Series 1
1. Open Government
First broadcast: Monday 25th February 1980
Newly installed in his office, Jim Hacker is about to have his first encounter with the feared Sir Humphrey Appleby in an effort to establish "Open Government".
2. The Official Visit
First broadcast: Monday 3rd March 1980
The President of tiny African nation Buranda - formerly a British colony - is overthrown in a coup d'état just days before he is due to visit the United Kingdom. Jim's determined that the new President should fulfill the plans, but Humphrey is less than enthused.
3. The Economy Drive
First broadcast: Monday 10th March 1980
Fired up by the press, Hacker decides to impose cuts on the Civil Service. Sir Humphrey is appalled and sets out to stop him, calling on some old service tricks to manipulate Jim's stance...
4. Big Brother
First broadcast: Monday 17th March 1980
As the new Government continues with long-brewing plans for a 'National Integrated Data Base' of the public's information, Jim sets out to ensure that the privacy of the individual is protected - and Sir Humphrey poses firm opposition to legislative changes!
5. The Writing On The Wall
First broadcast: Monday 24th March 1980
Jim's latest drive to slim down the Civil Service has won favour with both the PM and Cabinet colleagues, but Sir Humphrey is bitterly opposed to the plans. However, the pair are forced to put the disagreement aside when it becomes apparent that they could both be adversely affected.
6. The Right To Know
First broadcast: Monday 31st March 1980
Jim is on his high-horse about what he needs to know - and that's everything. Sir Humphrey, on the other hand, believes he should only know what he wants him to know, and begins swamping the Minister with useless information. Soon trouble is brewing over the detail of a badger colony at Hayward's Spinney.
7. Jobs For The Boys
First broadcast: Monday 7th April 1980
The Minister gets into a spot of hot water when discussing a landmark scheme between Government and industry taking place in the Midlands - the Solihull Project - on a radio talk show. It soon becomes apparent that not all is running as it should, and rather distasteful steps must be taken to smooth the issue.