Spitting Image returns, but can it beat today’s comedy rivals?

“It was the show which defined political satire in the 1980s and 1990s – and now Spitting Image is coming back.

Co-creator Roger Law revealed that a pilot has already been filmed for a new series of the puppet-based comedy programme, with American broadcasters in mind.

It’s now 23 years since its original run on ITV ended, but its caricatures – from the handbag-wielding Margaret Thatcher, Liberal leader David Steel in the pocket of the SDP’s David Owen, and the grey, dull John Major – still live on for those of us with long memories.

Spitting Image also helped launch the careers of writers and voice artists from Ian Hislop to Steve Coogan.

Law says the time is right for the show to return because the current chaotic political scene is ripe for satire, especially in the US.

Donald Trump certainly offers more scope for comedy than some recent British political leaders.

It might have been tricky to do a satirical series based around David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband, for example.  Stalwarts such as Have I Got News For You arguably started to feel a bit tired in that era.

But Spitting Image will face tough competition.

The success of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and now Trevor Noah, given a worldwide profile through YouTube and social sharing, has ushered in a new breed of satirical stars.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver won yet another Emmy last week, and the BBC’s own The Mash Report, made with the writers of website The Daily Mash, has put a British spin on the spoof news format.

Even if Spitting Image has plenty of targets, making itself heard above the comedy crowd might a far bigger challenge.”