Asylum poster
SeriesComedy

Asylum (1996)

1996-01-22 · 30m · EN
60%
User score
12 votes

Asylum is a British comedy series which was shown on Paramount Comedy Channel in 1996. Set in a mental asylum, it ran for one series of six episodes. Unlike traditional sitcoms or comedy television shows, it was to some extent an opportunity for stand-up routines by various comedians, mixed with an overall story involving much black humour. It is significant for involving a large number of British comedians, many who have gone on to work on some of the most successful comedy programmes of the last decade. It marked the first collaboration of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who would go on to make cult sitcom Spaced. Many of the characters names were the same as those of the actors who portrayed them. David Devant & His Spirit Wife were the "house band" for the series, performing segments in every episode, from their first album, Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous. The lead-in track "Ginger" served as the programme's title music. The series has yet to be released on DVD; however, the full episodes are viewable on Norman Lovett's website.

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Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Jessica HynesJessica HynesMarthaJulian BarrattJulian BarrattVictor MunroSimon PeggSimon PeggSimonMick O'ConnorMick O'ConnorNobby ShanksDavid Devant and his Spirit WifeDavid Devant and his Spirit WifeThemselvesPaul MoroccoPaul MoroccoPaulNorman LovettNorman LovettDr. LovettAdam BloomAdam BloomAdamPaul TomkinsonPaul TomkinsonPaul TonkinsonPaul TonkinsonPatientJohn MoloneyJohn MoloneyPatient / DoctorBill BaileyBill BaileyPatient

Movie DNA

Genre affinityComedyDialogue densityComedyPacingShortDirector preference22129Actor preference21603 · 32800 · 14291Country preferenceGb

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Frequently asked questions about Asylum

What is Asylum about?

Asylum is a British comedy series which was shown on Paramount Comedy Channel in 1996. Set in a mental asylum, it ran for one series of six episodes. Unlike traditional sitcoms or comedy television shows, it was to some extent an opportunity for stand-up routines by various comedians, mixed with an overall story involving much black humour. It is significant for involving a large number of British comedians, many who have gone on to work on some of the most successful comedy programmes of the last decade. It marked the first collaboration of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson, who would go on to make cult sitcom Spaced. Many of the characters names were the same as those of the actors who portrayed them. David Devant & His Spirit Wife were the "house band" for the series, performing segments in every episode, from their first album, Work, Lovelife, Miscellaneous. The lead-in track "Ginger" served as the programme's title music. The series has yet to be released on DVD; however, the full episodes are viewable on Norman Lovett's website.

How long is Asylum?

Asylum has a runtime of 30 minutes.