"A Bit of Fry and Laurie" (1986) TV series 1986-1995

User Rating:

8.7/10   

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

13 January 1989 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

As the title suggests, "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" is less of a specific format then a 'coat-hanger' for short sketches...

Plot Keywords:

Sketch Comedy | Double Act | British

Cast

Stephen Fry	...	Various Characters (26 episodes, 1987-1995)
Hugh Laurie	...	Various Characters (26 episodes, 1987-1995)

Also Known As:

"A Bit of Fry & Laurie" (UK) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

UK:30 min (26 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M | Canada:PG | Australia:PG (some episodes)

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Quotes:

[vox pop]
Stephen: Used to be this chap at my school called Richard Braine. You'll never guess our nickname for him. We used to call him Rick Brain. Oh, no, that can't be right.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Britain's 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches (2005) (TV)

Two Men And An Ampersand

Amidst the 'alternative' comedy chaos of the '80's, 'A Bit Of Fry & Laurie' arrived almost unnoticed. Unlike 'The Young Ones', it had no ambitions to 'tear up the rule book book of comedy', but simply to present funny, surreal sketches. 'Not Only But Also' was undoubtedly an influence; highlights included 'Its A Wonderful Life' starring Rupert Murdoch, 'Kickin' Ass', and the 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' send-up with Fry as a Smiley-type intelligence boss who comes out with such cryptic phrases as: "You know I can't stick The Department up my arse, George.". Another notable feature were the vox pop sequences. As a double act, Fry and Laurie were peerless. After three excellent seasons, the show moved to B.B.C.-1 for its final run, which predictably became bogged down by guest-stars such as Caroline Quentin. The pair then split to pursue successful solo careers. It would be nice to think that they might come together again some day to give us more of their offbeat brand of humour.