Not the Nine O'Clock News

Not the Nine O'Clock News (1979-1982)

EndedVariety showComedy

Not the Nine O'Clock News is a television comedy sketch show which was broadcast on BBC2 from 1979 to 1982. Originally shown as a comedy alternative to the Nine O'Clock News on BBC1. It featured satirical sketches on current news stories and popular culture, as well as parody songs, comedy sketches, re-edited videos, and spoof television formats. The show featured Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones, as well as Chris Langham in the first series.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 21:00 (25 min)

Last Episode

Shame
Season 4Episode 625 min

Shame

Sketches: Punk road painter / Two Ninnies/Two Ninnies Song / Marc Almond / Jogger trying to cross the road / Pub Grub / Arab identifying his wife's body / Parkinson meets Ian Botham / Zak the Alien / Pork Scratchings / Budget / Barefoot thug / Time, Gentlemen, Please / Hey Wow / Pizza Moment / The Memory Kinda Lingers
mars 8, 1982

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E06Shamemars 8, 1982
S04E05Made in Walesmars 1, 1982
S04E04Show Twenty Fivefévr. 22, 1982
S04E03Hi Se Seo An Naught Ag A Naoi Chlogfévr. 15, 1982
S04E02Show Twenty Threefévr. 8, 1982
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' premiere?

'Not the Nine O'Clock News' premiered on October 16, 1979.

Who were the four main cast members of the show?

The four main cast members of 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' were Rowan Atkinson, Pamela Stephenson, Mel Smith, and Griff Rhys Jones.

What was the format of the show?

'Not the Nine O'Clock News' was a sketch comedy show, with each episode featuring a mix of pre-recorded and live sketches.

Who was the show's producer?

The producer of 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' was John Lloyd.

Which famous comedian was a guest writer for some episodes of the show?

Richard Curtis was a guest writer for some episodes of 'Not the Nine O'Clock News'.

Who wrote the show's musical themes?

The show's musical themes were written by Howard Goodall.

What was the show's target audience?

The target audience for 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' was young adults.

How many series were produced?

'Not the Nine O'Clock News' ran for four series.

Did the show have a studio audience?

Yes, 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' had a live studio audience.

What was the show's most popular recurring sketch?

The show's most popular recurring sketch was "Gerald the Gorilla".

Did the show use political satire?

Yes, 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' used political satire extensively in its sketches.

What was the show's most controversial sketch?

The most controversial sketch from 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' was "Kinda Lingers", which parodied the Band Aid single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?".

What was the show's budget?

The budget for 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' was relatively low, with each episode costing around \u00a350,000 to produce.

Cast

Mel Smith

Mel Smith

plays Various Roles
Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson

plays Various Roles
Chris Langham

Chris Langham

plays Various Roles
Griff Rhys Jones

Griff Rhys Jones

plays Various Roles
Pamela Stephenson

Pamela Stephenson

plays Various Roles
View all cast

Characters

Various Roles

Various Roles

played by Mel Smith
Various Roles

Various Roles

played by Rowan Atkinson
Various Roles

Various Roles

played by Chris Langham
Various Roles

Various Roles

played by Griff Rhys Jones
Various Roles

Various Roles

played by Pamela Stephenson
View all characters

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