Yes, Minister

19803 seriesEntertainment / Comedy
Available on
BBC Two

When MP James Hacker's party takes control of the government, the clueless politician finds himself serving as Minister of Administrative Affairs. His staff is of two minds about the new head - Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley is sympathetic to his new boss, but Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby tartly reminds Woolley that ministers never stay long. For the most part, Appleby opposes changes suggested by the new minister, though they occasionally work together to promote a common goal such as retaining their department. Most episodes end with one of the characters saying "Yes, Minister."

Open Government: Episode Image
Episode 1Open Government

First episode of the acclaimed sitcom about a hapless British government minister.

The Official Visit: Episode Image
Episode 2The Official Visit

Hacker recognises a visiting head of an African nation as an old friend. Adult humour.

The Economy Drive: Episode Image
Episode 3The Economy Drive

Jim Hacker wants to implement some cost-cutting initiatives; Sir Humphrey does not.

Big Brother: Episode Image
Episode 4Big Brother

Jim tries to implement a privacy safeguard for a new national computer database.

The Right to Know: Episode Image
Episode 6The Right to Know

Should ministers ever be kept in the dark? Jim Hacker is not so sure.

Jobs for the Boys: Episode Image
Episode 7Jobs for the Boys

Sir Humphrey is being very evasive about a departmental project that has run into trouble.

How to watch Yes, Minister