Fawlty Towers review: ‘John Cleese is like an octopus with its elastic wound to bursting’ – archive, 1975
The first episode of Fawlty Towers aired on 19 September 1975 and a month later the Guardian’s TV critic declared it the undoubted comedy of the season
September 2023
The brave victims of Russell Brand’s misogyny deserve full support. This time, let’s get it right
Marina Hyde
The new claims made me think about the media’s treatment of the woman he famously humiliated on Radio 2, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
March 2017
Russell Brand returns to live radio for first time since Andrew Sachs row
Comedian’s new Sunday morning show on Radio X comes nine years after he quit BBC following ‘Sachsgate’ row
John Cleese's attack on Fawlty Towers tribute was about publicity, says creator
Faulty Towers Dining Experience founder Alison Pollard-Mansergh says she tried to get permission for her show 20 years ago
February 2016
Matt LeBlanc to juggle Top Gear co-host role with US sitcom pilot
Actor set to star in and executive produce CBS pilot I’m Not Your Friend having just signed contract with BBC2 car show
February 2015
Mark Lawson on television
Has British comedy learned how to portray foreigners?
The 1970s was littered with sitcoms that will never see the light of day again, thanks to their xenophobic themes. But Asylum and Benidorm reveal more sophistication in their portrayal of non-Brits
April 2014
The BBC report
The BBC: there to inform, educate, provoke and enrage?
In the second of a series of essays on the corporation's past, present
and future, Charlotte Higgins examines why it is constantly criticised by rivals, supporters and even its own staff
February 2014
Observer New Review Q&A
Andrew Sachs interview: 'John Cleese once hit me so hard I couldn't get up'
The actor tells Tim Lewis about Sachsgate, fleeing the Nazis and being thumped by Basil Fawlty
June 2013
Andrew Neil calls Alex Jones an idiot in Sunday Politics clash
US shock jock lambasted by BBC TV presenter after interrupting fellow guest to warn viewers over 'Bilderberg Group puppeteers'
February 2013
TV tonight
TV highlights 11/02/2013
Dancing on the Edge | Penguins – Spy in the Huddle | My Big Fat Gypsy Valentine | Miracle Rising: South Africa | Spartacus: War of the Damned | Storyville - Expedition to the End of the World | Black Mirror
December 2012
Rewind radio: Victoria Derbyshire; Neil Tennant's Smash Hits Christmas; Andrew Sachs: The Revenge
A live broadcast from Great Ormond Street brought the festive season into focus, writes Miranda Sawyer
April 2012
Russell Brand in talks with BBC about first new TV outing since 'Sachsgate'
Controversial comedian who caused stir with prank phone calls in line to front documentary about addiction on BBC3
February 2011
Observer TV reviews
Rewind TV: OK! TV; The British Academy Film Awards; the Brit Awards; Champions League Football; Dispatches: Lessons in Hate and Violence
Fun was absent from the Baftas and the Brits, but neither was as vacuous as OK! TV, writes Andrew Anthony
