In honor of the 25th anniversary this year of the iconic British comedy Mr Bean, we present 11 facts and figures about this iconic show you probably didn’t know. Also, last week a new DVD set was released featuring all his adventures – see link at the bottom for details.
Mr Bean is known worldwide
It’s highly probably that Mr Bean is the first British comedy that many people are exposed to (I know it was my first). That’s because it has been sold for transmission in a massive 245 territories!
Short Run
Despite the shows popularity – there are actually only 15 episodes of the show in existence (plus the movies we’d rather forget about).
A 90’s Hit
The show only ran from 1990 to 1995. The comedy, however, is timeless.
Not a BBC Show
Despite was most people probably think about the show it was not a creation of the BBC – in fact it aired on the British commercial network BBC Rival ITV.
Mr Bean is a Very Rich Man
On the show, Mr Bean is generally are very poor character. Not so for the man who created him – Rowan Atkinson is reportedly worth $130 Million due to the success of the show, its spinoff movies as well as his other projects that have been big hit (like Johnny English).
Created at Oxford
Mr Bean was developed while Atkinson was studying for his master’s degree in electrical engineering at Queen’s College, Oxford. A sketch featuring the character was performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in the early 1980s.
Facebook Loves Him
Mr Bean has over 63 MILLION fans on Facebook. Fans hail from all over the world and show the international popularity of this British buffoon. The page is updated regularly with comics, news videos and more.
Ratings Hit
Not only is the show popular worldwide, but it was extremely popular on its home turf of Britain. As one point 18.74 million people tuned into the 1991 special ‘The Trouble With Mr Bean.’
Has a Strong Pedigree
The people who created and produced the show have gone on to become icons of British entertainment. Rowan Atkinson has moved on to a successful film career. His series co-creator Richard Curtis has developed some of Britain’s best known movies such as Bridget Jones’ Diary, Notting Hill, Love Actually and many more. One of the producers, Sue Vertue is best known as the producer on BBC’s Sherlock – she also happens to be married to Doctor Who show runner Stephen Moffat.
Later Appearances
Since the show ended in 1995, Mr Bean has returned in two movies, which while not very good have made lots of money. He was also the star of an animated series – and there is a new animated series in development. He has also appeared in one off specials and famously made a cameo appearance at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics.
Box Office Gold
Mr Bean last appeared on the big screen in 2007 in Mr Bean’s Holiday, which featured Bean going on vacation in France (an Englishman in France, how can that be funny????). The movie was comparatively cheap to produce but it grossed over $229 Million worldwide. Which makes you understand why Rowan Atkinson was non-plussed by the $1.4 million repair bill on one of his prized supercars involved in a crash.
Did you put on the list that Rowen (not Bean) is the only person to crash 2 Mclarens! Man likes his speed……& expensive cars! lol!