every bit as sharp, intelligent, and as quick as everyone else, and that he’s more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the civil service on every matter. It’s not that he’s not as good as Sir Humphrey at this game, it’s just that Humphrey’s been playing it a lot longer.

[@applejuice5272]

11:14 Jim: "...it's treating Cabinet Ministers as though they were irresponsible 10-year-olds!" Bernard: *chuckles* ... *Looks at Johnson Government* Seems about right

[@captainbuggernut9565]

God I wished they made anything this good these days.

[@ciaranstaunton]

I would love to see a contemporary version, with Priti Patel and the Home Office as the context. Can you just imagine?

[@Ag3nt0fCha0s]

Complete with heavy cocaine usage?

[@angelogandolfo4174]

Even more clever and relevant now than when I watched it as a kid…..

[@tonylayfield8750]

Absolutely magnificent !

[@papadocsamedi2544]

"It takes time to do things now" 🤣

[@Giveme1goodreason]

My favourite thing about this is that Jim Hacker is never defined as left or right wing. Just as government. It’s a perfect example of political satire without bringing politics into it. I also find it hilarious that right wing people think hacker is left, while left wing people think he’s right wing. All based on the idea that he’s portrayed as not being like sir Humphrey Appleby or in other cases more focused on how it looks than what is required.

[@shindenfighter3303]

Idk if i could agree with that generalization. I know hacker and his Party were specifically written to not be read as political. But tbh, as a leftist myself, I always seen him as labour politician as well. His will to implement swift changes, a surprising want to help his constituents. Imho those are (especially the need and will of change) are specifically liberal characteristics. And even tho i know this was done mostly as a plot mechanism (if hacker did nothing it would be simply quite boring) I still stand by my view

[@l.h.9747]

@@shindenfighter3303 dont know, the need and will of change is in all parties the question is what change otherwhise right wing or conservative parties would just have "do nothing" on their party programm. The changes he wants to implement dont realy seem swift or radical but just fast because he already waited years for them to be done and is frustrated about the delaying tactics of others and doesnt want to postpone something for the 100th time. Also from the way he talks about education, defense, parenting he seems more like a mild conservative but mostly a pragmatist who bends in the wind like a thin branch while having small moments of idealism. Im not from the uk so i could be wrong in that but the uk "labour party" seems to be everything BUT liberal considering the laws in regards of political correctness and quotas on minority recruiting in jobs. Maybe that wasnt the case when this shiw was made, who knows, i certainly dont know with absolute certainty

[@wizofoz0605]

I always had the impression that Hacker was a member of a centre left party, (he was a journalist by trade and a graduate of the London School of economics - looked down on by the snooty public school public servants) who, over time has his ideals about 'open Government' etc, be slowly encased in the labyrinth of 'governing'. Culminating in him eventually losing any sense of moral 'right and wrong' and simply wanting to hold on to power as PM. Probably my favourite TV series ever. Brilliant insight into the workings of the Westminster system of Government. To quote Sir Humpy 'You don't run this Department, Minister. I do.' Brilliantly written, and as always Bernard gets the best lines. 'You cant have both a graveyard and a minefield, Minister... the bodies would go boom! (or something like that :) )

[@markbeeson2610]

A superb series with brilliant actors.

[@juliataylor2623]

Brilliant acting too good even for its time, i was a junior Civil Servant at the time and was Sir Humphreys antithesis x 10 but still lost when push came to shove.

[@delancyj67]

10:03 Sir Humphrey is absolutely correct. The failure to accept this has led to the downfall of governments and countries that use the Westminster system.

[@jon_co]

Brilliantly written and brilliantly executed.

[@MegaAndrich]

I have only recently rediscovered this jewel of high intelligence. I used to laugh at it, now it scares me as to how real it all is……