Edgar Wright Declares "The Young Ones" His "Year Zero" Comedy Event
- Comedy in Your Eye
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
Acclaimed director Edgar Wright, known for his work on "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz," has revealed the classic British television comedy that profoundly shaped his comedic sensibilities, calling it his "Year Zero event in terms of comedy." While acknowledging the foundational influence of "Monty Python's Flying Circus," Wright pointed to a different series as the true catalyst for his comedic development.
The "Year Zero" Comedy Influence
Edgar Wright, a filmmaker celebrated for his distinctive blend of humour and genre in films like "Baby Driver" and "Last Night in Soho," has often cited his early exposure to British comedy as a significant inspiration. While "Monty Python's Flying Circus" is a widely recognised touchstone for many British comedians, Wright identified "The Young Ones" as the programme that truly revolutionised his understanding of comedy.
Key Influences on Wright's Comedic Style
Monty Python's Flying Circus: Wright acknowledges the groundbreaking, absurdist, and political humour of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" as a significant influence, noting its unique and undefinable comedic approach.
The Goodies: He also mentioned "The Goodies," describing it as a "kids' version of Monty Python." This series combined surreal sketches with situation comedy, created by a group of friends, and was a popular favourite in Britain.
The Young Ones: Wright declared "The Young Ones" as his "Year Zero event in terms of comedy." This 1980s sitcom, starring the late Rik Mayall, followed a group of anarchic university students and was instrumental in popularising alternative comedy. Wright recalled its immense cultural impact among schoolchildren, stating, "You were nobody in school if you hadn’t seen The Young Ones the night before.
Friendship and Group Dynamics in Comedy
Wright observed that the three comedy series he cited as major influences – "Monty Python's Flying Circus," "The Goodies," and "The Young Ones" – are all characterised by strong friendship and group dynamics. This theme is also evident in his own directorial work, including the BAFTA-winning sitcom "Spaced" and his collaborations with actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
Sources
The British comedy series Edgar Wright called his "Year Zero", Far Out Magazine.