Not The Nine O'Clock News

In the 80s and 90s, there was a new way of alternative comedy following in the footsteps of Monty Python, and other predecessors. Alternatives distinguished themselves from the traditional gag based comedy by deliberately choosing socially important topics and often presenting them in a more intellectual manner. "Not The Nine O'Clock News" (1979-1982) was one of the first alternative mainstream sketch shows that made it possible to several comedy writers to come up with a new style, and starred a new generation of comedians, including Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones and Pamela Stephenson. Atkinson went on to make Blackadder and Mr. Bean, and also started a successful movie carrier, whereas the other two male actors continued with Alas Smith and Jones. Perhaps later I will write about these also, but for now let us see where they started their carriers. The first sketch is a subtle spoof of conservative politics by Rowan Atkinson, a really funny one. Then we see how Americans do politics in a sketch by Jones and Atkinson, and finally to relax we learn about the consequences of teaching a gorilla to speak by Smith, Stephenson and Atkinson.