Series synopsis
The Armando Iannucci Shows is a British comedy television series that premiered on Channel 4 on August 30, 2001. It ended on October 18, 2001. It was created by Armando Iannucci. It stars Armando Iannucci, Stephen Mangan, Alan Ford and Tony Gardner.
The Armando Iannucci Shows is a series of eight programmes focused on specific themes relating to human nature and existentialism, around which Iannucci would weave a series of surreal sketches and monologues. Recurring themes in the episodes are the superficiality of modern culture, our problems communicating with each other, the mundane nature of working life and feelings of personal inadequacy and social awkwardness. Several characters also make repeat appearances in the shows, including the ...
Premise
The Armando Iannucci Shows is a series of eight programmes focused on specific themes relating to human nature and existentialism, around which Iannucci would weave a series of surreal sketches and monologues. Recurring themes in the episodes are the superficiality of modern culture, our problems communicating with each other, the mundane nature of working life and feelings of personal inadequacy and social awkwardness. Several characters also make repeat appearances in the shows, including the East End thug, who solves every problem with threats of violence; Hugh, an old man who delivers surreal monologues about what things were like in the old days; and Iannucci's barber, who is full of nonsensical anecdotes.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Armando Iannucci as Himself
- Stephen Mangan as Television Executive #4
- Alan Ford as Alan The East End Thug
- Tony Gardner as Television Executive #1
- Darren Higham as Television Executive #2
- Melanie Hudson as Television Executive #3
- Hugh Cecil as Hugh
- James Smith as Various Characters
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 17 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 9 | November 2, 1998 | November 2, 1998 |
| Season 1 | 8 | August 30, 2001 | October 18, 2001 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Clinton - His Struggle With Dirt A mockumentary taking a comic-look at how the Lewinsky scandal is perceived in the year 2028. |
November 2, 1998 |
| 2 | Coma | |
| 3 | Great Adult |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Twats Armando worries about looking like a twat in front of other people. He worries about what other people think about him, judging him by his appearance, what he thinks and his lack of football knowledge. He even worries about a man known for telling brilliant jokes, who is appearing at his next dinner party and in front of whom he may appear foolish. |
August 30, 2001 |
| 2 |
Work Armando claims that almost everyone made a wrong decision around eight years ago, which explains why they end up with terrible jobs. From clowns becoming teachers, to sniffer dogs deciding to go to Bangkok on an impulse, it appears the only person Armando knows who truly likes their job is his barber. |
September 6, 2001 |
| 3 |
Communication Armando realises that most people do not talk to each other, hence why people end up going to landfills after nailing themselves into DIY cupboards. More problems arise in the form of racist police horses, and even a bride using a racist accent during her marriage to her Indian husband. |
September 20, 2001 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| First aired | August 30, 2001 |
| Last aired | October 18, 2001 |
| Runtime | 24 minutes |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Thursday at 22:30:00 |