TV series
Wear your mushroom with pride.
Whoops Apocalypse is a six-part 1982 British sitcom by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick, made by London Weekend Television for ITV. Marshall and Renwick later reworked the concept as a 1986 film of the same name from ITC Entertainment, with almost completely different characters and plot, although one or two of the original actors returned in different roles. As the Apocalypse nears, US President Johnny Cyclops tries to run a reelection campaign whilst also dealing with the Russians, a deposed Shah needing to be hidden, and a new weapon called a 'quark' bomb.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Whoops Apocalypse premiered March 14, 1982. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Whoops Apocalypse is a six-part 1982 British sitcom by Andrew Marshall and David Renwick, made by London Weekend Television for ITV. Marshall and Renwick later reworked the concept as a 1986 film of the same name from ITC Entertainment, with almost completely different characters and plot, although one or two of the original actors returned in different roles. As the Apocalypse nears, US President Johnny Cyclops tries to run a reelection campaign whilst also dealing with the Russians, a deposed Shah needing to be hidden, and a new weapon called a 'quark' bomb.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
It is election year on both sides of the Atlantic, the world is in a state of nuclear jumpiness, US President Johnny Cyclops is as popular as rabies. He realises there is only one option if he is to save the economic stability of the West.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars Richard Griffiths, David Kelly, Alexei Sayle, John Barrard, Nellie Hanham, Roger Phillips
Episode 2
In a wild and secret bid to restore US influence in the Middle East, President Cyclips has laid plans to help the late Shah's brother regain the throne of Iran. In London a new prime minister is about to take power.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars David Kelly, Peter Jones, Richard Davies, Geoffrey Palmer
Episode 3
The aged members of the Russian Politburo meet in the Kremlin and decide that as all-American defence arrangements for Britain have been curtailed, Britain can conveniently be annexed into the Soviet Bloc.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars Richard Griffiths, Peter Jones, John Cleese, Richard Davies, Alexei Sayle, Geoffrey Palmer, Lou Hirsch, John Barrard
Episode 4
The attempt to contact CIA agent Grodd to rescue the Hoppers has failed and he is now a prisoner of the KGB. The Shah is still trapped on a British cross channel ferry, but manages to set up a special CIA secret radio link to Grodd.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars David Kelly, John Cleese, Alexei Sayle, Lou Hirsch
Episode 5
President Cyclops is still in hospital recovering from minor wounds. The Deacon tells him that he might need brain surgery. The Russians now have a firm grip on power in Iran. Dave is tempted to try to kill the PM, Kevin Pork.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars Richard Griffiths, Peter Jones, John Cleese, Richard Davies, Geoffrey Palmer, Olivier Pierre
Episode 6
By a monstrous mistake by the US, the Quark Bomb has blown up Israel. Unable to admit they had anything to do with it, the Americans must throw suspicion on Russia and issue threats of counter action.
Directed by John ReardonWritten by David Renwick, Andrew MarshallGuest stars Richard Griffiths, David Kelly, Peter Jones, Richard Davies, Alexei Sayle, Geoffrey Palmer, Olivier Pierre
Episode information updated Jul 26, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match Whoops Apocalypse.
