Yes Minister (1980): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Yes Minister first went out in February 1980 on BBC Two. It ran until 1984, with 3 series and 21 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
politics
british
More from the 1980s

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Why it is worth your time

Jim Hacker, a new Cabinet minister, is outmanoeuvred every week by his permanent secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby. Reputedly a favourite of Margaret Thatcher, and still painfully accurate.

The details

First broadcast: 25 February 1980
Originally on: BBC Two
On air: 1980–1984
Series: 3
Episodes: 21
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “Open Government”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

Yes Minister: quick answers

When did Yes Minister start?

On 25 February 1980, on BBC Two.

How many episodes of Yes Minister are there?

21 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 3 series. The last aired in 1984.

Where can I watch Yes Minister now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.