Watch The Revolution Will Be Televised

The Revolution Will Be Televised is a satirical comedy series that aired in the UK on BBC Three in 2012. Produced by BBC Worldwide, the show followed two comedic activists, Jolyon Rubinstein and Heydon Prowse, as they carried out various pranks and stunts aimed at exposing corruption and social injustice.

The show's title is a reference to a famous quote by African-American writer and poet, Gil Scott-Heron, who stated that "The revolution will not be televised." However, Rubinstein and Prowse subverted the quote by claiming that their revolution would indeed be televised, and used the medium of TV to spread their messages and satire.

The format of the show was largely based on hidden camera pranks, in which the two comedians posed as various characters in order to catch politicians and other public figures in compromising situations. For example, they attended a Conservative Party conference dressed as a wealthy Arab sheikh and offered bribes to influential members of the party. In another stunt, they posed as health inspectors and attempted to shut down a branch of McDonald's for health violations.

The show also featured segments in which the pair staged protests and rallies, often with a humorous twist. In one episode, for instance, they organized a "dance party" outside the headquarters of oil company BP, in response to the company's role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The party featured dancers dressed as oil-covered birds and a "BP executive" attempting to bust some moves.

The humour on the show was often very dry and sarcastic, and the hosts were not afraid to take aim at high-profile targets. In one particularly memorable sketch, they targeted Sir Philip Green, the billionaire owner of Topshop, by creating a fake ad for "Topman Hammersmith," a parody store that purported to sell clothes made in sweatshops.

The show was generally well-received by critics, who praised its combination of humour and political commentary. Some critics noted, however, that the comedic content sometimes overshadowed the show's message, and that the pranks could be seen as somewhat mean-spirited.

Despite these criticisms, The Revolution Will Be Televised proved popular with audiences, and the show ultimately ran for three seasons. Its success led to a number of spin-offs and international adaptations, including an American version produced for Fusion TV.

Overall, The Revolution Will Be Televised is a witty and incisive commentary on contemporary politics and social issues. With its blend of satire, hidden camera pranks, and activism, the show offers a unique and entertaining perspective on the world.