Oh No, Not Them 1989
Step into the chaotic world of *Oh No, Not Them (1989)*, a lost-in-time pilot that never quite made it to the airwaves as part of the ill-fated American remake of *The Young Ones*.
Director: David Mirkin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oh No, Not Them (1989) about?
*Oh No, Not Them* follows a group of misfit roommates whose attempts to keep their run-down house—and their sanity—intact spiral into absolute madness. Packed with absurd humor and rebellious energy, the film satirizes late-'80s culture and the struggles of communal living, all while failing to capture the charm of its British counterpart.
Who directed Oh No, Not Them?
The film was directed by David Mirkin, known for his work on *Newhart* and *The Simpsons*, who brought his signature comedic touch to this ill-fated pilot.
Who stars in Oh No, Not Them?
The cast features Nigel Planer, Jackie Earle Haley, Robert Bundy, Shari Shattuck, Kristi Somers, and Bob Newhart in key roles.
Is Oh No, Not Them (1989) worth watching?
While it's more of a curiosity than a must-see, *Oh No, Not Them* offers a fun, if uneven, blend of comedy and satire for fans of the era. Its unaired status and chaotic tone make it a niche pick, but the performances—especially Haley's unhinged energy—add a layer of charm. If you enjoy offbeat TV pilots or '80s comedies, it's worth a look for its historical quirkiness.
How long is Oh No, Not Them?
The runtime is approximately 30 minutes.
About Oh No, Not Them (1989) — The Unearthed Comedy Pilot Nobody Saw Coming
Step into the chaotic world of *Oh No, Not Them (1989)*, a lost-in-time pilot that never quite made it to the airwaves as part of the ill-fated American remake of *The Young Ones*. Directed by comedy veteran David Mirkin, this half-hour TV movie blends sharp satire with anarchic humor, capturing the spirit of its British counterpart while stumbling in its own chaotic execution. The story follows a group of eccentric roommates whose absurd antics and irreverent attitude towards authority paint a picture of 1980s counterculture gone hilariously off the rails. With a zany tone and rapid-fire jokes, *Oh No, Not Them* offers a snapshot of a moment when American audiences weren't quite ready—or didn't quite get—the dry British wit of its source material.
Surprisingly, this unaired pilot stands as a curiosity for comedy fans rather than a hidden gem. The film's over-the-top characters, led by Nigel Planer's wide-eyed oddball and Jackie Earle Haley's unhinged troublemaker, create a frenetic energy that's both exhausting and oddly endearing. While it never found its footing in the mainstream, *Oh No, Not Them* remains a fascinating time capsule of late-'80s comedy experiments, offering a glimpse at what might have been if this pilot had ever seen the light of day beyond its unaired status.