Alas Smith and Jones

Alas Smith and Jones

1984 - United Kingdom

British sketch comedy show that followed hot on the heels of Not The Nine O'Clock News which also featured the programme's stars, Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones. 

The programme's format borrowed elements from some of Britain's best known double act series and in doing so Smith and Jones quickly established themselves as firm favourites. Each episode would begin with the duo appearing in front of the studio audience to introduce the show (a la Morecambe and Wise) before giving way to a succession of quick-fire sketches (a la The Two Ronnies). 

One of the best remembered sections of the show was the 'head-to-head' where Smith, the idiot who knew everything, would attempt to explain something straightforward to Jones, the idiot who knew nothing (shades of the Dagenham Dialogues of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore). The title of the show itself was a pun of the American TV Western series Alias Smith and Jones. As well as having a great team of comedy writers that included Clive Anderson, Mark Steel, Andy Hamilton, Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, Smith and Jones heavily contributed their own material. 

After several seasons the show was simply retitled Smith and Jones and moved into independent production - one of the first to be commissioned by the BBC from an independent company, Talkback Productions, of which Smith and Jones were also directors.

Published on November 27th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Crimewatch

Reality crime show in which members of the public are asked for help and information in criminal investigations.

Also released in 1984

Arthur's Treasured Volumes

It's title inspired by the initials of the television company that produced the series, Arthur's Treasured Volumes appears to be, if the sole surviving episode is an example, an underrated and unfairly forgotten TV gem.

Also tagged Comedy Sketch Show

The Jewel in the Crown

Though their position seems secure, thoughtful English men and women know that "their" time in India is coming to an end.

Also released in 1984

It's A Square World

Former Goon Michael Bentine in a surreal sketch show; combining satire, zany slapstick and animated models.

Also tagged Sketch Comedy

Impromptu

Improvised comedy sketch show

Also tagged Sketch Comedy

The Five Foot Nine Show

A one-off comedy show that reunited two of the regulars from That Was The Week That Was.

Also tagged Comedy Sketch Show

Behind the Fridge

A one-off special featuring a series of sketches portraying the eccentricities of the British courtesy of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore.

Also tagged Sketch Comedy

Big Deal

Light-hearted drama series about Robby Box, a small-time London gambler, and his long-suffering family.

Also released in 1984