1 9 8 9 – 1 9 9 5 (UK)
Amidst the ‘alternative’ comedy chaos of the 1980’s, A Bit Of Fry & Laurie arrived almost unnoticed on 13 January 1989 (following a one-off pilot in 1987).
Unlike The Young Ones, it had no ambitions to tear up the rule book of comedy but simply to present funny, surreal sketches. Not Only . . . But Also was undoubtedly an influence.
Highlights included It’s 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”.
As a double act, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie were peerless.
After three excellent seasons, the show moved to BBC1 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.
