About this season
Boyz Unlimited is a British comedy series created by David Walliams, Matt Lucas and Richard Osman. It was initially broadcast on Channel 4 from 5 February to 12 March 1999. A six-part satire about the music industry, Frank Harper stars as career criminal Nigel Gacey, who gives himself a year to form his own boy band. Produced by Hat Trick Productions and credited as being written by Osman, Boyz Unlimited was struck by poor ratings and negative critical reception, resulting in cancellation; Walliams would later claim that his experiences caused both him and Lucas to refuse to work with Hat Trick on subsequent projects for many years, and Osman's experiences would cause him to lose confidence in his writing ability.
Episodes (6)
1. Episode 1
Aired 5 February 1999 • 25 min
Can Nigel secure a record deal with RFO Records? Why is Nicky's headmistress Jean Allen taking such a keen interest in the group? Can Boyz Unlimited keep one step ahead of arch-rival band Boys Ltd?
2. Episode 2
Aired 12 February 1999 • 25 min
The Boyz visit Abbey Road studios (in Chelmsford) to record their single. Their producer is sure they're the world's worst singers. And Boys Ltd wake a fan from a coma. How can Boyz Unlimited compete?
3. Episode 3
Aired 19 February 1999 • 25 min
Boyz Unlimited tour gay clubs to increase their fanbase, but Scott's views on homosexuality don't go down well. They decide to tour primary schools instead.
4. Episode 4
Aired 26 February 1999 • 25 min
The battle with Boys Ltd takes a new twist: the 'Boyz' decide to release their new single on the same day as their rivals. In fact, they decide to release the same song: a cover version of D.I.S.C.O.
5. Episode 5
Aired 5 March 1999 • 25 min
The Boyz gear up for the most important week of their pop careers as they face a head-to-head chart battle with Boys Ltd. Scott hires his own PR woman, and finds that he's falling in love.
6. Episode 6
Aired 12 March 1999 • 25 min
Things aren't looking good. Nicky seeks solace in the Bible and Gareth turns to the music of Elton John. RFO Records seem to have lost interest in the group. Only a miracle can save them now...