# The New Statesman (1987)

> A scheming, self-serving Conservative MP stumbles through absurd schemes in this broad British political satire.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/5699

## Facts

- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 26
- Episode runtime: 30 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: comedy
- Created by: Laurence Marks, Maurice Gran
- Network: ITV1
- Cast: Rik Mayall, Michael Troughton, Hugh Laurie, Marsha Fitzalan, Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, John Sessions, John Woodvine
- TMDB rating: 7.8/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094519/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Tone: satirical, cynical, farcical, irreverent, dark

## What critics say

Audiences broadly regard The New Statesman as a sharp, positively received satire, driven by Rik Mayall's outrageous lead performance.

## Synopsis

The New Statesman (1987-1992) is a British political satire sitcom created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran for ITV1. Rik Mayall stars as Alan B'Stard, a greedy, scheming Conservative Member of Parliament who will exploit any opportunity for money, status and power. Michael Troughton plays his put-upon associate Piers Fletcher-Dervish, while Marsha Fitzalan appears as his wife Sarah, and the central engine is B'Stard's relentless pursuit of advancement against a backdrop of London and parliamentary life. Each half-hour episode is a self-contained scheme, with B'Stard's plans spiralling into increasingly absurd complications. Across four seasons and twenty-six episodes, the series keeps its focus on the satirical targets of the era, delivering broad physical comedy and sharp political barbs. The tone is cynical, loud and mischievous, with a dark comedic edge that makes the protagonist's villainy both appalling and entertaining. Fans of Yes Minister, The Thick of It and Blackadder will find resonance in its British wit, its ruthless satire of power, and its enjoyment of a truly unscrupulous lead character.

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