The Comic Strip Presents... (1982)
The groundbreaking British alternative comedy anthology that launched a generation of comedy legends on Channel 4.
The Comic Strip Presents... - Series Information
- Original Title: The Comic Strip Presents...
- First Air Year: 1982
- Last Air Year: 1993
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: Channel 4
- Alternative Titles: The Comic Strip Presents (CA), The Comic Strip Presents (US)
The Comic Strip Presents... - Plot
The Comic Strip is a group of British comedians, who came to prominence in the 1980s. They are known for their television series The Comic Strip Presents... which was labelled as an example of alternative comedy. The core members are Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French, Rik Mayall, Nigel Planer, Peter Richardson, Jennifer Saunders and Alexei Sayle with frequent appearances by Keith Allen, Robbie Coltrane and others.
The Comic Strip Presents... - Trailer
Preview a taste of the series' anarchic comedy style on YouTube.
Where to Watch The Comic Strip Presents...
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The Comic Strip Presents... - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Adrian Edmondson
- Jennifer Saunders
- Dawn French
- Rik Mayall
- Peter Richardson
- Nigel Planer
- Robbie Coltrane
- Keith Allen
- Daniel Peacock
- Steven O'Donnell
Writers
- Peter Richardson
- Pete Richens
- Adrian Edmondson
- Keith Allen
- Rik Mayall
The Comic Strip Presents... - FAQs
What is The Comic Strip Presents... about?
The Comic Strip Presents... is a British anthology comedy series showcasing a rotating ensemble of alternative comedians. Each episode is a self-contained story — ranging from parody and satire to surreal sketches — featuring core members such as Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders.
Who are the main cast members of The Comic Strip Presents...?
The core ensemble includes Adrian Edmondson, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Rik Mayall, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer, Robbie Coltrane, and Keith Allen. The rotating anthology format means different cast members take the lead in different episodes, giving each instalment a distinct flavour.
Where can you stream The Comic Strip Presents...?
Streaming availability for The Comic Strip Presents... varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including any subscription, rental, or purchase platforms available in your area — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for the series.
Is The Comic Strip Presents... still running?
No. The Comic Strip Presents... concluded in 1993 after five seasons and 32 episodes on Channel 4. The series ran from 1982 to 1993 and is now considered a classic of British alternative comedy, celebrated for its irreverent humour and groundbreaking ensemble cast.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
The Comic Strip Presents... ran for five seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 32 episodes. Season 1 had 5 episodes, Season 2 had 8, Seasons 3, 4, and 5 each had 6 episodes, and an additional 22 special episodes were also produced during the series' run.
What made The Comic Strip Presents... influential in British comedy?
The series was a defining force in British alternative comedy, launching the careers of performers who would become household names — including Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Rik Mayall, and Robbie Coltrane. Its anarchic, subversive style challenged mainstream television comedy conventions throughout the 1980s.
Who wrote the episodes of The Comic Strip Presents...?
Episodes were written by members of the ensemble itself, including Peter Richardson, Pete Richens, Adrian Edmondson, Keith Allen, Rik Mayall, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Pauline Melville, Nigel Planer, and Paul Bartel. This collaborative approach gave the series its distinctive, performer-driven creative identity.
What network originally aired The Comic Strip Presents...?
The Comic Strip Presents... originally aired on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. It debuted on the channel's very first night of broadcasting in November 1982, making it a landmark moment in both the history of Channel 4 and British alternative comedy.
More About The Comic Strip Presents...
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.