

Reggie Perrin
Reggie Perrin is a modern update of the 1970s BBC sitcom The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, which starred Leonard Rossiter. The revival stars Martin Clunes and was first broadcast on 24 April 2009. Series 1 was released on DVD in Region 2 by 2entertain on 1 June 2009.
Insights
Plot Summary
This sitcom follows the life of Reggie Perrin, a middle-aged man who feels utterly disillusioned with his mundane existence. After a mid-life crisis, he quits his job and embarks on a series of eccentric and often disastrous attempts to inject meaning and excitement back into his life. His actions frequently create chaos for his long-suffering wife, Nicola, and his bewildered colleagues.
Critical Reception
Reggie Perrin (2009) received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. While some appreciated Martin Clunes's performance and the attempt to revive a classic character, many found the humor hit-or-miss and the storylines lacking the sharpness of the original series. The show struggled to find a consistent comedic voice and was ultimately cancelled after two series.
What Reviewers Say
- Martin Clunes delivers a commendable performance as the titular character.
- The humor often falls flat, failing to capture the satirical edge of the original.
- Despite its premise, the series lacks a strong narrative drive and comedic punch.
Google audience: Audience feedback on Reggie Perrin (2009) was generally lukewarm. Many viewers expressed disappointment that the reboot did not live up to the legacy of the original show, finding the jokes repetitive and the character's struggles less relatable. Some appreciated the effort but felt it ultimately missed the mark.
Fun Fact
The character of Reggie Perrin was originally created by Victor Lewis-Smith and Jeffrey Bernard for the BBC radio series 'The Death of Reginald Perrin' in 1977, which was later adapted into the classic BBC sitcom 'The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin' starring Leonard Rossiter.
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