Every Rowan Atkinson Film & TV Project Ranked From Worst To Best
8. Peter Cook & Co.
Peter Cook & Co. was a 1980 TV film produced for ITV and involved a series of comedy sketches that were subversive, eclectic, and potentially ahead of their time. The eponymous Cook is involved throughout, with notable appearances from British comedy royalty such as John Cleese, Terry Jones, and the subject of our list.
Sketches involving Atkinson are actually considered some of the weaker elements of the project, especially in contrast to some classic work from Cleese, as well as a show stealing surreal performance from Beryl Reid as a supposed Rastafarian Plumber Bee. Yes, those three words together.
Cook would be a relatively regular collaborator with Atkinson, appearing as Richard III in the first Blackadder series, as well as both being significant driving forces behind The Secret Policeman's Ball.
He would be named the number one "Comedian's Comedian" in a Guardian poll of fellow professionals in 2005, and is known as one of the most influential figures in the development of satire both in the UK and internationally.
Regarded as a heavy drinker, even by the standards of the British comedy scene throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Cook would sadly pass away from associated issues at the age of 57.