A History of Alternative Comedy

Episode 1

Wanted ... Frustrated Dentists

28 mins

Angus Deayton presents the first of a six-part look at the history of alternative comedy, with contributions from some of its key players. This opening episode starts with the beginnings of The Comedy Store and the new comedic form.

Episode 2

As Seen on TV

A look at the emergence of alternative comedy on television, from "Boom Boom Out Go the Lights", "The Young Ones" and "Saturday Live". Speakers include Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall, Ben Elton, Lise Mayer, Geoffrey Perkins and John Lloyd.

Episode 3

There IS an Alternative

28 mins

Margaret Thatcher's election as the UK Prime Minister saw the emergence of a new political landscape. This was reflected in comedy of the '80s, which both commented on and reflected the changes in society, and saw "Thatch" become a target.

Episode 4

I need a woman or a juggler

29 mins

This edition saw the series break into the BBC2 Top 30 for the first and only time. Almost 2.4 million viewers tuned in to watch an exploration of women in comedy during the new wave movement.

Episode 5

Taboo, or not taboo?

29 mins

Alternative comedy saw sex and sexual terms taken out of the realms of innuendo and openly placed on television. Speakers including Ben Elton, Jo Brand and French and Saunders look at the changing attitudes to sex and censorship.

Episode 6

Back to the future

34 mins

The series concludes with a look at the next generation of comedy: when "alternative" has become the mainstream, what comes next?

Episode 7

Compilation

89 mins

A feature-length compilation of A History of Alternative Comedy, which was broadcast three years after the series ended.