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Not Necessarily the News 1983

★ 6.9/10 NewsComedy 8 seasons · 100 eps Ended
Quick answer

What is Not Necessarily the News?

"Not Necessarily the News" is a satirical sketch comedy series. It first aired as a comedy special on HBO in September 1982, before running as a series from 1983.

Type
TV series
Year
1983
Status
Ended
Episodes
100
Runtime
30 minutes
First aired
Aug 8, 1983
Networks
HBO
Genres
News, Comedy
Updated
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Overview

"Not Necessarily the News" is a satirical sketch comedy series. It first aired as a comedy special on HBO in September 1982, before running as a series from 1983. The series is based on the British series "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and features a variety of comedic elements, including sketches, parody news items, commercial parodies, and humorous bits made from overdubbing or editing actual news footage. The series was also the origin of the concept known as "sniglets," which were first introduced by a cast member. The series ran for several years, concluding in 1990.

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Should you watch it?

“Enjoy a satirical sketch comedy series featuring parodies, edited news footage, and the birthplace of sniglets.”

Reasons to watch
  • Features parody news items and commercial parodies
  • Birthplace of Rich Hall's sniglets
Keep in mind
  • Relies on edited or overdubbed news footage which may feel dated

Watch it if you enjoy satirical sketch comedy and news parodies.

The show contains satirical humor and sketch comedy content.

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Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 14 episodes
Season 2 · 10 episodes
Season 3 · 11 episodes
Season 4 · 13 episodes
Season 5 · 13 episodes

Frequently asked questions

When did Not Necessarily the News first air?

It first aired on HBO in September 1982 as a comedy special.

How long did the series run?

The series ran from 1983 to 1990.

What was the show based on?

It was based on the British series Not the Nine O'Clock News.

What famous creation originated on the show?

It was the birthplace of Rich Hall's sniglets.

What format changes occurred during the run?

For the final season, the series switched to a live, up-to-the-minute format.