THEkingboomer - The Thick Of It S1 Ep1 REACTION!

Peter Capaldi is Malcolm Tucker, he later on become the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, and some of the YouTube mashups of his Doctor swearing thanks to lines from Tucker are fantastic!

Ben “Bentendo” Dawson

2025-05-02 18:51:24 +0000 UTC

hold on, let me just google the word irony and I'll get back to you

Duncan

2024-09-16 08:10:43 +0000 UTC

Irony lost on you huh

Philip Tomlinson

2024-09-15 20:15:55 +0000 UTC

Veep is an American version of the Thick of It.

Bruce Bowden

2024-09-09 01:24:38 +0000 UTC

No touching!

Ketzalborne

2024-09-07 16:52:03 +0000 UTC

Ah great - you're on board already, I can tell you're gonna love the rest, knowing what's to come! On a side note - I hope I live long enough to never experience that "death stare" from Malcolm aimed at me - only a few minutes into the first episode that was a masterstroke of showing you exactly what he is and how he operates. He's terrifying in that moment!

Phil Robinson

2024-08-21 13:23:50 +0000 UTC

First time watching and it seems good but it's not a patch on yes primeminster/ minister. Will post clip for you to react to, it's legendary

452b

2024-08-21 00:32:43 +0000 UTC

Veep is awesome. They're just as inventive with their sweary insults & the politicians and advisors are just as incompetent. If you like the thick of it, you'll definitely like Veep. It'll probably br easier for you to understand too as you'll know how your system of government works.

Neal Murdoch

2024-08-20 21:35:49 +0000 UTC

There's one episode in the later series which didn't have Malcom in it, and it was still a good episode but, the Internet exploded with complaints afterwards.

Neal Murdoch

2024-08-20 21:33:19 +0000 UTC

Veep is a great show. Definitely one to react to.

John

2024-08-20 00:56:11 +0000 UTC

never saw this or even heard of it, got to be honest, 10 minutes in I had to stop and google it to see if it was an actual comedy, didn’t laugh once,

Duncan

2024-08-19 16:19:12 +0000 UTC

Dear Julian.... I know its possible to reply without putting down another show... but guess what... I didnt want to! It's a show - not a person. I'm not going to hurt its feelings! - so lighten up! People have the right to say when they dont like a show dont they?

Ged Fazakerley

2024-08-19 07:20:40 +0000 UTC

It’s possible to recommend a show without putting down another show. I remember enjoying New Statesman back in the day. I think KB would enjoy it, especially as he’s a Rik Mayall fan.

Julian T

2024-08-18 20:37:30 +0000 UTC

Avenue 5 didn’t get much hype but it was a fun show. There are not many sci-fi comedies, it might be a good one to replace Red Dwarf.

Julian T

2024-08-18 20:34:48 +0000 UTC

the compilation videos are good fun but the good thing about you starting this reaction is it has such more effect when his outbursts and creative abuse, is interspersed with 'normal' dialogue and you don't necessarily expect it

Dave L

2024-08-18 19:58:12 +0000 UTC

One of the best British comedies, the first 2-3 series definitely up there with some of the best

Dave L

2024-08-18 19:51:36 +0000 UTC

The red briefcases are known as 'despatch boxes. They're used to transport official (usually important) documents. The most well known one is used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver the new budget. The news covers it every year for some baffling reason.

Shoomer1988

2024-08-18 15:34:07 +0000 UTC

excellent decision KB, you're going to absolutely love this

James West

2024-08-18 11:20:09 +0000 UTC

I didnt recommend Rik Mayalls 'New Statesman' because I didnt think you would get the references but its far and away more entertaining than this. Still the vote is what counts. (hopefully those Top gear specials will run out soon too!) :)

Ged Fazakerley

2024-08-18 11:09:14 +0000 UTC

Love this series. And yes, Malcolm is a brilliant creation, the glue that holds this show together. But the other characters will grow on you too.

Mark Wootton

2024-08-18 09:16:01 +0000 UTC

It doesn't have the same classic status as The Thick of It (yet!) but an Armando Iannucci show I would definitely recommend is his latest, Avenue 5. It's a show about what can possibly go wrong on a futuristic space cruise ship, featuring a great ensemble cast from both sides of the pond - including Rebecca Front from The Day Today and Hugh Laurie! Plus it's 17 episodes long compared to Veep's 65, so wouldn't be as much of a commitment ;)

David Lyons

2024-08-18 08:36:26 +0000 UTC

I can't imagine how long we'd have to wait for an upload if every time you misspoke in the intro, you immediately stopped recording and went straight to bed, lol.

Joe Thornhill

2024-08-18 06:26:00 +0000 UTC

Didn't expect this. Now, the only show you're reacting to that I've seen is Red Dwarf, lol.

Joe Thornhill

2024-08-18 06:22:50 +0000 UTC

The other characters do get more developed throughout the show and hopefully you'll enjoy them too. Malcolm carries the show, but the other characters are great in their own right! Hope you enjoy!

Chaitra

2024-08-18 05:22:54 +0000 UTC

I never got round to watching this when aired, or since, but I'm here for the ride after that first episode. I enjoyed that.

Ryan Lynch

2024-08-18 01:44:58 +0000 UTC

😂👍 Solid as Iraq.

Jason Scade

2024-08-17 23:55:39 +0000 UTC

> dodgy business practices "There's a good chance that I... that I may have committed some, uh, light... treason"

Alex P

2024-08-17 23:51:45 +0000 UTC

This shows good early on, it gets soooo much better

George Elsbury

2024-08-17 23:06:07 +0000 UTC

Chuffed you are doing this! Peter Capaldi - Malcolm Tucker - who is my 2nd cousin, once removed! I watched the series at the start of lockdown for the first time actually, at the same time a distant relative done the family tree and I learned that!

Robert Ryan

2024-08-17 22:42:22 +0000 UTC

You should if you make it to the end of all the series of this then watch the movie In the Loop, which would be easier for you to understand, politically, as it is set in your seat of government, Washington DC.

Yaapsdad

2024-08-17 21:11:05 +0000 UTC

Short of you beeping out much of this, there is no chance of this making it on to youtube. What would be left would be as much use as an insight into the series as a marzipan dildo

Yaapsdad

2024-08-17 21:07:49 +0000 UTC

It's time King Boomer, for you, with regards to this series to "come the fuck in or fuck the fuck off!" My favourite line in this or possibly any series

Yaapsdad

2024-08-17 20:55:16 +0000 UTC

Good choice Boomz. I hope you also do Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister at some point. Classic political satire. I’d also be up for watching Veep. I’ve seen some of it. It’s not that edgy, but it’s well written and there are good characters.

Julian T

2024-08-17 20:49:47 +0000 UTC

The continuing genius of Armando Ianucci

Yaapsdad

2024-08-17 20:28:30 +0000 UTC

I enjoyed this reaction, I've only seen the occasional ep of 'TTOI'.

Jason Scade

2024-08-17 20:24:41 +0000 UTC

Malcom is one of the greatest characters of all time, but when you get to the later seasons there are some other stellar characters too I think you'll grow to love (or love to hate!)

Rach

2024-08-17 20:13:36 +0000 UTC

There’s actually two of them, you haven’t met Jamie yet!

Andi Main

2024-08-17 19:29:47 +0000 UTC

There's even a short sketch called 'Twats', what could be more appealing to him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5NjcZRbPrk

AdamMcAdamface

2024-08-17 19:22:01 +0000 UTC

I reckon it might be better for KB to react to the individual sketches on YouTube. Not that I don't think he wouldn't like whole episodes, and although it's essentially a sketch show, there is a common theme of each episode so some context might be missed. I just don't think it will ever be recommended or voted for to become a full series. A bit strange as it's one of the most underrated and unwatched comedy series (in my opinion!)

AdamMcAdamface

2024-08-17 19:17:43 +0000 UTC

Did you ever see US show 'Arrested Development'? From about 20 years ago.. Jason Bateman, WIll Arnett, Michael Cera. It's one of the best, US sitcoms ever, very clever, fast-paced and hilarious. Massively rewatchable. It's about a very highly dysfunctional wealthy family whose funds are frozen (due to dodgy business practices, allegedly), throwing their pampered lives into turmoil.

Jason Scade

2024-08-17 18:52:36 +0000 UTC

KB, there are a couple of longer Thick Of It specials sandwiched in between Series 2 and 3. The order is Series 1 (3 eps), Series 2 (3 eps), Special 1 - 'The Rise of The Nutters', Special 2 - 'Spinners and Losers', Series 3 (8 episodes), Series 4 (7 episodes). There is also the standalone story movie 'In The Loop' where the only identical character is Malcolm. Most of the other regular actors from The Thick Of It play different named characters/roles. Set in the UK and Washington D.C. It also stars James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano) as a U.S. General and Steve Coogan amongst others.

Fordy7169

2024-08-17 18:50:01 +0000 UTC

Malcolm Tucker... the Baba Yaga

Dextrous (Lewis)

2024-08-17 18:42:47 +0000 UTC

You're on sparkling form at the moment. Great choice.

Adam McLaughlan

2024-08-17 18:40:08 +0000 UTC

KB, great choice of show. Every episode is superb but you really have to keep listening carefully to the dialogue to get the nuances/humour. You sussed it pretty well. As you have probably deduced it doesn't matter that it's British politics. Politics is muppetry the world over. Your comment about 'taking Malcolm Tucker out of the show' is somewhat absurd as it is basically written around him and his efforts to wrangle govt. ministers/political advisors, civil servants and the press around him. It's like you saying if you take Ted Crilly out of Father Ted it wouldn't be the same. Well 'no shit Sherlock'. LOL

Fordy7169

2024-08-17 18:33:55 +0000 UTC

Armando Iannucci also wrote and directed The Death of Stalin. He's a bloody giant of political comedy.

AdamMcAdamface

2024-08-17 18:12:55 +0000 UTC

Yeah, the Thick of It alludes to certain political parties and individuals, but the characters in the show are fictional and the message is really that whatever the party, the whole system is corrupt, and even well meaning politicians can get caught up in the political machinery and end up abandoning any principles they once had. Another great thing about this show is that they employed a writer on it whose sole job was to come up with creative swearing and insults. (I think he did a good job!).

AdamMcAdamface

2024-08-17 18:11:06 +0000 UTC

you should really check out the armando iannucci show for you will not be disappointed

tricky D77

2024-08-17 18:10:35 +0000 UTC

Spaced and The Thick of It?! You're on fire at the moment! Definitely stick with it! Even without a full understanding of the intricacies of the British political system it remains a hugely entertaining show - and Malcom Tucker increasingly takes center stage.

Tim Mountford

2024-08-17 17:59:59 +0000 UTC

Another good choice, two for two. This was co-written by Jesse Armstrong of Peep Show and Succession. Armando has said that this is loosely based on the Tony Blair years as the media control was off the scale. Malcom is said to be based on Alastair Campbell who is a former journalist turned political enforcer for Blair. He currently has one of the top podcasts - The Rest Is Politics. There is also a spin-off 'Rest Is Politics US' with Katy Kay and Anthony Scaramucci which keeps us up to date with the political shenanigans in the US.

Jason Bonner

2024-08-17 17:55:47 +0000 UTC

Yes Minister is great, Veep seemed quite diluted and weak to me so I would say no. But it could I didn't get the US political workings and nuance. By the way there is a new labour e spin doctor called Alistair Campbell who went round terrorising people who Malcolm is based on supposedly. Also you can tell these are New Labour politicians (right wing/centrist leftists. They had to stop doing the show when the Tories got in as Armando literally said they were beyond satire. They actually started using Ollie's bullshit policies like the spare room tax!

Richard Stokes

2024-08-17 17:40:18 +0000 UTC

The wire was very good at alluding to events rather than showing them. Very powerful at times

Chris

2024-08-17 17:39:57 +0000 UTC

Over the last 14 years of our Tory government there have been multiple times when the press has said "it's like the thick of it" when referring to their incompetence

Chris

2024-08-17 17:35:49 +0000 UTC

So hyped for this honestly, hope the jokes translate to people who didn't live through the New Labour > Coalition eras of uk politics. They never name the parties but make it very clear which is which, at least to a UK audience, because it mirrors the political landscapes at the time

Rach

2024-08-17 17:32:28 +0000 UTC

The actor who plays Malcolm is called Peter Capaldi. He hails from Glasgow, Scotland. He was also the Doctor in Doctor Who about ten years ago. And he was one of my favourite incarnations of that character.

ThetaSigmaTheOriginal

2024-08-17 17:31:31 +0000 UTC

Holy crap, Spaced and now this, both superb shows, great choices Boomer! Rik Mayall also did a brilliant political sitcom called 'The New Statesman' where he played MP Alan B'Stard, definitely worth pencilling in for further down the line.

Mark Jones

2024-08-17 17:22:43 +0000 UTC

This'll be interesting to see if you get a lot of the jokes. They are very "of their time" and quite specific to the UK at that time... Malcolm Tucker is famously based on Tony Blair's spin Dr Alastair Campbell and the government definitely the labour party, even if they claim it's neutral

Chris

2024-08-17 17:14:28 +0000 UTC

Also do Yes, Minister. It is an older show but just as funny. Obviously a major inspiration for The Thick of It. Less sweary.

Stephen Morris

2024-08-17 17:08:32 +0000 UTC

The minister in The Thick Of It is played by Chris Langham. Had a major downfall from grace and he's on the sex register after being caught downloading underage pics.

Dans_t16s

2024-08-17 17:05:51 +0000 UTC

Do Veep. The natural order is: The Thick of It In the Loop ( film version, set mainly in America ) Veep ( the same people writing a similar show set in America )

Stephen Morris

2024-08-17 17:05:46 +0000 UTC

Yes Minister, and the sequel Yes Prime Minister are a must see. Similar premise but set in the 1970s/80s and no swearing, but hugely entertaining and very clever wordplay. Would love to see a reaction to those series.

Dans_t16s

2024-08-17 16:58:28 +0000 UTC

This is one of those shows that gets better as it goes along. Super happy with this and spaced.

David Williams

2024-08-17 16:57:16 +0000 UTC

AND of course Chris Morris directs a few episodes.

Duncan Hart

2024-08-17 16:44:42 +0000 UTC

Oh yes.

Joe Nichol

2024-08-17 16:42:38 +0000 UTC

2 brilliant shows in the same week! Why ambassador with these Ferrero rocher, you are spoiling us!

Neal Murdoch

2024-08-17 16:25:57 +0000 UTC

Veep is brilliant Would definitely love to see that as a reaction! 💯

Duncan Hart

2024-08-17 16:07:21 +0000 UTC

Veep really is a British-made show - the main writers and directors are British too, Ollie in this is one of the main directors of Veep and Will who you’ll see later is one of the main writers. Definitely save it for a reaction after this (and maybe Yes Minister)

Kieran B

2024-08-17 16:06:27 +0000 UTC

Mate you are on fire at the moment picking some greats. Malcom is the best.

Daniel Monney

2024-08-17 16:06:07 +0000 UTC

Likewise!

Matthew Poole

2024-08-17 16:04:46 +0000 UTC

Yes!! Another great show. You'll love this and Spaced. Brilliant stuff!

Duncan Hart

2024-08-17 16:04:46 +0000 UTC

So glad you've started The Thick of It 😃

Wilx

2024-08-17 16:04:43 +0000 UTC

King Boomer checking out the thick of it? My brother you have no idea how fast I clicked that notification /salute.

Michael

2024-08-17 16:04:19 +0000 UTC

The Thick Of It S1 Ep1 REACTION!

Comments

Peter Capaldi is Malcolm Tucker, he later on become the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, and some of the YouTube mashups of his Doctor swearing thanks to lines from Tucker are fantastic!

hold on, let me just google the word irony and I'll get back to you

Irony lost on you huh

Veep is an American version of the Thick of It.

No touching!

First time watching and it seems good but it's not a patch on yes primeminster/ minister. Will post clip for you to react to, it's legendary

Veep is awesome. They're just as inventive with their sweary insults & the politicians and advisors are just as incompetent. If you like the thick of it, you'll definitely like Veep. It'll probably br easier for you to understand too as you'll know how your system of government works.

There's one episode in the later series which didn't have Malcom in it, and it was still a good episode but, the Internet exploded with complaints afterwards.

Veep is a great show. Definitely one to react to.

never saw this or even heard of it, got to be honest, 10 minutes in I had to stop and google it to see if it was an actual comedy, didn’t laugh once,

Dear Julian.... I know its possible to reply without putting down another show... but guess what... I didnt want to! It's a show - not a person. I'm not going to hurt its feelings! - so lighten up! People have the right to say when they dont like a show dont they?

It’s possible to recommend a show without putting down another show. I remember enjoying New Statesman back in the day. I think KB would enjoy it, especially as he’s a Rik Mayall fan.

Avenue 5 didn’t get much hype but it was a fun show. There are not many sci-fi comedies, it might be a good one to replace Red Dwarf.

the compilation videos are good fun but the good thing about you starting this reaction is it has such more effect when his outbursts and creative abuse, is interspersed with 'normal' dialogue and you don't necessarily expect it

One of the best British comedies, the first 2-3 series definitely up there with some of the best

The red briefcases are known as 'despatch boxes. They're used to transport official (usually important) documents. The most well known one is used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to deliver the new budget. The news covers it every year for some baffling reason.

excellent decision KB, you're going to absolutely love this

I didnt recommend Rik Mayalls 'New Statesman' because I didnt think you would get the references but its far and away more entertaining than this. Still the vote is what counts. (hopefully those Top gear specials will run out soon too!) :)

Love this series. And yes, Malcolm is a brilliant creation, the glue that holds this show together. But the other characters will grow on you too.

I can't imagine how long we'd have to wait for an upload if every time you misspoke in the intro, you immediately stopped recording and went straight to bed, lol.

Didn't expect this. Now, the only show you're reacting to that I've seen is Red Dwarf, lol.

The other characters do get more developed throughout the show and hopefully you'll enjoy them too. Malcolm carries the show, but the other characters are great in their own right! Hope you enjoy!

I never got round to watching this when aired, or since, but I'm here for the ride after that first episode. I enjoyed that.

😂👍 Solid as Iraq.

> dodgy business practices "There's a good chance that I... that I may have committed some, uh, light... treason"

This shows good early on, it gets soooo much better

Chuffed you are doing this! Peter Capaldi - Malcolm Tucker - who is my 2nd cousin, once removed! I watched the series at the start of lockdown for the first time actually, at the same time a distant relative done the family tree and I learned that!

You should if you make it to the end of all the series of this then watch the movie In the Loop, which would be easier for you to understand, politically, as it is set in your seat of government, Washington DC.

Short of you beeping out much of this, there is no chance of this making it on to youtube. What would be left would be as much use as an insight into the series as a marzipan dildo

It's time King Boomer, for you, with regards to this series to "come the fuck in or fuck the fuck off!" My favourite line in this or possibly any series

Good choice Boomz. I hope you also do Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister at some point. Classic political satire. I’d also be up for watching Veep. I’ve seen some of it. It’s not that edgy, but it’s well written and there are good characters.

The continuing genius of Armando Ianucci

I enjoyed this reaction, I've only seen the occasional ep of 'TTOI'.

Malcom is one of the greatest characters of all time, but when you get to the later seasons there are some other stellar characters too I think you'll grow to love (or love to hate!)

There’s actually two of them, you haven’t met Jamie yet!

There's even a short sketch called 'Twats', what could be more appealing to him! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5NjcZRbPrk

Malcolm Tucker... the Baba Yaga

You're on sparkling form at the moment. Great choice.

Armando Iannucci also wrote and directed The Death of Stalin. He's a bloody giant of political comedy.

you should really check out the armando iannucci show for you will not be disappointed

Spaced and The Thick of It?! You're on fire at the moment! Definitely stick with it! Even without a full understanding of the intricacies of the British political system it remains a hugely entertaining show - and Malcom Tucker increasingly takes center stage.

The wire was very good at alluding to events rather than showing them. Very powerful at times

Over the last 14 years of our Tory government there have been multiple times when the press has said "it's like the thick of it" when referring to their incompetence

So hyped for this honestly, hope the jokes translate to people who didn't live through the New Labour > Coalition eras of uk politics. They never name the parties but make it very clear which is which, at least to a UK audience, because it mirrors the political landscapes at the time

The actor who plays Malcolm is called Peter Capaldi. He hails from Glasgow, Scotland. He was also the Doctor in Doctor Who about ten years ago. And he was one of my favourite incarnations of that character.

Holy crap, Spaced and now this, both superb shows, great choices Boomer! Rik Mayall also did a brilliant political sitcom called 'The New Statesman' where he played MP Alan B'Stard, definitely worth pencilling in for further down the line.

This'll be interesting to see if you get a lot of the jokes. They are very "of their time" and quite specific to the UK at that time... Malcolm Tucker is famously based on Tony Blair's spin Dr Alastair Campbell and the government definitely the labour party, even if they claim it's neutral

Also do Yes, Minister. It is an older show but just as funny. Obviously a major inspiration for The Thick of It. Less sweary.

The minister in The Thick Of It is played by Chris Langham. Had a major downfall from grace and he's on the sex register after being caught downloading underage pics.

Do Veep. The natural order is: The Thick of It In the Loop ( film version, set mainly in America ) Veep ( the same people writing a similar show set in America )

Yes Minister, and the sequel Yes Prime Minister are a must see. Similar premise but set in the 1970s/80s and no swearing, but hugely entertaining and very clever wordplay. Would love to see a reaction to those series.

This is one of those shows that gets better as it goes along. Super happy with this and spaced.

AND of course Chris Morris directs a few episodes.

Oh yes.

2 brilliant shows in the same week! Why ambassador with these Ferrero rocher, you are spoiling us!

Veep is brilliant Would definitely love to see that as a reaction! 💯

Veep really is a British-made show - the main writers and directors are British too, Ollie in this is one of the main directors of Veep and Will who you’ll see later is one of the main writers. Definitely save it for a reaction after this (and maybe Yes Minister)

Mate you are on fire at the moment picking some greats. Malcom is the best.

Likewise!

Yes!! Another great show. You'll love this and Spaced. Brilliant stuff!

So glad you've started The Thick of It 😃

King Boomer checking out the thick of it? My brother you have no idea how fast I clicked that notification /salute.

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