Watch Drop the Dead Donkey

"Drop the Dead Donkey" is a British sitcom that aired on Channel 4 from 1990 to 1998. It was set in a fictional newsroom of a TV station, GlobeLink News. The show is known for its sharp social commentary and satire of the media industry, politics, and current events.

The show's main characters included Damien Day (Robert Duncan), the ambitious and ruthless senior reporter who would do anything for a front-page story. His rival was Alex Pates (Haydn Gwynne), the intelligent and competent senior producer who fought to maintain journalistic integrity even in the face of pressure from her superiors.

Other notable characters included the sleazy managing director, Gus Hedges (Jeff Rawle), the ditzy newsreader, Sally Smedley (Ingrid Lacey), and the morally ambiguous editorial assistant, Joy Merryweather (Victoria Wicks). The newsroom was also home to the hapless but loyal technical crew, played by David Swift and Stephen Tompkinson.

Each episode of "Drop the Dead Donkey" centered around the daily operations of the newsroom, with the current news stories and events of the day providing a backdrop for the show's humorous and often biting commentary. The show was known for its use of topical references and inside jokes that would sometimes go over the heads of viewers who were not familiar with the events being satirized.

Despite its often cynical take on the media industry, "Drop the Dead Donkey" was also praised for its strong, multi-dimensional characters and its ability to balance humor with drama. The show tackled serious issues like censorship, media bias, and the ethics of journalism, while still managing to keep viewers laughing with its quick wit and sharp humor.

One of the most notable aspects of the show was its willingness to take risks and push boundaries. It was one of the first British sitcoms to use handheld cameras and a single-camera setup, which gave it a more naturalistic, documentary-style feel. It also featured a number of guest stars over its eight-season run, including comedian Jo Brand, actor Richard Wilson, and journalist Jon Snow.

"Drop the Dead Donkey" was consistently popular throughout its run, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. It won numerous awards, including three BAFTAs and a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Series.

Overall, "Drop the Dead Donkey" was a groundbreaking and influential sitcom that paved the way for future shows like "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." Its sharp satire and witty writing continue to be celebrated by fans of British comedy today.

Drop the Dead Donkey is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (65 episodes). The series first aired on August 9, 1990.