User reviews

James Hacker MP didn't expect that he would be the next prime minister. Unlike in America, the party is elected in Britain while we, Americans, vote for candidates regardless of their party. Despite the differences, Paul Eddington CBE's performance as minister turned prime minister almost overnight is helped by his senior adviser, Sir Humphrey, played by another knight, Sir Nigel Hawthorne, and veteran actor Derek Fowlds also returns to the scene as well. Now instead of pleasing some people, he has to please the nation rather than his constituency. Now, he has a hard job to do even more difficult than before. Now, he must approve the honors list and work with Her Majesty as well on a regular basis. Hacker is not the hacking type. He is rather than the every man who we like and don't want to dislike and turn into a villain of sorts or a vicious dictator. Now, we see the prime minister's point of view and all the pleasing that must go on as well as handle strikes.

It is not easy for everyone to link laughter with politic which, in my opinion, is serious. YPM made it, wow! What matters most is that even today, 2020, this old Series still can make people reflect on.

In my years as a student of political science at the university of Leiden, one of the professors used to rave about these series whenever the subject of British politics was on the agenda. And even though that professor wasn't the most humorous of chaps, his quotes and tales from the series always guaranteed a good laugh.

I recently got hold of the entire series, and even though I do view them with a somewhat scholarly mind (old habits, and such), laughing out loud is my usual response. So cleverly written, such an exquisite cast of characters, such a mild way of portraying profound cynicism ("A cynic is what an idealist calls a realist", dixit Sir Humphrey Appleby).

I will probably still look at it in ten, twenty, thirty years time (if I live to see the day) ... knowing that there will always be a Sir Humphrey Appleby, a Bernard Woolley and a Right Honorable James Hacker around somewhere preventing the series from becoming outdated.

I don't know if that's something to look forward to, but if it guarantees the same laughs, I'm all for it!

In the final episode of 'Yes Minister' Jim Hacker, the Minister for Administrative Affairs, is surprisingly chosen to be Prime Minister... this series shows what happens next. That turns out to be very much the same in that the Civil Service, in the form of Sir Humphrey Appleby, seem to be making most of the decisions... although Hacker does occasionally get the better of him. Since he is now PM he has bigger ideas and bigger problems. Jim now has Dorothy Wainwright, a political advisor, on his side; Sir Humphrey finds her an irritation. Bernard Woolley is still present as the PM's Principal Private Secretary; always ready to correct a mixed metaphor.

If you enjoyed 'Yes Minister' this is a must see; the wit is as sharp as ever and all the main characters return. Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds continue to be great as Hacker, Sir Humphrey and Bernard making us believe we are watching real people rather than characters. Deborah Norton is a fine addition to the cast as Dorothy Wainwright. The series is now over thirty years old but the politics still feels fresh... although it must be noted that most of the 'unacceptable' ideas to reduce smoking in the episode 'The Smoke Screen' have become law! Overall a great series that provides lots of laughs in every episode.

This, rather logical extension of the BBC "Yes, Minister" series is every bit as good. The hapless but, by now, far more politically savvy "Jim Hacker" (Paul Eddington) with the help of his civil service advisor "Sir Humphrey" (Nigel Hawthorne) and long-suffering aide 'Bernard" (Andrew Fowlds) has managed to wheedle his way to the job of Prime Minister. Our topics (i.e. his responsibilities) are now upscaled from the earlier series' as he deals with everything from arts funding to the defence of the Realm; he has to appoint a bishop and defend a tiny island from impending communist invasion - and most importantly of all; he mustn't upset relations with "The Palace"... Each episode tends to have a visiting guest to heighten the topic and exacerbate his invariably vacillating response to whatever needs to be done. "The Key" is probably my particular favourite as in this, "Sir Humphrey" is very much forced from his comfort zone... It's still a fantastic critique of the machinations at the very top of the British political establishment and frequently laugh out loud. It could probably be true of most international administrations (perhaps not in Paris!).

I've been listening to the radio adaptation on Audible recently and watching some episodes via Amazon video. The humour is still sharp, immaculately timed, and the acting brilliant. Even though "a week is a long time in politics" , the issues presented are not too different from those we face today.

With all the channels on satellite TV I find it hard to believe this isn't on any channel (as I write this). The scripts and acting are second to none, and no show today has this winning formula for me. I have always had a soft spot for Jerry (The Good Life) and so anything he starred in after was a hit with me, but Nigel Hawthorne steals the show. His character highlights the idiocy, bureaucracy and hypocrisy of British politics that's allowed to continue to this day.

Jim Hacker, now the PM still can't get things done his way to his absolute dismay. Sir Humphrey, now the Cabinet-Secretary expertly foils all of Jim's attempts. Bernard Wolley, the personal secretary is still stuck between the two, trying his best to be the voice of reason. The three protagonists are in the same deadlock but the problems get bigger as the territory gets bigger with Jim's position as the PM. Perhaps, This is the reason why Jim's plight is not as hilarious as it was when he was the Minister for Administrative Affairs. Despite that 'Yes, Prime Minister' is a worthy sequel of its predecessor. The humour is dry, the dialogues are witty, The three protagonists are charming as ever and the show, an insight into the functioning of a democratic government.

Yes, Prime Minister continues the adventures of Jim Hacker after he becomes the tenant of Number 10 Downing Street. He once more has Sir Humphrey Appleby for his nemesis-and-sometimes-ally in the latter's role as Cabinet Secretary, with Bernard Wooley maintaining his position as Hacker's Principal Private Secretary. The trio now tackle issues of greater international import and must frequently extricate themselves from tangled webs despite their often having conflicts of interest.

This sequel maintains the flair, wit and charm of its predecessor show Yes Minister even if the heightened importance of the episode subject matters makes the satire a little less believable. The writing is excellent with wonderful comedic timing, and the acting is masterly. If you loved Yes Minister, you will love this as well; if you did not, you likely won't since it is more of the same. If you have not seen that prequel series, then Yes, Prime Minister can deliver an amusing satirical take on bureaucratic affairs, narratted and enacted in classic British fashion.

One of the best British satirical comedies, if not the best.

3 Top British stage and screen actors in the main roles and top storyline based on real political events, regardless of how unlikely they seem.

Its already rated well on here, I give it a nine.

"Yes Prime Minister" probably has to be one of the greatest political comedies available. The sequel to the acclaimed television series "Yes Minister", it again examines the nature of the British political establishment in an extremely hilarious way.

The late and great Paul Eddington does a wonderful job in portraying Prime Minister Jim Hacker, a politician who is still left with some desire for change and reform in him. Nigel Hawthorne also does a remarkable job in playing Sir Humphrey Appleby the rather reactionary stereotype of the traditional British establishment. Bernard Wolley (Derek Fowlds) is caught somewhat between the wishes and desires of these two men and often faces a dilemma as a result. Deborah Norton (who plays Dorothy Wainwright) and Diane Hoddinott who plays Annie Hacker add some more great acting to the show.

The series deals with a whole range of political issues such as foreign affairs, defence, health, education and the political system itself.

A great series and a comedy that is both thought-provoking and intelligent.

Following on from Yes Minister, Jim Hacker is now Prime Minister and Sir Humphrey Appleby is Cabinet Secretary. Bernard is also along for the ride, as Hacker's personal secretary. As in their previous roles, their jobs often devolve into a battle of agendas, ideals, wills and wits between Hacker and Sir Humphrey.

Very similar formula to Yes Minister - the political ideals and poll-focus of the Prime Minister versus the practicality and preference to maintain the status quo of the civil service, with quite of few of Sir Humphrey's personal agendas thrown in for good measure.

The main difference from Yes Minister is that everything is now at a higher level, and includes international diplomacy, defense projects and spending, education, local government - broader, national issues.

Therein lies the problem with Yes, Prime Minister. Because of Yes Minister's lower level, its plots, issues and solutions were much more plausible. So plausible the series should be used in teaching Political Studies. Yes, Prime Minister, by comparison, feels contrived, and downright silly, at times.

Fortunately this is a comedy, not a drama, so plausibility isn't a top concern. Still, it helps.

When it comes to the humour, while still quite funny, this series seems less original than its predecessor, and happy to retread old jokes and use formulaic gags. Worst of all, Bernard, who was the face of innocence and the straight man to the machinations of Hacker and Sir Humphrey in Yes Minister, has been reduced to making lame puns and other one-liners.

The writing is just not as tight or finely-crafted as in Yes Minister.

This all said, it does make some great points about government and always does so in a very humorous fashion. Some issues raised are well ahead of their time and the laughs come thick and fast.

Not as great as Yes Minister but still very good.

Pretty good show I reckon. I don't get most of the jokes but they have a laugh track to tell you what bits are funny and stuff.

"Yes Prime Minister" picks up where the previous "Yes Minister" left off, and continues the quality. The two series are bridged by a Christmas special, "Party Games", where the Prime Minister has retired, and Sir Humphrey has manipulated the selection process to place Jim Hacker in Number 10. The new series picks up with Hacker now in his new job.

The series continued the fine work of its predecessor. The writing is first rate and the performers still shine. New dimension was added with the introduction of Deborah Norton as Dorothy Wainwright, Hacker's political advisor. Wainwright is a master strategist, who is able to counter Sir Humphrey's schemes. As such, Jim gets to win a few more this time. Still, never underestimate Sir Humphrey.

There is more of a trade-off here, as the battles are split between Sir Humphrey and Hacker, and a few where they are allies. If there is any criticism of the show, it's that some of the themes had already been done in the original series. However, they are given a new wrinkle as Hacker is now in the top spot. He no longer has to worry about the PM, because he is the PM; but, he still will not make a "courageous" decision, or anything that is unpopular.

Repetition may explain why this series was shorter. The series had explored everything it could, short of full scale war. Still, every episode is a delight.

The entire series is available on vhs, in the US; and, hopefully, will follow the recent release of "Yes Minister" on DVD. Also, the two "diaries" of the shows are well worth seeking out. They beautifully capture the shows, through diary entries, memo's, and government documents. They are far more than a brief plot summary. You can find them through out-of-print book searches on the web.

This series is simply the best political comedy ever. From first hand experiences not with the british but the european administration and from my studies of political science I can pledge the satire to be really, really sharp. The dialogues are superb and I simply love the characters. Sir Humphrey is unbeatable. As a fellow writer already commented a must see for everyone into politics.

Jim Hacker is England's Prime Minister. He does have some good ideas, but Sir Humphrey -- played by Nigel Hawthorne -- always makes sure that none of Jim's ideas are realized. Jim Hacker is a Tory, alright, but he is in fact more of a liberal man -- that keeps Sir Humphrey busy, who would do anything to keep the UK from adopting progressive politics. Of course, Jim himself does have some serious flaws himself, not so much on the political, but rather on the personal side -- this makes Sir Humphrey's "job" a lot easier.

Nigel Hawthorne spreads the same kind of Tory charm that he does in _Her Majesty Mrs Brown_, where he interprets D'Israeli. _Yes PM_ is for those who like a bit of politics and LOTS of humour: the eternal fight between progress (Jim, his wife, Dorothy) and reaction (Sir Humphrey and Bernard, Hacker's secretary, who's always driving the others mad with his speeches on Latin and Greek grammar...)

A fitting sequel to Yes Minister. Yes Prime Minister is very, very slightly inferior to it, as the authors had realised that what they were creating would be regarded as the last word on British Democracy. The last episode therefore ends on a note of despair, and there is the occasional wistful tone which betrays Jay's and Lynn's awareness of what they were doing.

The book and television versions of Yes Minister are fairly close to each other. However, in the book, Yes Prime Minister was substantially expanded. I should think that the books Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister are on par with each other, so that means that the televised version of Yes Prime Minister is a bit below par.

As I revise this comment in 2005, Yes Prime Minister seems very much to belong to a by gone era. Under Blair, the prime ministership of Britain has been conducted in a radically different style, which is more similar to that of Indira Gandhi than to that any British prime minister. Perhaps Anthony Jay can be persuaded to create a series based on Blair's time in power?

All in all, 8/10.