Drop the Dead Donkey (1990)
Drop the Dead Donkey is a situation comedy that first aired on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom between 1990 and 1998. It is set in the offices of “GlobeLink News”, a fictional TV news company. Recorded close to transmission, it made use of contemporary news events to give the programme a greater sense of realism. It was created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin. The series had an ensemble cast, making stars of Haydn Gwynne, Stephen Tompkinson and Neil Pearson. The series began with the acquisition of GlobeLink by media mogul Sir Roysten Merchant, an allusion to either Robert Maxwell or Rupert Murdoch. Indeed, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin note on their DVDs that it was fortunate for their libel lawyers that the two men shared the same initials. The series is mostly based on the on-going battle between the staff of GlobeLink, led by editor George Dent, as they try to maintain the company as a serious news organisation, and Sir Roysten’s right-hand man Gus Hedges, trying to make the show more sensationalist and suppress stories that might harm Sir Roysten’s business empire. The show was awarded the Best Comedy Award at the 1994 BAFTA Awards. At the British Comedy Awards the show won Best New TV Comedy in 1990, Best Channel 4 Comedy in 1991, and Best Channel 4 Sitcom in 1994.
Seasons & Episode
A documentary crew films the demise of Globelink News.
Roy Merchant promises to not cut jobs.
Helen tells her father she's a lesbian. Henry and Sally look for other jobs. Dave tries to get fired.
Sally begins dating older men. George meets Henry's niece. Helen tells her mother she's a lesbian.
George goes out on a date with Henry's niece Sue. With the threat of unemployment looming ahead Damien starts to suffer from a nervous condition. And can Sally's future husband save Globelink News?
Damian's fainting spells get worse. Henry gets a job on children's TV. Joy's sketches are displayed in a gallery.
The staff prepares big changes in their second careers, but nothing goes as plans.
