Armando Iannucci

Writing

Armando Iannucci

Born

1963-11-28 (62)

Place of birth

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Known for

Writing

Credits

68 titles

Armando Giovanni Iannucci CBE (/jəˈnuːtʃi/ yə-NOO-chee; born 28 November 1963) is a Scottish satirist, writer, director, producer and performer.  Born in Glasgow to Italian parents, Iannucci studied at the University of Glasgow, followed by the University of Oxford. Starting on BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4, his early work with Chris Morris on the radio series On the Hour transferred to television as The Day Today.  A character from this series, Alan Partridge, co-created by Iannucci, went on to feature in several of Iannucci's television and radio programmes, including Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge and I'm Alan Partridge. Iannucci also fronted the satirical Armistice review sh…

Known for

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert poster
6.1

Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015

Newsnight poster
6.0

A daily BBC Television current affairs programme which specialises in analysis and often robust cross-examination of senior politicians.

Newsnight

1980

The South Bank Show poster
5.6

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

The South Bank Show

1978

Have I Got News for You poster
7.1

Hilarious, totally-irreverent, near-slanderous political quiz show, based mainly on news stories from the last week or so, that leaves no party, personality or action unscathed in pursuit of laughs.

Have I Got News for You

1990

Taskmaster poster
8.3

Greg Davies is the Taskmaster, and with the help of his ever-loyal assistant Alex Horne, they will set out to test the wiles, wit, wisdom and skills of five hyper-competitive comedians. Who will be crowned the Taskmaster champion?

Taskmaster

2015

The Last Leg poster
5.7

Adam Hills and co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker provide some offbeat commentary on the significant moments of the past seven days.

The Last Leg

2013

Film credits

2020s · 3 titles

2010s · 7 titles

Beyond Boundaries: The Harvey Weinstein Scandal poster
5.4

Examine the rise and fall of Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein following the scandal in 2017. Learn from exclusive interviews with those who knew him in the industry, and a discussion of the start of the #MeToo movement.

Beyond Boundaries: The Harvey Weinstein Scandal

2018

50 Years of BBC Two Comedy poster
8.0

Documentary charting and celebrating five decades of often groundbreaking, boundary-pushing comedy from BBC Two.

50 Years of BBC Two Comedy

2014

Michael Palin: A Life on Screen poster
7.0

This special one-hour documentary reflects on Michael Palin's fascinating career as a BAFTA-winning actor, writer and presenter.

Michael Palin: A Life on Screen

2018

Gaga for Dada: The Original Art Rebels poster
5.0

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the surreal art movement, comedian Jim Moir (a.k.a. Vic Reeves) presents this documentary exploring the history of Dadism and the lasting influence it has had on himself and others.

Gaga for Dada: The Original Art Rebels

2016

Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How And Whom? poster
8.2

Documentary looking back at Alan Partridge's journey from broadcaster caricature to the award-winning study of complexity and pathos that he has become.

Alan Partridge: Why, When, Where, How And Whom?

2017

Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens poster
6.0

Armando Iannucci presents a personal argument in praise of the genius of Charles Dickens. Through the prism of the author's most autobiographical novel, David Copperfield, Armando looks beyond Dickens - the national institution - and instead explores the qualities of Dickens's work that still make him one of the best British writers. While Dickens is often celebrated for his powerful depictions of Victorian England and his role as a social reformer, this programme foregrounds the elements of his writing which make him worth reading, as much for what he tells us about ourselves in the twenty-first century as our ancestors in the nineteenth. Armando argues that Dickens's remarkable use of language and his extraordinary gift for creating characters make him a startlingly experimental and psychologically penetrating writer who demands not just to be adapted for television but to be read and read again.

Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens

2012

No artwork available
4.0

As part of BBC Two's 50th birthday celebrations, this programme pulls from the shelf some rare and previously unseen comedy moments from some of the greatest names in comedy.

The Comedy Vaults: BBC2's Hidden Treasure

2014

Series credits

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert poster
6.1

Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015

Newsnight poster
6.0

A daily BBC Television current affairs programme which specialises in analysis and often robust cross-examination of senior politicians.

Newsnight

1980

The South Bank Show poster
5.6

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

The South Bank Show

1978

The South Bank Show poster
5.6

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

The South Bank Show

1978

Have I Got News for You poster
7.1

Hilarious, totally-irreverent, near-slanderous political quiz show, based mainly on news stories from the last week or so, that leaves no party, personality or action unscathed in pursuit of laughs.

Have I Got News for You

1990

Have I Got News for You poster
7.1

Hilarious, totally-irreverent, near-slanderous political quiz show, based mainly on news stories from the last week or so, that leaves no party, personality or action unscathed in pursuit of laughs.

Have I Got News for You

1990

Taskmaster poster
8.3

Greg Davies is the Taskmaster, and with the help of his ever-loyal assistant Alex Horne, they will set out to test the wiles, wit, wisdom and skills of five hyper-competitive comedians. Who will be crowned the Taskmaster champion?

Taskmaster

2015

The Last Leg poster
5.7

Adam Hills and co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker provide some offbeat commentary on the significant moments of the past seven days.

The Last Leg

2013

Have I Got a Bit More News for You poster
7.0

Based on the week’s news and fronted by guest hosts, this extended version of the satirical news quiz features more of the stuff that wouldn't fit into the regular programme.

Have I Got a Bit More News for You

—

Question Time poster
5.9

This topical debate series based on Any Questions? typically features politicians from at least the three major political parties as well as other public figures who answer pre-selected questions put to them by a carefully selected audience.

Question Time

1979

Would I Lie to You? poster
7.8

A comedic panel show featuring team captains Lee Mack and David Mitchell plus two guests per side, hosted by Rob Brydon (formerly Angus Deayton). Each person must reveal embarrassing facts and outrageous lies during a series of different rounds including "Home Truths", "This Is My..." and "Quickfire Lies". It is up to the opposing team to tell tall tales from fantastic facts.

Would I Lie to You?

2007

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg poster
2.8

The big names behind the big stories. Laura Kuenssberg talks to those making the news, inside and outside politics.

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

2022

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg poster
2.8

The big names behind the big stories. Laura Kuenssberg talks to those making the news, inside and outside politics.

Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

2022

Q&A poster
3.7

Hosted by Hamish Macdonald, Q&A puts punters, pollies and pundits together in the studio to thrash out the hot issues of the week. It's about democracy in action - the audience gets to ask the questions.

Q&A

2008

Timeshift poster
7.0

Documentary series which ranges widely over Britain's social and cultural history, its narrative-led storytelling offering a richly immersive and varied window onto the past.

Timeshift

2002

The Russell Howard Hour poster
8.0

Russell Howard offers his unique take on the week's news and current affairs, picking through the biggest UK and international stories, and offering a wise and worldly view on the globe's news. Along the way, he'll welcome celebrity guests and leading experts, as well as hear from fledgling global correspondents. Plus, there will be stand-up, too, as Russell showcases some of the comedy scene's finest and most exciting stars.

The Russell Howard Hour

2017

The Day Today poster
8.2

A spoof of the British news — including ridiculous stories, patronising vox pops, offensively hard-hitting research and a sports presenter clearly struggling for metaphors. Adapted from Radio 4 series 'On the Hour'.

The Day Today

1994

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle poster
8.0

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle is a comedy series created by Stewart Lee. The BBC Two series debuted on 16 March 2009, and featured stand-up routines filmed at The Mildmay Club in Newington Green, and sketches based on a weekly theme, featuring amongst others Simon Munnery, Kevin Eldon and Paul Putner with voice-over parts recorded by Peter Serafinowicz. The series is produced by Richard Webb and directed by Tim Kirkby. The programme is executive-produced by Armando Iannucci and script-edited by Chris Morris, marking a rare reformation of their creative double-act.

Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle

2009

A Life on Screen poster
8.0

Documentary series that celebrates the incredible careers of the best of British talent.

A Life on Screen

2014

Britain's Best Sitcom poster
NR

Britain's Best Sitcom was a poll conducted in 2004 by the BBC, to identify the United Kingdom's best sitcom. Viewers were asked to vote for their favourite by phone, text message and on the web. The top ten went forward to a final round of voting. Ten, one hour long programmes were made before the final round, each about one of the Top 10, the programmes consisting of a celebrity speaking on behalf of their chosen sitcom as well as interviews with the stars and people that made it. Each of these programmes consisted of the celebrity advocating the sitcom giving a list of reasons as to why viewers should vote for the sitcom being advocated, as well as featuring plugs from other famous fans of each sitcom. Jonathan Ross hosted the countdown show.

Britain's Best Sitcom

2004

No artwork available
NR

An art magazine show guest-edited by a different personality each week.

Artsnight

2015

The Armando Iannucci Shows poster
8.0

The Armando Iannucci Shows is a series of eight programmes focused on specific themes relating to human nature and existentialism, around which Iannucci would weave a series of surreal sketches and monologues. Recurring themes in the episodes are the superficiality of modern culture, our problems communicating with each other, the mundane nature of working life and feelings of personal inadequacy and social awkwardness. Several characters also make repeat appearances in the shows, including the East End thug, who solves every problem with threats of violence; Hugh, an old man who delivers surreal monologues about what things were like in the old days; and Iannucci's barber, who is full of nonsensical anecdotes.

The Armando Iannucci Shows

2001

You Have Been Watching poster
7.7

Notoriously foul-mouthed television critic Charlie Brooker invites three of his friends round to sit in oversized chairs, watch television, and they all take the mick out of it. Each discussion ends with one or more questions to the panel, for which points are awarded. In the final quick-fire round, there are buzzers and a suitable (ie disconcertingly jaunty) game show noise. At the end, a winner is determined, and we reckon that's enough to make it a game show.

You Have Been Watching

2009

Time Trumpet poster
7.5

Set in the year 2031, this mockumentary looks back at events that ostensibly happened during the first 30 years of the 21st century. The series follows a format that co-creator Armando Iannucci previously used in his satirical year-in-review programme '2004: The Stupid Version'.

Time Trumpet

2006

No artwork available
7.2

The Saturday Night Armistice was a British satirical television comedy programme presented by Armando Iannucci with Peter Baynham and David Schneider, which ran from 1995 to 1999. The programme took an irreverent and often surreal look back at topical events, and featured studio discussions, sketches and setups. Like many 1990s British comedy series it included appearances and writing contributions by a large number of UK comedians including amongst others Arthur Mathews, Graham Linehan, Simon Pegg, Andy Riley, Kevin Cecil, Kevin Eldon, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Omid Djalili, Al Murray, Ben Moor, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

The Saturday Night Armistice

1995

2004: The Stupid Version poster
8.0

Armando Iannucci's alternative take on some of the events that have defined the past 12 months.

2004: The Stupid Version

2004

No artwork available
6.5

Where's Elvis This Week? was a short-lived, half-hour, weekly comedy television program hosted by Jon Stewart that aired on Sunday nights in the United Kingdom on BBC Two. It was filmed at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City and featured a set of panelists—two from the United Kingdom, and two from the United States. The panelists discussed news items and cultural issues. It premiered in the UK on 6 October 1996, and five episodes aired in total. Notable panelists included Dave Chappelle, Eddie Izzard, Phil Jupitus, Nora Ephron, Craig Kilborn, Christopher Hitchens, Armando Iannucci and Norm Macdonald.

Where's Elvis This Week?

1996

Comics Britannia poster
NR

Comics Britannia is a three-part documentary series from BBC Four which started on 10 September 2007. It was then repeated on BBC Two starting on 19 July 2008. The series looks at the history of the British comic and is also the centre of a Comics Britannia season.

Comics Britannia

2007

Behind the camera

The Personal History of David Copperfield poster
6.4

A fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s, chronicles the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world to find his elusive place within it. From his unhappy childhood to the discovery of his gift as a storyteller and writer, David’s journey is by turns hilarious and tragic, but always full of life, colour and humanity.

The Personal History of David Copperfield

2019

The Personal History of David Copperfield poster
6.4

A fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s, chronicles the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world to find his elusive place within it. From his unhappy childhood to the discovery of his gift as a storyteller and writer, David’s journey is by turns hilarious and tragic, but always full of life, colour and humanity.

The Personal History of David Copperfield

2019

The Personal History of David Copperfield poster
6.4

A fresh and distinctive take on Charles Dickens’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Personal History of David Copperfield, set in the 1840s, chronicles the life of its iconic title character as he navigates a chaotic world to find his elusive place within it. From his unhappy childhood to the discovery of his gift as a storyteller and writer, David’s journey is by turns hilarious and tragic, but always full of life, colour and humanity.

The Personal History of David Copperfield

2019

The Death of Stalin poster
7.0

When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?

The Death of Stalin

2017

The Death of Stalin poster
7.0

When dictator Joseph Stalin dies, his parasitic cronies square off in a frantic power struggle to become the next Soviet leader. As they bumble, brawl and back-stab their way to the top, the question remains — just who is running the government?

The Death of Stalin

2017

In the Loop poster
7.0

The US President and the UK Prime Minister are planning on launching a war in the Middle East, but—behind the scenes—government officials and advisers are either promoting the war or are trying to prevent it.

In the Loop

2009

In the Loop poster
7.0

The US President and the UK Prime Minister are planning on launching a war in the Middle East, but—behind the scenes—government officials and advisers are either promoting the war or are trying to prevent it.

In the Loop

2009

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa poster
6.6

When famous DJ Alan Partridge’s radio station is taken over by a new media conglomerate, it sets in motion a chain of events which see Alan having to work with the police to defuse a potentially violent siege.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa

2013

Tube Tales poster
5.3

Nine short stories based on the true experiences of London Underground passengers: "Mr. Cool" (Amy Jenkins, dir.); "Horny" (Stephen Hopkins); "Grasshopper" (Menhaj Huda); "My Father the Liar" (Bob Hoskins); "Bone" (Ewan McGregor); "Mouth" (Armando Iannucci); "A Bird in the Hand" (Jude Law); "Rosebud" (Gaby Dellal); "Steal Away" (Charles McDougall)

Tube Tales

1999

Tube Tales poster
5.3

Nine short stories based on the true experiences of London Underground passengers: "Mr. Cool" (Amy Jenkins, dir.); "Horny" (Stephen Hopkins); "Grasshopper" (Menhaj Huda); "My Father the Liar" (Bob Hoskins); "Bone" (Ewan McGregor); "Mouth" (Armando Iannucci); "A Bird in the Hand" (Jude Law); "Rosebud" (Gaby Dellal); "Steal Away" (Charles McDougall)

Tube Tales

1999

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove poster
6.5

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack. Based on the motion picture directed by Stanley Kubrick, screenplay by Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern and Peter George, based on the book 'Red Alert' by Peter George.

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

2025

Anglian Lives: Alan Partridge poster
7.9

A documentary on the life and career of Norwich's finest broadcaster, Alan Partridge. In the programme, Alan is asked tough questions about his divorce, Toblerone addiction and his autobiography 'Bouncing Back' by formidable interviewer Ray Woollard.

Anglian Lives: Alan Partridge

2003

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt poster
7.4

A mockumentary taking a comic-look at how the Lewinsky scandal is perceived in the year 2028.

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt

1998

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt poster
7.4

A mockumentary taking a comic-look at how the Lewinsky scandal is perceived in the year 2028.

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt

1998

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt poster
7.4

A mockumentary taking a comic-look at how the Lewinsky scandal is perceived in the year 2028.

Clinton: His Struggle with Dirt

1998

Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens poster
6.0

Armando Iannucci presents a personal argument in praise of the genius of Charles Dickens. Through the prism of the author's most autobiographical novel, David Copperfield, Armando looks beyond Dickens - the national institution - and instead explores the qualities of Dickens's work that still make him one of the best British writers. While Dickens is often celebrated for his powerful depictions of Victorian England and his role as a social reformer, this programme foregrounds the elements of his writing which make him worth reading, as much for what he tells us about ourselves in the twenty-first century as our ancestors in the nineteenth. Armando argues that Dickens's remarkable use of language and his extraordinary gift for creating characters make him a startlingly experimental and psychologically penetrating writer who demands not just to be adapted for television but to be read and read again.

Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens

2012

Spinners and Losers poster
8.7

Peter Mannion's speech on immigration, leaking the PM's policy, did not have the effect Tucker desired and now the PM is resigning, leaving the way clear for the Nutters and their leader Tom. Ollie has been promised a job by young Nutter Ben Swain, Tucker's assistant has encouraged Hugh's predecessor Cliff to stand as a stalking horse and Glenn is keen to keep Hugh in the frame whilst his boss is in Australia. Fortunately Tom has a dark secret which is just what Tucker is looking for but will it be enough?

Spinners and Losers

2007

Spinners and Losers poster
8.7

Peter Mannion's speech on immigration, leaking the PM's policy, did not have the effect Tucker desired and now the PM is resigning, leaving the way clear for the Nutters and their leader Tom. Ollie has been promised a job by young Nutter Ben Swain, Tucker's assistant has encouraged Hugh's predecessor Cliff to stand as a stalking horse and Glenn is keen to keep Hugh in the frame whilst his boss is in Australia. Fortunately Tom has a dark secret which is just what Tucker is looking for but will it be enough?

Spinners and Losers

2007

Spinners and Losers poster
8.7

Peter Mannion's speech on immigration, leaking the PM's policy, did not have the effect Tucker desired and now the PM is resigning, leaving the way clear for the Nutters and their leader Tom. Ollie has been promised a job by young Nutter Ben Swain, Tucker's assistant has encouraged Hugh's predecessor Cliff to stand as a stalking horse and Glenn is keen to keep Hugh in the frame whilst his boss is in Australia. Fortunately Tom has a dark secret which is just what Tucker is looking for but will it be enough?

Spinners and Losers

2007

The Rise of the Nutters poster
8.6

With Hugh in Australia and Glenn in Wales, Ollie is left in charge, feeding policies to junior minister Ben Swain. He is one of the 'Nutters', the group keen to take power when the P.M. resigns and keen to make a name for himself - which he does in the wrong sense when Jeremy Paxman skewers him on 'Newsnight'. This is music to Tucker's ears as it is in his interest for the P.M. to remain in power for as long as he can. Ollie's new girlfriend Emma is working for Shadow Minister Peter Mannion and hopes to impress by stealing one of Ollie's idea for use on their immigration policy though things do not go fully to plan.

The Rise of the Nutters

2007

The Rise of the Nutters poster
8.6

With Hugh in Australia and Glenn in Wales, Ollie is left in charge, feeding policies to junior minister Ben Swain. He is one of the 'Nutters', the group keen to take power when the P.M. resigns and keen to make a name for himself - which he does in the wrong sense when Jeremy Paxman skewers him on 'Newsnight'. This is music to Tucker's ears as it is in his interest for the P.M. to remain in power for as long as he can. Ollie's new girlfriend Emma is working for Shadow Minister Peter Mannion and hopes to impress by stealing one of Ollie's idea for use on their immigration policy though things do not go fully to plan.

The Rise of the Nutters

2007

Paddington 4 poster
NR

The fourth installment of the franchise. Plot TBA

Paddington 4

—

No artwork available
NR

Details TBA.

In Too Deep

—

No artwork available
NR

Details TBA.

In Too Deep

—

No artwork available
NR

Details TBA.

In Too Deep

—

Alan Partridge's Country Ramble poster
7.0

Alan Partridge presents a country ramble through the East Anglian countryside.

Alan Partridge's Country Ramble

1995

No artwork available
NR

The founder of a Snapchat-like social media platform races to deal with the company's exponential growth and devastating leak of users' private data.

Growth

—

Milton's Heaven and Hell poster
NR

Armando Iannucci journeys through Milton's life and his great poem Paradise Lost, offering his own passionate and illuminating response to what he feels is a work of genius.

Milton's Heaven and Hell

2009