UKTV”s growing importance as a content commissioner has been underlined this week following reports that the PayTV broadcaster has ordered a remake of 1980s classic comedy ‘;Yes, Prime Minister‘; for its entertainment channel Gold.

A new run of six is being scripted by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay, who wrote the original ‘;Yes Minister’; and ‘;Yes Prime Minister’; series. The series will be produced by the BBC, 50% owner of UKTV.

The series was often applauded for its timeliness, so this run will see the Rt. Hon Jim Hacker (the same central character) lead a coalition government. It”s not clear though whether the concept will successfully translate. Since the original, politics has been characterised by corruption, voter apathy and spin, leading to harder-hitting satire such as ‘;The Thick Of It’;.

Still, UKTV”s investment will be welcomed by producers and is expected to trigger a significant increase in UKTV”s original content budget.

How will the new ‘;Yes, Prime Minister’; fare? Considering our changed tastes in comedy (and views of the political system), will the show actually bear much resemblance to the original? Why not discuss on The Knowledge’;s facebook page?