The series was based on a series of books by writer David Nobbs, and the first series was scripted by him. The original three seasons ran on BBC television from 1976 through 1979. A revival season appeared in 1996.
Leonard Rossiter brings a manic energy to the role of Reggie, perfectly conveying the increasing frustration and anxiety of someone in a mid-life crisis. As the series progresses, we see Reggie’s frustration with his un-fulfilling sales career at Sunshine Deserts grow out of control.
In 2009, a new version of the series aired on BBC1, starring Martin Clunes (of Men Behaving Badly). This version is simply titled “Reggie Perrin”, and is very similar to the original series, but updated somewhat to reflect modern times.
The original Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin is available as a complete series DVD box set.
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The series features hilariously clever escapades based in 1930s upper class British society. The wealthy bachelor Bertie Wooster often finds himself in some quirky predicament or another, often resolved by his ever resourceful valet, Jeeves.
Jeeves and Wooster is available on DVD as series seasons, or as a DVD box set.
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The series, known in the UK as “The Good Life”, ran on BBC One between 1975 and 1978. It was hugely popular, and the series finale was recorded as a Royal Command Performance with the Queen herself in attendance. In the United States, Good Neighbors was a fixture on PBS stations for many years, and remains part of the rotation of classic britcoms. The series’ message of “green” sustainable living makes it even more timely today.
Good Neighbors is available on DVD as individual series seasons, or as a DVD box set.
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The series ran between 1993 and 1996 on BBC One, and has often been shown on PBS stations around the United States. Chef! is available on DVD as individual series seasons, or in box set form.
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The show’s unique approach was to feature a different time period for each season: the Middle Ages, the Reign of Elizabeth I, the Regency, and World War I. In each season, Atkinson plays a different descendant in the Blackadder family line.
Members of the cast returned throughout the seasons as different descendants of their respective characters. The most prominent of these was Blackadder’s recurring servant, Baldrick, played by Tony Robinson. Others included Stephen Fry (Melchett), Tim McInnerny (Percy/Darling), Hugh Laurie (George), and Miranda Richardson (Elizabeth).
Since the last full series in 1989, several shorter appearances have been produced, usually for the Children in Need televised charity. In 2000, a longer reunion episode, Blackadder Back and Forth, was produced. Set in 1999 at the turn of the millennium, this special reunited much of the original cast in a story about a modern-day Blackadder and a time machine.
In 2008, a documentary about the show, Blackadder Rides Again, was aired on Christmas Day on the BBC. It featured new interviews with much of the original cast.
Blackadder DVDs are available as individual series seasons, and as DVD box sets.
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Stephen Fry (born August 24, 1957) is a popular and prolific actor, writer, and television host.
Fry was a member of the Cambridge Footlights with Hugh Laurie, among others. The two went on to appear in Blackadder with Rowan Atkinson, and had their own sketch comedy series, A Bit of Fry and Laurie on BBC Television. During this period, they also starred in Jeeves and Wooster, based on novels and stories by P.G. Wodehouse.
Fry has since gone on to acclaim for appearances in films, including a starring role as his literary hero Oscar Wilde in the 1997 film Wilde. He also wrote and directed the 2003 film Bright Young Things.
The 2008 television series “Stephen Fry in America” was based on his travels through the United States.
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Hugh Laurie (born June 11, 1959) is a highly successful comedic actor, having starred in many high profile comedy series since the 1980s, often with comedy partner Stephen Fry. Laurie is best known to American audiences from his starring role in House, M.D.
Laurie was a member of the Cambridge Footlights with comedy partner Stephen Fry among others. The pair would go on to be part of the regular ensemble cast of Blackadder. They also featured in the acclaimed sketch comedy show A Bit of Fry and Laurie, and Jeeves and Wooster, based on the stories of P.G. Wodehouse.
His role in the Fox medical drama House, M.D. has made him famous to U.S. viewers, who – convinced by his American accent – are often surprised to find out that he is an English actor. Laurie’s portrayal of the quirky Dr. House has earned him critical acclaim, including two Golden Globe Awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series.
Laurie is also an author, having written a successful novel, The Gun Seller, a spoof of the spy genre. Another novel, The Paper Soldier is expected to be published later in 2009.
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Fry and Laurie had been members of the Cambridge Footlights, and went on to star together in Blackadder with Rowan Atkinson. With A Bit of Fry and Laurie, they applied their own witty style – often heavy on political satire – to produce an intelligent sketch comedy show that pushed the format to its limits.
During the same period, Fry and Laurie worked together in Jeeves and Wooster, a television comedy series based on the stories of P.G. Wodehouse.
Stephen Fry continues to be an active actor, writer, and television host. Hugh Laurie currently stars in the quirky American hospital drama, House, M.D.
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Ashley Jensen (born August 11, 1969) is a comedic actress known for her role as Maggie in Extras (with Ricky Gervais), and as Christina in the American version of Ugly Betty.
Ashley Jensen’s early television work included roles in the BBC sitcom May to December, and in the soap opera EastEnders.
Jensen’s work in Extras earned her several British Comedy Awards and BAFTA nominations.
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