Watch Comic Strip Presents

Comic Strip Presents is a British television series that ran on Channel 4 from 1982 to 2016. The show is known for its irreverent and often surreal humor, featuring sketches and short films from some of the most talented comedians and writers of its time. The show was created by a group of comedy performers known as The Comic Strip, which included Alexei Sayle, Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, and Peter Richardson. These performers had previously worked together on the sketch comedy show The Comic Strip Live, which aired on the BBC in the early 1980s.

Each episode of Comic Strip Presents consisted of several short films or sketches, which typically ranged from 10 to 30 minutes in length. The show was known for its sharp political satire, as well as its willingness to push the boundaries of taste and decency.

One of the most memorable episodes of Comic Strip Presents was the 1983 film "Bad News Tour," which followed a fictional heavy metal band as they embarked on a disastrous tour of the UK. The film starred Rik Mayall as the band's lead singer, with Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, and Peter Richardson as the other members of the band.

Another popular episode was "Five Go Mad in Dorset," which parodied the classic children's book series The Famous Five. The episode starred Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, and Nigel Planer as the intrepid adventurers, with Alexei Sayle making a cameo appearance.

Other notable episodes included "The Bullshitters," a spoof of spy movies starring Peter Richardson and Adrian Edmondson, and "GLC: The Carnage Continues," which satirized the controversial Greater London Council.

One of the hallmarks of Comic Strip Presents was its willingness to experiment with different styles and formats. For example, the 1986 episode "The Strike" was told entirely through a series of still photographs, while the 1987 episode "Les Dogs" was shot in black and white and featured extensive use of slow-motion.

Overall, Comic Strip Presents was a groundbreaking series that helped to define British comedy in the 1980s and beyond. It introduced audiences to a whole new generation of talented performers and writers, many of whom went on to achieve great success in their own right. Despite its controversial humor and occasional misfires, the show remains a beloved and influential part of British television history.