Yes Minister

Yes Minister - Nigel Hawthorne, Paul Eddington and Derek Fowlds.

The satirical sitcom Yes Minster was first seen on 25th February 1980. The title sequence and music of the pilot was replaced in later episodes with Gerald Scarfe cartoons which contrasted with the stately theme tune and made it clear that the programme was not deferential to those in government. The comedy was based on the premise that real power was held by civil servants rather than ministers. The main characters were Jim Hacker MP - played by Paul Eddington - and Sir Humphrey Appleby, his Permanent Secretary, played by Nigel Hawthorne. Hacker's Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley, was played by Derek Fowlds.

Yes Minister was written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, who were praised for being accurate as well as funny. They were advised by people who had themselves been in government, and several of the comedy situations depicted arose from real events. The programme influenced the public perception of the state, and Sir Humphrey's pronouncements revealed the art of political spin.

The success of Yes Minister led to 6 BAFTA Awards. After three series it became Yes Prime Minister, as Hacker was unexpectedly promoted, and continued to 1988. The comedy The Thick of It (2005-2012) is a direct descendant and the term 'Sir Humphrey' is understood to mean a career civil servant.