The Russ Abbot Show is a British television sketch comedy series starring Russ Abbot, which originally began in 1980 and ran for 17 years on television before moving to BBC Radio 2 for an additional five years. The show initially started as "Russ Abbot's Madhouse" and later, in 1986, moved to BBC where it was renamed "The Russ Abbot Show." It featured a variety of comedy sketches and characters created by Abbot, including popular ones like Basildon Bond (a James Bond parody), Cooperman (a hybrid of Tommy Cooper and Superman), and C.U. Jimmy, a mostly unintelligible Scottish character. The show was known for its humor, musical performances, and engaging characters, attracting millions of viewers weekly, especially younger audiences. The program was notable for its energetic and character-driven comedy rather than originality, and Russ Abbot's performances often included lively impersonations and a mix of quirky characters. After its television run ended in the mid-1990s, it transitioned to radio for a few years. The show had a significant following and was a staple of British comedy during the 1980s and early 1990s. Overall, The Russ Abbot Show represents a notable part of British television comedy history with its mix of slapstick, impersonations, and recurring comic characters.
