INFURIATING GOVERNMENT: Best Bits of Series 2 | Yes, Minister | BBC Comedy Greats

Our favourite behind-the-scenes political shenanigans from the second series of the award-winning satirical sitcom. Starring Paul Eddington as Cabinet Minister and would-be Prime Minister, Jim Hacker.

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[GrayHateborn]

A few years ago I walked into Tesco in Halifax and they had a 5 dvd set of the complete Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister for £10. I still feel like I robbed them that day. More precious than gold.

[stevebrooks]

Sir Humphrey; "The Universities are up in arms about your suggestion Minister"
Jim Hacker; "Oh yes, which Universities?"
Sir Humphrey: "Both of them Minister..."

[thestrangeguy]

A documentary for the public,
A comedy for the civil service,
A tragedy for politicians.

[ggleminus]

"What idiot authorised that!?"
"Ah, you did minister."
Classic.

[toobasaurus]

When I was young, my father loved this series. I would listen but couldn't understand most of it.
When I grew up and went to university to study politics and law, I started listening to it again.
I'm 40 years old now, and it's still masterful in its content and delivery.
All of the policy and administrative hang-ups are still relevant today: jobs for the boys, the lobbyists... it's all still there in 2021.
That makes this show timeless.

[asuk]

My favourite moment in Yes, Minister is when Sir Humphrey is suspected of being a KGB spy. “I can’t be a Soviet spy, I didn’t go to Cambridge!”

[thewelder]

I nearly died laughing at, "Do you know how much this is worth?", "I believe the going-rate is thirty pieces of silver". Legendary writing.

[DasSkelett]

52 minutes of Yes, Minister? This must be heaven.

[chrispnw]

The character of Arnold (Cabinet Secretary) was extremely authentic and still resonates as completely accurate. A perfect example how in 'polite society' pressure is put upon a person to secure loyalty and cooperation. No shouting or histrionics required.

[NathanGriffithsNZ]

"Minister! We don't measure our success by results, but by activity!" - some things never change.

[lloydjenkins]

My father always said this was a documentary, not a comedy.

[Spacegamejunkie]

As much as I love Appleby, when Hacker goes into "Churchill" mode it always, ALWAYS kills me.

[MrDaiseymay]

Now all three main Character Actors are gone, such a shame. Brilliant writing and acting. Never to be seen again.

[fazole]

They really developed Paul Eddington's character very well over the series from hesitant, worrying, fawning opportunist to a confident, cunning, survivalist.

[drunkenwhiskeyeu]

Every stone will be left unturned - always cracks me up.

[Choccoxlattejosie]

This programme is 40+ years old but is still as relevant now as then. Great scripts, brilliant acting. Compare this to other supposed to other programmes of the time, undoubtedly the best ever.

[dxbwinenaudio]

When I grew up in India, it was shown weekly on the TV. I recorded every episode (of PM and M) and must have watched it at least 100 times- no exaggeration. I have read both the books and for once I can say that a series did better than the book. This is timeless- still watch it every day.

[guguigugu]

i love when he starts channeling Churchill

[nathelondon]

Great scripts. Great actors. How do you know that something is a comedy classic? When it is fresh, relevant and hilarious 40 years later! RIP all concerned. The laughter goes on....

[richardtawse]

"I'm not in any sense repremanding you", that's when you know you've crossed the line.