Ep 1. Richard E. Grant / Michael Parkinson

The Kumars at No. 42 is a British television show that first aired in 2001. The premise of the show is a fictional family, the Kumars, who live in a house in Wembley, London. In each episode, various celebrity guests visit the Kumars at their home and are interviewed by the family.

Season 1, episode 1 of The Kumars at No. 42 features Richard E. Grant, who is known for his roles in films such as "Withnail and I" and "Gosford Park," and Michael Parkinson, a beloved British television personality who hosted his own talk show for many years.

The episode begins with the Kumars, consisting of the father Ashwin, mother Madhuri, son Sanjeev, and grandmother Sushila, preparing for their guest's arrival. They set up their living room as a makeshift television studio, complete with cameras and microphones.

When Richard E. Grant arrives, he is warmly welcomed by the Kumars and they begin their interview. Sanjeev Kumar takes the lead as the host and asks Grant about his career in Hollywood and working with iconic directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

The interview also includes some lighthearted and humorous moments, such as when Grant recounts the time he accidentally walked in on co-star Helena Bonham Carter while she was changing on the set of a film, only to realize she was wearing prosthetics.

Following the interview with Grant, the Kumars take a break and discuss the experience with their guest. They express their admiration for his work and also poke fun at some of the more absurd moments of the interview.

The second part of the episode features Michael Parkinson, who is introduced to the Kumars as a legendary television personality. The interview with Parkinson is more focused on his own career, with Sanjeev Kumar asking him about his experiences interviewing famous figures such as Muhammad Ali and Princess Diana.

Throughout the interview with Parkinson, the Kumars display their trademark humor and wit, often making quips and jokes at their own expense. Parkinson seems to enjoy the experience, and he jokes that appearing on The Kumars at No. 42 is "like being on another planet."

Overall, the premiere episode of The Kumars at No. 42 sets the tone for the show's unique blend of celebrity interviews and family dynamics. The Kumars are endearing and hilarious, and their interactions with their guests are both entertaining and insightful. This episode is a must-watch for fans of British television and anyone looking to discover a new, enjoyable comedy series.