It’s official: Spitting Image is coming back

We’ve heard so many hints, rumours and denials down the years, but now, it’s finally happening – according to one of the co-founders of the show. Roger Law, who created the original Spitting Image alongside Peter Fluck and Martin Lambie-Nairn, has confirmed that the iconic satirical puppet show is returning at last, more than two decades after new episodes last aired.

This time, however, unlike the British version of the programme that came to be loved by the public and even some of its victims back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, it seems that the show will be squarely aimed at a global audience, as producers conduct advanced discussions with US-based networks.

So, why is the show coming back?

The answer to that might seem obvious to many of you; the original programme has continued to be held in great affection by the British public and many other fans of political satire around the globe. Plus, in today’s tumultuous age, it’s fair to say the rebooted show’s writers won’t struggle for inspiration.

Law has confirmed this much, telling The Guardian that he was resurrecting the programme as a “public service satire” in response to current political culture. “It’s pretty chaotic out there. As far as I’m concerned, it’s better than shouting at the television set, isn’t it? So I thought, let’s give it a go.” 

Will it be as good as last time?

That is, of course, the question on many fans’ lips – although it’s worth bearing in mind the original show was cancelled for a reason, namely low viewing figures back in 1996.

It doesn’t take much glancing around at the current political scene, though, to realise we’re not in the most stable of eras, even if this also undoubtedly makes it a ripe one for satire. So on paper at least, the new Spitting Image should be well-placed to succeed, especially in light of its new international focus and the acclaim accorded to such other recent satire as Alec Baldwin’s take on US President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live.

While Law has admitted he hasn’t missed working on the programme since its cancellation by original broadcaster ITV – describing it as “a pig of a show to do” – he has also expressed a belief that “the current situation warrants the effort.” It’s a sentiment that we can only very much agree with here at Puppets By Post.

But in the meantime...

It may be a while before we hear more about what we can expect from the revived programme, although shots of the puppets depicting such targets as Trump, Vladmir Putin – dressed in S&M garb – and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already emerged.

Until then, while you’re in the puppet fever, why not buy character hand puppets from our own generous selection here at Puppets By Post?

With an extensive range of characters and critters represented in our online store, and free delivery also on offer when you spend more than £10 in one go, we’ve got just the products to entice you, whether you are a puppetry enthusiast, professional puppeteer, teacher, parent or guardian.