Lead Balloon

Lead Balloon is a British television comedy series produced by Open Mike Productions for BBC Four. Created and co-written by comedian Jack Dee and Pete Sinclair, the series follows Rick Spleen, a caustic, misanthropic comedian whose life is beset by petty irritations, disappointments and embarrassments. The cast also features Raquel Cassidy, Sean Power, and Tony Gardner. The first series, consisting of six episodes, aired on BBC Four in 2006, with the premiere episode achieving the highest ratings for a comedy on the channel. Repeats subsequently aired on BBC Two and BBC HD, expanding its reach. A second series of eight episodes premiered on BBC Two in November 2007, followed by a third series beginning in November 2008. A fourth and final series began broadcasting on 31 May 2011 on BBC Two and concluded on 5 July. Critics drew comparisons to the popular American comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm, and praised Lead Balloon's ensemble, particularly Magda, the Eastern European housekeeper. The first series was released on DVD in November 2007. The theme tune is a cover version of "One Way Road," written by Noel Gallagher and performed by Paul Weller.