Alas Smith and Jones

Season 5Episode 840 minMar 2, 2007
Alas Smith and Jones

Series charting the history of the best of British comedy looks at Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones's comedy sketch show that dominated ratings throughout the 1980s. It reveals how Smith and Jones first met at university, how they were then thrown together as part of the Not the Nine O'Clock News team, and that the two had very different working styles, with Mel being relaxed and avuncular while Griff was the worrier, who slaved over tweaking and memorising his lines. It also shows how the two co-ordinated a team of writing talent that would go on to careers in front of the camera. Rory McGrath, Jimmy Mulville and Clive Anderson were all Smith and Jones stalwarts. Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, creators of Father Ted, also served their time with Griff and Mel.

Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones took a partnership formed on Not The Nine O'clock News and produced material that still influences television comedy today. They moved from BBC Two to BBC One and at the same time founded their own company, Talkback, which would become one of the most successful TV production companies in the country. Both would go on to pursue other career interests, Griff as a presenter, Mel as a film and theatre director, but it is their partnership as Smith and Jones, with the famous head-to-head formats and the brilliant on-screen dynamic between the two, that is at the heart of much of their success.

Alas Smith and Jones has aired on Mar 2, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Previous EpisodeNext Episode

Trailer

We do not have any trailers for this episode

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
IT: Welcome to Derry
Running

IT: Welcome to Derry

Taking place in the ‘60s, the show explores the origins of the curse that would haunt the small Maine town for the next 27 years — as well as the origin story of Pennywise the Clown.

Black Doves
Running

Black Doves

Helen Webb, politician's wife, doting mother, and professional spy, has been passing on her husband's secrets to the Black Doves, the shadowy organization for whom she works. But when her lover Jason is assassinated, Helen's life is turned upside down, and only her old friend Sam Young can keep her safe. But Sam, a suave, champagne-drinking assassin, also has problems of his own. Out of the game, since his last job went wrong, he soon realizes his past is coming back to haunt him. Together, they set off on a mission that will lead them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy. One that links the murky underworld of London to a looming geopolitical crisis — and leads them to question the cost of the moral choices they've made.

Taboo
Running

Taboo

1814: James Keziah Delaney returns to London from Africa and is encircled by conspiracy, murder and betrayal.

The Institute
Running

The Institute

When 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis is kidnapped, he awakens at The Institute, a facility full of children who all got there the same way he did, and who are all possessed of unusual abilities. In a nearby town, haunted former police officer Tim Jamieson has come looking to start a new life, but the peace and quiet won't last, as his story and Luke's are destined to collide.

The White Lotus
Running

The White Lotus

A social satire set at an exclusive tropical resort, The White Lotus follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week.