Space Hacks
Encyclopedia
Space Hacks is a British radio sitcom produced by the BBC
, first aired in February 2007. It is the first ever direct commission by BBC7., a UK digital radio station. Two series of four episodes each have so far been produced. All episodes have been exclusively broadcast on BBC7
The series follows the adventures of journalists Charlie Palmer and Moog Johnson, who report on Earth events for pan-galactic news agency InterGalactic News. They are based aboard the IGN Indolent, which sits on Clapham Common
disguised as a hedge.
The third principal character is Mother (played by Prunella Scales
), the ship's maternal and senile on-board computer. Describing her in episode one, Charlie explains that; "...when they uploaded her baking software they sort of overwrote everything else." Although an exemplary cook, Mother struggles with certain activities such as remembering to tell Charlie and Moog when pirates are approaching, or landing the ship.
Lizard-like alien Korg is the IGN's news editor, and appears to be permanently enraged, especially with Charlie. There is a running joke throughout the series that he always threatens to rip off parts of Charlie and Moog's anatomy and beat them with it. "I shall flail you with your own spines!" is an example.
Space Hacks is written by Stuart Sumner and Ian Simons, and is produced by Victoria Lloyd.
The Radio Times
compared the show favourably to other notable radio sitcoms, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
, and Red Dwarf
.
BBC Radio
BBC Radio is a service of the British Broadcasting Corporation which has operated in the United Kingdom under the terms of a Royal Charter since 1927. For a history of BBC radio prior to 1927 see British Broadcasting Company...
, first aired in February 2007. It is the first ever direct commission by BBC7., a UK digital radio station. Two series of four episodes each have so far been produced. All episodes have been exclusively broadcast on BBC7
The series follows the adventures of journalists Charlie Palmer and Moog Johnson, who report on Earth events for pan-galactic news agency InterGalactic News. They are based aboard the IGN Indolent, which sits on Clapham Common
Clapham Common
Clapham Common is an 89 hectare triangular area of grassland situated in south London, England. It was historically common land for the parishes of Battersea and Clapham, but was converted to parkland under the terms of the Metropolitan Commons Act 1878.43 hectares of the common are within the...
disguised as a hedge.
The third principal character is Mother (played by Prunella Scales
Prunella Scales
Prunella Scales CBE is an English actress, known for her role as Basil Fawlty's long-suffering wife in the British comedy Fawlty Towers and her award-nominated role as Queen Elizabeth II in the British film A Question of Attribution.-Career:Throughout her long career, Scales has usually been cast...
), the ship's maternal and senile on-board computer. Describing her in episode one, Charlie explains that; "...when they uploaded her baking software they sort of overwrote everything else." Although an exemplary cook, Mother struggles with certain activities such as remembering to tell Charlie and Moog when pirates are approaching, or landing the ship.
Lizard-like alien Korg is the IGN's news editor, and appears to be permanently enraged, especially with Charlie. There is a running joke throughout the series that he always threatens to rip off parts of Charlie and Moog's anatomy and beat them with it. "I shall flail you with your own spines!" is an example.
Series One
- Episode one "Lost in Space Ship": First broadcast 10 February 2007
- Episode two "Two Men and a Baby Alien": First broadcast 17 February 2007
- Episode three "The Last Postman": First broadcast 24 February 2007
- Episode four "Mutiny on the Space Ship": First broadcast 3 March 2007
Series Two
- Episode five "Men in Brown": First broadcast 1 March 2008
- Episode six "The Quite Good Escape": First broadcast aired 8 March 2008
- Episode seven "Empire in the Sun": First broadcast 15 March 2008
- Episode eight "Back to the Present": First broadcast 22 March 2008
Space Hacks is written by Stuart Sumner and Ian Simons, and is produced by Victoria Lloyd.
Press
The series have received some attention from the press, with positive reviews.The Radio Times
Radio Times
Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title...
compared the show favourably to other notable radio sitcoms, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a science fiction comedy series created by Douglas Adams. Originally a radio comedy broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1978, it was later adapted to other formats, and over several years it gradually became an international multi-media phenomenon...
, and Red Dwarf
Red Dwarf
Red Dwarf is a British comedy franchise which primarily comprises eight series of a television science fiction sitcom that aired on BBC Two between 1988 and 1999 and Dave from 2009–present. It gained cult following. It was created by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, who also wrote the first six series...
.
External links
- Space Hacks programme information at the BBC
- Space Hacks on the British Comedy Guide