The New Statesman

I detest politics from all sides of the spectrum (I don't even vote) and this perfectly illustrates why. Despite it beginning it's broadcast run in 1987 it's still relevant in the world of British (or maybe global) politics today. Rik Mayall plays corrupt Tory back bencher Alan Beresford B'Stard and he fits this role perfectly as a slimy character who we are suppose to utterly detest and yet the character (written and acted) is so evil and so cruel that he is incredibly entertaining (and even a little bit admirable). The series is firmly set in the 80s under Thatcher's government but it's still surprisingly relevant even 30 years later (which can't be said for a lot of other satire shows), for example in one episode B'stard says he wants to shut down the health service to reduce waiting lists and 30 years later Boris Johnson is going on about doing the exact same thing (maybe he watched this and didn't get that it was suppose to be making fun of people like him), in fact in a lot of ways Alan B'stard is like Boris Johnson, although B'stard is more openly corrupt. Proof that even though tech and ideas have changed idiots will always be idiots.

The New Statesman and Black Adder.

Two brilliant pieces of work everybody should see.

(Btw. Rik Mayall stars in both of those series. He's Lord Flashheart in Bladders)

New Statesman sometimes seems to me as if it is Black Adder 5: Present Politics... (or something like that)

It's distinguished, utterly funny and just GOOD.

Go, buy it, see it.

In my opinion this is maybe the best political satire ever made.It´s main character Alan B´Stard played by Rik Mayall is excellent.There will pass quite long time while somebody makes such good series as this one.So I recommend it to anybody who loves British humor!!

Been a fan of Riks for years. But this tops the lot. The character Alan Beresford B'stard and Rik Mayall go hand in hand. They were meant for each other. Such a refreshingly original comedy series, with so much scope for political satire, plots, characters, you name it. An excellent supporting cast with characters Piers, Sarah, Sir Stephen Baxter, Sir Greville, Geof Diquead and many more.

Each series has its own uniqueness. The first series entrenched with 80s Thatcherism, we all remember those days. The nineties comes in with the faceless John Major, and Europe with all trimmings. Alan B'stard as MEP for Obersaxon in Germany is quite brilliant. This is especially good as it gives him the chance to lay into Europe and take the mickey out of our European neighbours, especially the Germans, or the krauts as he would say.

I suggest anybody who loves British comedy and political satire at its very best should watch it. It just a pity it has ceased production. Would have loved to see Alan tackle Labour and Tony Blair, knowing him he probably would have defected!

This is a hilarious political-cum comedy, this series reminds me instantly of the political bits in Little Britain.

Rik mayall at his best, TNS has more of an intellectual side than his usual fast witted comedies boyish humour and innuendo's aplenty, which is quite political correct in this respect! :p

A sheer classic, lots of fun and humor to be had, just don't watch it in front of your inlaws, unless they like the show of course! Beg borrow but don't steal a copy! watch it, laugh it and you're gonna really enjoy it!

In fact, all this talk has got those memories flooding back again, i'm gonna order the DVD set now! ;) 10/10