Yes Minister 1980
What is Yes Minister?
The television series Yes Minister is a satirical sitcom that takes place in a UK government setting. It is set in the office of a Cabinet minister, where the main character, Jim Hacker MP, works.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1980
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 21
- Runtime
- 30 minutes
- First aired
- Feb 25, 1980
- Last aired
- Dec 23, 1982
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC Two
- Genres
- Comedy, War & Politics
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Buy
Buy
Stream
Stream
Buy
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 21 episodes and an average 30-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The television series Yes Minister is a satirical sitcom that takes place in a UK government setting. It is set in the office of a Cabinet minister, where the main character, Jim Hacker MP, works. The show revolves around Jim Hacker MP's efforts to carry out government business. The series portrays the challenges he faces in dealing with the bureaucracy of the Civil Service and the complexities of political maneuvering. The Civil Service bureaucracy and political machinations are key aspects of the show. The series is a satire, using humor to comment on the workings of government. The main character's struggles to get things done are a central theme of the show. The series is set in the office of a UK Cabinet minister, providing a unique perspective on the inner workings of government. The show's satirical take on government and politics is a key part of its humor and commentary.
Should you watch it?
“A witty look at a minister navigating red tape and political intrigue.”
- Sharp satire of government bureaucracy
- Witty political humor
- Clever comedic writing
- Humor is centered on UK civil service politics, which may feel niche for some viewers
Watch it if you enjoy clever political satire about bureaucratic maneuvering.
Its satirical take on politics is light‑hearted and suitable for a TV‑PG audience.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about Yes Minister — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is Yes Minister worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 7 episodes
- E1 Open Government Feb 25, 1980
- E2 The Official Visit Mar 3, 1980
- E3 The Economy Drive Mar 10, 1980
- E4 Big Brother Mar 17, 1980
- E5 The Writing on the Wall Mar 24, 1980
- E6 The Right to Know Mar 31, 1980
- E7 Jobs for the Boys Apr 7, 1980
Season 2 · 7 episodes
- E1 The Compassionate Society Feb 23, 1981
- E2 Doing the Honours Mar 2, 1981
- E3 The Death List Mar 9, 1981
- E4 The Greasy Pole Mar 16, 1981
- E5 The Devil You Know Mar 23, 1981
- E6 The Quality of Life Mar 30, 1981
- E7 A Question of Loyalty Apr 6, 1981
Season 3 · 7 episodes
- E1 Equal Opportunities Nov 11, 1982
- E2 The Challenge Nov 18, 1982
- E3 The Skeleton in the Cupboard Nov 25, 1982
- E4 The Moral Dimension Dec 2, 1982
- E5 The Bed of Nails Dec 9, 1982
- E6 The Whisky Priest Dec 16, 1982
- E7 The Middle-Class Rip-Off Dec 23, 1982
Frequently asked questions
What is the premise of Yes Minister?
It follows UK Cabinet minister Jim Hacker MP as he deals with civil service bureaucracy and political machinations while trying to conduct government business.
Who is the main character?
The series centers on Jim Hacker, a Member of Parliament serving as a cabinet minister.
What genre does the show belong to?
Yes Minister is a satirical comedy that also touches on political and bureaucratic themes.
What is the tone of the series?
The tone is witty and satirical, poking fun at government processes.
Is the series appropriate for all ages?
Rated TV‑PG, it presents light‑hearted political humor suitable for a general audience.