The New Statesman Season 1 Episodes 1-7

The New Statesman is a British sitcom made in the late 1980s and early 1990s satirising the United Kingdom's Conservative Party Government of the period. It was written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran at the request of, and as a starring vehicle for, its principal actor Rik Mayall.
This is a high quality video of the whole Season 1, Episodes 1-7

[@inthegrass11]

quite depressing how eternally relevant this sitcom is.

[@adrianbunyard6015]

I forgot how good this was. Rik Mayall always showed brilliance in everything he did. He really was a national treasure.

[@patrickconnors8595]

Definitely one of the most underrated sitcoms of all time.

[@rickacton7540]

AGREED, LITERALLY ARGUABLY SHOCKINGLY OVERRATED

[@morisan42]

was very popular in it's day actually but seems to have been forgotten, haven't really ever seen any DVD's or anything for it on sale whereas everything else with mayall is pretty well known

[@jamesvickers5998]

Was going to say it wasn’t underrated at the time but it does seem to get overlooked now.

[@rickacton7540]

@@jamesvickers5998 AGREED, SOOOOO ARGUABLY OVERRATED

[@Sheffield_Steve]

​@@morisan42I found the DVD box set quite easily on Amazon.

[@emmajones9391]

I just hope some people realise just how much he was trying to tell us about the way things work. I’ve noticed this in all his work. He had a massive heart and of coarse was the funniest man ever born.

[@digitalsoldier3894]

I think he was killed. The morning he died, drop dead fred happens to be broadcast on TV. There was a final film he done about 9/11 taking about "conspiracy theories", he was also very vocal against the BBC and may have had information on high ranking individuals he was going to go forward with about during Operation Yewtree, he was not complicit but he was very aware and afraid to speak out until the Savile Crimes went public. His role of Alan B'stard actually indirectly contributed to the toppling of Thatcher. Just my opinion of course

[@emmajones9391]

@@digitalsoldier3894 totally agree. There’s some shady things going on. He’ll be in heaven though. Not paid my licence or watched telly since the savile thing happened. I’ve seen every single “conspiracy” you could imagine. No way I’m supporting the bbc Peodo’s!!! Ever! Evil. Sorry I just got a bit cross there.

[@SamuelBlack84]

@@emmajones9391 I don't even watch any TV anymore unless it's on my phone. Not having a TV at all is a huge saving

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Loved him in JC, Superstar. Perfect role for him!

[@paulanthony5274]

I've got a telly but I just lead it unplugged and go online get what you want there. And if you're tired of bad news don't watch it.

[@MiniLemmy]

Rik Mayall was PERFECT for this role! He totally encapsulates the corruption and smarmy nature of your typical politician...

[@MrThorfan64]

I can think of a few good B'Stards... except they are not acting.

[@paulanthony5274]

And the Tory boy slightly crumpled wavy hair they all have.

[@davidhull2426]

Unfortunately such a clear mirror.

[@eyeseer1]

It’s so common it’s not just a joke, it’s a practical joke on the public.

[@CARLIN4737]

Tory

[@garylawless3608]

Rik was a very handsome man, but at the same time, with a sly grin and lift of the brow, could look totally evil. Loved this! Thanks for uploading!

[@rockys201]

Well that's the thing, someone who has a devilish handsome face can be the nicest people ever. It's the average looking people who you have to watch out for

[@randyschwaggins]

Alright you big nonce...keep it in yer pants...😂

[@UNBARRED1]

Who is here in 2024 10 years since the master passed. I owe the late 80’s and 90’s to this man. 😢

[@christophersmith8938]

He today is still one of my idols.

[@hpoonis2010]

Why do you need to know "who is here" ?

[@UNBARRED1]

@@hpoonis2010 shut it bell end, you sad git.

[@UNBARRED1]

@@hpoonis2010 why are you such a nancy bell end?

[@cosmicstargazer10]

He was truly great. The good ones are needed elsewhere, someone once told me. No. We need him here.

[@dougaldouglas8842]

The way that this series really told it all through comedy, and no wonder MPs tried to get it banned

[@cosmicstargazer10]

He really did, tell it all. Haha, and, they failed!

[@JustinG1962]

Couldn’t be more relevant today.

[@Cwmbran1984]

This wasn’t a comedy, but rather a documentary portrayal of real life in Parliament 😂😂😂😂

[@ac38656]

Yes the great big gravy train is still on a never ending circle line with everyone permanently dipping in 😂😂

[@philipoconnor4263]

Definitely one of the most underrated political comedies of all times in any part of the known universe. Thank you Mrs. Mayall and family. Lol.

[@thetasmaniandevilispissedo1041]

I discovered this when I was in the UK to study English, actually it helped me a lot, at school my teachers were surprised by the expressions I was using 😂🤣😂 For instance: he is an up hill gardener 🤣😂🤣

[@BlackuLaLa]

@geraldwoods5798 when someone cries about the"damage" that PC culture has done, it's usually because they are racists. Because really "PC culture" is nothing more than not being a racist, sexist, homophobic, hate-filled pig. That's all. PC isn't a vast conspiracy; it's just not being an asshole.

[@pavlovsdogman]

​@geraldwoods5798they would actually call this "woke" now because there's a trans character and the show is a critique of rich, right wing Tories, crooked cops and the two tier justice system.

[@randyschwaggins]

​@geraldwoods5798all gender benders

[@ac38656]

​@geraldwoods5798that's what he mean there is no way u can mistake it for anything else

[@alimantado373]

'Raving left footer is another one along with 'Shirt lifter' . wouldnt be allowed now on TV but really funny!

[@charliedrosario999]

SIR Rik Mayall, I don't give a sod if he didn't really get knighted I'll call him that anyway, R.I.P. 1958 ~ 2014. 6 bluddy years.

[@gingaboybuda]

Wow time flys R.I.P Rick

[@MrThorfan64]

Probably deserved it more then some of those Knights. Such as IDS, one of the many real-life B'Stards.

[@angelacooper2661]

I remember hearing about his demise because it happened on my forty fourth birthday!

[@RickyStrockie]

100% yes. He deserves to be knighted.

[@TheHairlessGibbon]

There's a lesson in this for all of us. Fuck jogging right off and any of that cardigan vascular tripe ! RIP Brother.

[@fergusdonaghy3124]

Alan looks positively upstanding and principled compared to the shower we have now

[@evenflow5491]

Rik was the absolute best at slimy scumbags. He is dearly missed

[@vickiwhite4139]

RIP Rik Mayall. You brought this American many many laughs while living in Europe watching the BBC, and "Drop Dead Fred" was my daughter's favorite movie after returning to the U.S. Brilliant (and whacky) in everything he did. One of the greatest comedians of all time in my opinion.

[@CarlySmith001]

Pity they couldn't have made a Funko Pop Vinyl of him as Fred

[@Frakkyfire]

Thank you for posting this! I can't believe how much charm Rik Mayall puts into this character - B'stard is an absolutely abhorrent human being, but he has so much magnetism that it's a joy to watch him get up to his schemes. (Of course it also helps that he's VERY easy on the eyes... seriously, who gave him the right to be so hot????)

[@SamuelBlack84]

You call him abhorrent, but I call him someone to look up to🙂

[@evaburnz]

@@SamuelBlack84 if you are referring to the character being portrayed in the satire, I'd wager a considerable sum that you're in the stark minority.

[@SamuelBlack84]

@@evaburnz Possibly. But, if you want to succeed in life then having a black heart with absolutely no morals whatsoever is how you achieve it

[@limabees]

@@SamuelBlack84 there's millions of miserable pricks who haven't succeeded in life at all and if there's any mercy you'll be one of them. Being morally bankrupt doesn't mean you won't also be fiscally bankrupt

[@anthonykoller4459]

One of my Heroes, along with Gordon Gekko and Hitler 😮😅

[@thesaintst1851]

Rik mayall.. comedy genius and very very sadly missed. RIP

[@sallywright8065]

Rik was just wonderful!! Such a funny, ironic, sexy, gorgeous handsome, modest man. I cried when I heard of his passing. Missed so much. Xxxx

[@richardcb6076]

Back in the days when the regional ITV companies still existed and would provide variety and different content to the network

[@The3rdRail826]

I always get the feeling that this T.V show was more accurate to the real goings on at Westminster, a sort of fly on the wall documentary.

[@VintageLifeCars]

Check out Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister, even more realistic. Democracy is a sham.

[@timmellor2599]

Although I grew up with the Young Ones, this was Rik Mayal's best work for me. He was always a very energetic performer

[@RevNickBrown]

Grew up with this as must watch tv... On my black and white portable tv with a frequency dial rather than buttons so the parents didn't know I was watching. Was reminded of it by Penny Mordaunt's PM campaign photo... So here I am. 😆😆😆

[@billmorris2337]

This takes me back....one of the best comedies of all time...Rik Mayall was a genius🎉

[@lesliefulton9219]

When i was younger i recorded it off T.V onto VHS and wore out the video watching it. Rick with a Silent P, you were a great actor.

[@howdan1985]

Thanks for sharing this - It should be so much more well known that it is. Loved it!

[@colinstewart1432]

More relevant now than ever.

[@stewsretroreviews]

A brilliant show and cast, and it was absolutely perfect for Rik here, a very very underrated comedy.

[@priscillajean-noel3803]

So happy I discovered this, albeit in April 2023! Thanks for the great memories Rik, continue to RIEP... xx

[@katarinakrnjevic8183]

Rest in peace Rik Mayall , he might more famous from the young ones and bottom but this show is better than both of them.

[@tuxitalk1World]

This is my first time watching this show and if I may use one of your terms, I am gobsmacked! I'm in the USA and loved Rik Mayall in "The Young Ones". Otherwise I caught him in some videos on You Tube. I was shocked to hear of Rik Mayall's death. He left us way too soon and is missed very much.

[@tuxitalk1World]

I noticed there was more physical comedy in the last 2 episodes. Looking forward to the next few series of the show.

[@eoverend7208]

I had such a crush on Rik in this role 😅

[@DannyBoy777777]

A masterpiece of its and all time.

[@jace7]

This is still sensational.I cant think of anything better anywhere to watch.Thank you so mucb!

[@marcelfive1]

I'm just gutted it's not on TV at the moment!

[@jace7]

@@marcelfive1 It would probably be banned! Im nearly on the last series already just since i found your vids by accident a few days ago thank you again.Its just fantastic! Its just pure genius,from all the casts but especially the writers,and R,I.P RM!

[@lesnorth9431]

Love this show, sometimes art precedes reality.

[@angelacooper2661]

By Jove, I remember this programme well. I would have been between seventeen and twenty four during its existence. The music is from Mussorgsky - Pictures at a Exhibition, abridged, but recognisable and in the key of Bb major. I associate that work with this programme to this day!

[@randyschwaggins]

Do you take it up the tradesman's?

[@rkjlange3810]

Hey to the guy who uploaded this, could you upload season 2? Or any other full good quality episodes like this???

[@burner9147]

Most accurate depiction of tories ever put to film.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I loved this as a kid, it was one of my favourite shows on TV! I was gutted when they cancelled it!

[@ge-21express34]

Love the James bond version of Pictures At An Exhibition. And B'stad's wife sure is the televisual tease.

[@joebloggs8422]

This and Drop the dead donkey were two of the best British comedies ever

[@darahdoyle3176]

My God, what a trip down memory lane! This was an instant hit with me back in the day, loved it, especially when the Yank ambassador was it came in and kept calling him Mr Bastard! And of course, just like Yes Minister and Yes PM after it, the parallels with todays political crop are frighteningly close!

[@plestipg]

Great quality video and sound. Thanks man.

[@nigelgibbens9864]

Brilliant show!!!! Thank you for this !!! Hotel paradiso would like to find that as well

[@brianmorecombe2726]

RIP Rick Mayal,from Kevin Turvey to Rick to Alan Bstard.All funny characters

[@paulanthony5274]

And richy in bottom. I think he's called that anyway I know Ade is Eddy Hitler.

[@janegould8937]

Absolutely brilliant as always. I’m not sure who owns the rights to this but it really needs repeating. So apt at the moment !!

[@justinboon3811]

Rik Mayall was the absolute star in this great show it should of lasted longer Rip

[@adambaldwin1389]

He’s basically playing Matt Hancock 😂😂😂

[@DAZ28111]

You're mean bojo After all boris his real name is Alan

[@georgeiii2998]

@Dazes No its not.

[@lloyd_r]

Or Tony Blair, or Gordon Brown. See I can do it too

[@cosmicstargazer10]

Old Mister Hand-On-His-Cock, yes, indeed!!

[@87654321j]

Alan B'stard = David Cameron's mentor and hero lol

[@cosmicstargazer10]

And BoJo's.

[@KaiserRika]

Thank you so much for uploading this! Now I don't have to hunt for my DVDs.

[@Nettsinthewoods]

A comic genius and a superb actor. He could have done anything and done it brilliantly. Wonder what he’d have made of Trump

[@emilyrobbins3238]

He would have started an under-the-table bet with his counterpart in the Russian Duma about which of their countries could make T their puppet and control the American economy to their benefit.

[@elpugoloco3485]

From what I can see, this is basically just a foreshadowing of Biden and the modern day Democrats, just way more charm and less dementia

[@wiseassokaythen]

Mincemeat, probably.

[@aldalberan]

I worked side by side with Rik throughout the whole of this series (I was the Film editor) and I can tell you what he would have thought of Trump!... Unprintable!! LOL!!I know this because of how much he hated Thatcher, who was similar in so many ways. Bless him he was a lovely man as well an extremely funny character actor. RIP Rik.

[@notroll1279]

I always think of T**** as Alan B'stard's American reincarnation: Equally wicked, only dumber, fatter and less educated.

[@michaelrawson6261]

Classic laughs from one of the absolute kings of English comedy, from a time when English comedy was in its heyday. This, Blackadder, Last Of The Summer Wine and so many more. Great time to by sat watching tv...

[@johnmcglinchey]

great post. i shall now binge

[@DarkEyes1321]

Thanks for posting. I love it and I was always having issues to get all the dialogue as English is not my first language, so subtitles help a lot :)

[@paulanthony5274]

Pretty easy language to learn English. You'll soon pick it up properly, compared to, say, German anyway..

[@cosmicstargazer10]

If you didn't use Google Translate to post this comment, your English is just fine - in fact, there are (far too) many English people who can't do that well!!

[@Leelee-eu7je]

This was written in 1987! Its almost like the writers ripped a hole and jumped through the time continuum fabric to 2021/2020 and watched Boris Johnson and the tory party at PMQs every week for inspiration, before jumping back and putting pen to paper..

[@marcelfive1]

I posted the clip about him "lying as he's a politician" quote on facebook this morning

[@beakyturf6336]

Im guessing you werent around in the 1980's.

[@cosmicstargazer10]

History has a very nasty habit, of repeating itself...

[@patmackie3499]

Genius role that showed what a brilliant actor as well as being a funny man. His timing was exquisite.

[@alimantado373]

Must be the same producers and writers for Blackadder. Just brilliant satire! I met Rick Mayall many times when he lived in Ladbroke grove Notting Hill a really great and grounded, and polite guy, not like his actor persona at all. Who knew this parody would become truth!...RIP Rick.

[@richardwebb5317]

I sent a copy back to 1987, but they did not heed the warning

[@leejones8582]

Nothing has changed.

[@leejones8582]

2 legends Peter and Rik RIP

[@aaronweyl2272]

Yup, Wallace and Rick always getting along as two respectful people ^^

[@cosmicstargazer10]

THANK YOU, SO MUCH, FOR POSTING THIS!! :0)

[@NevilleBamshu23]

Rik mayall is one the greatest English t.v. personalities ever to grace out screen..what an absolute legend ov a man..i have immortalised as rick from young ones down my calf..

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Probably the only sitcom ITV did in my youth that made me laugh

[@dounutstmc]

the st. james episode was absolutely brilliant

[@rosbifle413]

Mussorgsky - Pictures at an exhibition on an 80s synth is really quite lovely.

[@anyamcclure3207]

rip rik you were my hero and still are

[@DearLeaderJoeDragiVoa]

HAHAHA great sitcom, one of the best :)

[@gazbot9000]

First episode - Rik Mayall and John Woodvine (Sir Malachi Jellicoe) reunited on screen. They both appeared previously in the movie An American Werewolf in London (1981). Mayall was one of the chess players in the pub The Slaughtered Lamb, while Woodvine played Dr. Hirsch.

[@cosmicstargazer10]

Now I need to watch American Werewolf In London again!

[@johnconlon9652]

Missed the original showing. Brilliant, especially in view of recent shenanigans in the "Mother" of parliaments. Ho-ho! ☘👿

[@56postoffice]

Sunday nights, LWT. After *"Spitting Image."* Great comedy classics. Rik Mayall (RIP) nailed the odious Tory prefectly.

[@alanpatterson2384]

The Left now hate this for its protrayal of the Labour Party and various characters. When it came out, many rank-and-file Conservatives loved it as it ridiculed the centre Left.

[@moreheff]

ah hell Rik. You are missed so much......................

[@drunk-mangaming2744]

ty, they dont make them like this anymore

[@davidm113]

Genius of the likes we will never see again. Rest in peace Mr Mayall WOOF!!!

[@cosmicstargazer10]

Rik Mayall was a comedy genius & is sadly missed. From Alan B'Stard to Drop Dead Fred to Bottom, I bloody love him! R.I.P.

[@amygoldstraw3778]

Such s great show, its still sadly, relevant today. Some things never change. Rik was perfect as b’stard

[@1fan689]

My dad just referenced this show. Id never heard of it but loved Rik in other stuff so had to watch! ❤

[@cosmicstargazer10]

And now, you love him in this, too!

[@adrianh332]

All our politicians should be called B'Stard, its only right.😂

[@cosmicstargazer10]

Not quite all, but yeah, most...

[@chrisburton8079]

This is not a comedy. This is a documentary

[@cosmicstargazer10]

SO tragic & SO TRUE!

[@futurefreak8789]

RIP Rik..he was funny as fk!

[@dlamiss]

John Nettleton around the same time was playing Sir Arnold in Yes Prime Minister as playing Sir Steven here #. Good character actor. Rik Mayall was superb in this...............shame the chief constable was only in the first episode John Woodvine played a good part

[@paulshri8609]

Thank you for this 😂😂

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Never seen this before despite knowing of its existence. Seen other political sitcoms like Yes Minister, but this is rather different. 😆

[@simplesimonhadapie]

This entire series is a brilliant insight into the modern tory party as it is even with alan as an mep for a series

[@andrewwestoll5702]

How things change and stay the same

[@baslongstaff1819]

Love this 👍

[@cmotdibbler8105]

Insanely good

[@ramsey6681]

There is absolutely no doubt that Tony Fucking Blair (I believe that's his full name) watched this series and spent nigh on a decade learning how to make this fictional character a reality. To be fair though, I think Alan B'Stard was a bit of an empathetic moral stalwart in comparison to his most ardent impersonator.

[@Musingsonthelawofattraction]

Well said!

[@miguelrotaeche8582]

I bet Boris Johnson watched all episodes several times in his youth.

[@OpalEaagle]

Rumour has it that Jacob rees-mogg exclusively watched this growing up

[@inthegrass11]

shame he didn't have the brains to work out it was satire

[@petertaylor4980]

Nonsense, TV didn't exist then.

[@cosmicstargazer10]

@@inthegrass11 it's typical of that breed - their parents rinse thousands of pounds a year on their education & they learn nothing. There are very clever kids in families with no money, that could make much better use of that education.

[@cosmicstargazer10]

@@OpalEaagle that is utterly unsurprising. That dude's face & voice freak me the-F out! EUCH!!

[@harryflash5202]

Rik Mayall's finest hour.

[@cosmicstargazer10]

Many fine hours for our continued enjoyment. I hope from where he is now, he knows how much he is loved.

[@nadiajasminebaki4318]

Love the quick shot of the gospel choir!

[@RobertLocksley385]

They even got old Sutch in for the first episode! There was the only politician with a sense of humour since Churchill.

[@stanleyszelagowski7599]

Imagine the inner hell of being someone like B'Stard!?!

[@SamuelBlack84]

I would enjoy the hell out of it

[@randyschwaggins]

Not as bad as being your wife

[@cosmicstargazer10]

They are not suffering in the slightest, but, that is exactly where they are going to end up. There's a special place there, reserved just for them.

[@Mister_H.]

I used to wait up for this every Sunday night, past my bedtime knowing I had school in the morning so I could laugh about it with my mates!

[@Dungshoveleux]

Right you are, Mr Barstard 😁

[@gaz1tinsley]

B'stard

[@Dungshoveleux]

@@gaz1tinsley Yes, but the running gag is that everyone mispronounces his name like I miswrote it to reflected how it is mispronounced.

[@barjumbo1969]

Essential, viewing on a Sunday night before a week on the 'YTS' scheme on Mondays! Those were the days!

[@randyschwaggins]

Lol...spastic 😂

[@charliedrosario999]

Episode 7 I think is the best.

[@masterknife8423]

Out of all his characters I'm pretty sure this is the one he was born to play

[@Sheffield_Steve]

13:14 The Star headline "Lords Give Licence To Bang" 🤣👍

[@foreignwarren7361]

What the bloody hell is Jumbo Mills doing in parliament... Thought he was off selling cars is Australia...

[@ChubbyChecker182]

Luvvly Jubbly 😁

[@logicalnetwork1611]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TBFI_Botswana]

Bombadier salutes tennis - bang on! So vey much missed 😢

[@JoeK25301]

Give us series two