Spitting Image
The legendary British satirical puppet show that revolutionized political comedy and became a cultural phenomenon
What is Spitting Image?
Spitting Image was a groundbreaking British satirical television puppet show that aired from 1984 to 1996. Created by Peter Fluck, Roger Law, and Martin Lambie-Nairn, the show featured latex puppet caricatures of contemporary celebrities, politicians, and public figures.
At its peak, the show attracted 15 million viewers and became one of the most-watched programs of the 1980s. It fearlessly satirized British politics, entertainment, sport, and popular culture with unprecedented boldness.
History & Origins
Martin Lambie-Nairn proposed a satirical TV show with caricature puppets created by Peter Fluck and Roger Law, who had previously worked on plasticine caricatures for The Sunday Times magazine.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, fearlessly lampooning political figures like Margaret Thatcher and John Major, as well as the British Royal Family, including being the first to caricature Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
After ending in 1996, the show was revived in 2020 on BritBox featuring Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, and most recently returned in July 2025 as an online format on YouTube.
Iconic Puppet Characters
Margaret Thatcher & John Major
The Iron Lady and her grey successor became defining characters of the show's political satire.
The Royal Family
First to satirize the monarchy on television, breaking new ground in British comedy.
John Major at No. 10
The show's portrayal of Major as grey and boring became widely adopted characterizations.
Political Power Duo
The iconic political partnership that defined British satire in the 1990s.
Cultural Impact
Featured on magazine covers, the show bridged political satire and popular culture.
Behind the Scenes
The creative minds behind the satirical masterpiece with their iconic creations.
Classic Episodes & Clips
Timeline of Major Milestones
Spitting Image debuts on ITV, immediately causing controversy with its fearless political satire. The show featured groundbreaking latex puppet caricatures that pushed the boundaries of television comedy.
The show wins its first Emmy Award in the Popular Arts Category, establishing its reputation internationally and proving that political satire could achieve mainstream success.
Spitting Image reaches its peak viewership of 15 million, becoming one of the most-watched shows of the 1980s. The show's influence on public discourse becomes undeniable.
The show becomes the first to satirize Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, sparking nationwide debates about monarchy, respect, and freedom of expression in media.
After 18 series and 134 episodes, the original Spitting Image comes to an end. The show's legacy as a cultural phenomenon and its influence on political comedy remains unmatched.
Roger Law donates the entire Spitting Image archive to Cambridge University, recognizing its importance as a cultural artifact of late 20th-century British society.
Spitting Image returns with a new series on BritBox, featuring contemporary figures like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, proving the format's enduring relevance.
The series launches on YouTube with "The Rest is Bullsh*t", adapting to modern digital formats and reaching new global audiences in the streaming era.
Controversial Headlines & Impact
Spitting Image was credited with influencing public perception of political figures. The show's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher as a dominating figure and John Major as gray and boring became widely adopted characterizations.
The program's fearless approach to satirizing those in power set a new standard for political comedy and influenced generations of satirical programming that followed.
The show broke new ground by being the first to lampoon the Royal Family on television, including controversial portrayals that sparked nationwide debates about respect for monarchy and freedom of expression.
Celebrity collaborations with musicians like Phil Collins and Sting brought the show into mainstream entertainment culture, bridging the gap between political satire and popular music.
External Reviews & Legacy
"Spitting Image represented a watershed moment in British television comedy, combining artistic excellence with fearless political commentary."
The show's technical innovation in puppet design and voice acting set new standards for satirical programming, influencing comedy shows worldwide.
In 2018, Roger Law donated the entire Spitting Image archive to the University of Cambridge, recognizing its importance as a cultural artifact of late 20th-century British society.
The show's influence can be seen in modern satirical programs and its approach to combining entertainment with sharp social commentary continues to inspire creators today.