TV series

Drop the Dead Donkey

Name: Drop the Dead Donkey
Released: 1990
Cast: Neil Pearson, Victoria Wicks, Susannah Doyle, David Swift, Stephen Tompkinson

1990–1998· 6 seasons· 24 min episodes★ 7.0Ended

On Channel 4

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Where to watch

Not available to stream in US

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Synopsis

A sitcom set in the offices of "GlobeLink News" after its acquisition by media mogul Sir Roysten Merchant. Led by editor George Dent, the staff of GlobeLink battle to maintain the company as a serious news organization against Sir Roysten's right-hand man, Gus Hedges, who wants to make the show more sensationalist and suppress stories that might harm Roysten's business empire.

Themes

satire dark comedy reporter sitcom political humor workplace comedy

Episodes

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E1 A New DawnNext upAug 9, 1990
Synopsis
Sir Roysten takes over at Globelink News, and puts Gus in charge. The Editor George tries to sack Damien for seeding crash sites,while he is filming , but Gus intercedes and Damien is only reprimanded.
E2 Sally's ArrivalAug 16, 1990 · 25 min
Synopsis
As Britain is threatened by Saddam Hussein with the Gulf war about to break out the staff have a bigger problem to contend with. The arrival of a new news reader, Sally Smedley.
Guest stars: Nicholas Johnson (Waiter), Frances Jeater (Susan)
E3 A Clash of InterestsAug 23, 1990 · 25 min
Synopsis
Gus tries to get Alex on his side in order to pressurise George to censor a story about a chemical spillage from a company owned by Sir Roysten. Dave updates the obituaries but Henry accidentally sees his and gets upset.
E4 A Blast from the PastAug 30, 1990 · 25 min
Synopsis
Damien is doing a story on slum landlords but when they view the footage, Alex is staggered to learn that her ex husband is involved in the story. Sally and Henry have elocution lessons, and Sally appears on a TV telethon for charity.
Guest stars: Michael Müller (Les White), Gillian McCutcheon (Helena), Richard Howard (Vicar)
E5 Old Father TimeSep 6, 1990 · 25 min
Synopsis
Henry's nephew comes to the office to gain work experience but everybody gets worked up as to just how young he is.
Guest stars: Sara Stewart (Jenny), Ben Daniels (Jack), Nigel Pegram (Minister)
E6 Sex, Lies and AudiotapeSep 13, 1990
Synopsis
Alex has obtained a top secret audio tape, that the Government wants banned. Sally is taped making love to the sound man, but when Dave makes Henry a copy of Sally's tape, he accidentally uses the secret tape, thus erasing it.
Guest stars: Sara Stewart (Jenny), Kenny Ireland (Sound Man), Ian Bleasdale (Frost), Christopher Driscoll (Wade), Janet Steel (Lawyer), Victoria Hasted (Reporter 1), Philip Bird (Reporter 2)
E7 The New ApproachSep 20, 1990
Synopsis
Gus brings in a stress therapist to interview the staff and after a group session, a fight breaks out between Dave and Henry, so Gus fires the therapist. Dave persuades Henry to put money into a racehorse which turns out to be rubbish.
Guest stars: Geoffrey McGivern (Geoff)
E8 The Root of All EvilSep 27, 1990
Synopsis
Sally gets flowers from a secret admirer and when she loses her purse, Dave comes under suspicion, because he has been trying to borrow money. Gus goes on an economy drive.
Guest stars: Sara Stewart (Jenny), Tim Stern (John), Stephen Hoye (Reporter), Andy Linden (Arab)
E9 Death, Disaster 'n' DamienOct 4, 1990
Synopsis
On location, Damien fakes a firing squad. He also gets injured organising an animal rights protest, but before he can film it, Alex steps in and the raid is cancelled. To make up for the cancellation and while he is in hospital he tries to film a heart operation.
Guest stars: Gina McKee (Lou), Susannah Hitching (Journalist), Tony Portacio (Officer), Sean Gascoine (Wes), Valerie Whittington (Alice), Jasper Jacob (Surgeon), Bronco McLoughlin (Prisoner)
E10 The Big DayOct 11, 1990
Synopsis
Gus wants Sally to interview the Prime Minister when she comes to the studio, but Alex and George want Henry to do the interview. When an electrician fuses the lights the interview is called off. After Damien fakes another report, George threatens to sack him.
Guest stars: Sara Stewart (Jenny), Michael Fenton Stevens (Gerry), Jonathan Stratt (Lenny), Alister Cameron (Policeman), Karl Maddix (Child)