Peter Principle, The – Nostalgia Central

1 9 9 7 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes
2 0 0 0 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

Jim Broadbent starred in his first sitcom as Peter Duffley, the perfect example of an underachiever who has been over-promoted beyond his skill or capability, hence the series title (the ‘Peter Principle’ asserts that everyone is ultimately promoted to their level of incompetence).

The Aldbridge branch manager at the (fictional) County & Provincial Bank, Duffley is staggeringly incompetent.

Not to mention arrogant, pompous, accident-prone and nauseatingly obsequious to his boss, David (Daniel Flynn), and he relies totally on his efficient Assistant Manager, Susan Harvey (Claire Skinner).

Staff at the branch included Chief Cashier Geoffrey Parkes (Stephen Moore), who had been with the bank all his working life and had little regard or time for Peter; Cashier Brenda Corrigan (Tracy Keating); Junior Cashier Bradley Wilson (David Schneider), and middle-aged Chief Clerk Iris (Janette Legge).

When the show returned for a second series in 2000, Susan had been promoted onto a fast-track management course, and Peter’s new secretary was Barbara (former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard), who believed women should sleep their way to the top.

The second series also added nervous new cashier Evelyn Walker (Wendy Nottingham),  who was constantly on the phone to the Samaritans.

The BBC series came from Hat Trick Productions – the producers of Father Ted, Drop the Dead Donkey and Have I Got News For You.

Location shooting for exterior scenes took place in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

The show aired in the US on PBS under the title The Boss. 

Peter Duffley
Jim Broadbent
Susan Harvey
Claire Skinner
Geoffrey Parkes
Stephen Moore
Bradley Wilson
David Schneider
Brenda Corrigan
Tracy Keating
David Edwards
Daniel Flynn
Iris Jennings
Janette Legge
Barbara 
Beverley Callard
Evelyn Walker
Wendy Nottingham

Episodes

Sex, Lies and Videotape | Health Matters | Upwardly Mobile | The Midas Touch | Insecurity | Bank Holiday || Un Homme et Une Femme | Desperately Seeking Susan | Greyhound Day | There’s Something About Geoffrey | Truly Bradley Deeply | Casablanca