The series follows the antics of the dim-witted superhero "Thermoman", portrayed by Ardal O'Hanlon for five series and by James Dreyfus in its final series.
The series was regularly directed by the late John Stroud.
It has run on UK Gold in the UK an the United States it was shown on PBS and, briefly, BBC America.
In Australia, UKTV offered re-runs of the first three series, while BBC Entertainment provided repeats for Scandinavia.
The show was great fun - not to everyone's cup of tea, granted, but the cast in the first five series really made it a joy to watch with family.
My own interest was further enthused by the wonderful Paul Mendelson, who I had opportunity to interview and who further provided access to the makes of the series, with the late John Stroud kindly providing access to cast information and more as the show was broadcast.
I first published much of this information, with support from Big Bear, on my downthetubes comic web site. In 2013 I decided to place as much of that data on this blog, as a standalone resource for the show. I hope you enjoy it.
Production Team
Created by: Paul Mendelson, who also created May to December and So Haunt Me• Read Superheroes from Suburbia, our interview with Paul
• Read an interview with Paul Mendelson by Ryan K. Johnson on his site
• Click here to read a recording report and find out how a show was recorded
Writers: Paul Mendelson, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Simon Braithwaite and Paul Alexander and many others
Director: John Stroud
Music: Phillip Pope
Costume Design: Sally Plum
Initial Broadcaster: BBC1
In the UK, My Hero has also screened on the digital channel UK Gold.
Production Company: BBC Television/Big Bear Films.
Directed by John Stroud.
Produced by: Marcus Mortimer and John Stroud Executive Producer: Geoffrey Perkins
Big Bear Films Limited is a company specialising in the development and production of comedy and drama. Behind the company’s formation lies a single principle: that all great television comedy and drama begins with good writing. Big Bear Films is determined to offer the encouragement and rewards that good writers deserve, but do not always receive.
Big Bear Films was formed in 1996 by two producer/directors, Marcus Mortimer and John Stroud. Both were keen to use their experience to hothouse new writers, as well as developing projects with more familiar talents.
Among the writers currently in discussions with the company are stand-up comedian John Dowie, Phil Ford (Coronation Street, Taggart), Paul Mendelson (May to December, So Haunt Me), Alan Clews (Made in Heaven, Love Hurts) and Lizzie Mickery (Heartbeat,The Ice Room).
DVD and Video
Some episodes of My Hero are available on DVD in both NTSC and PAL editions. here's the current information:
REGION ONE
• My Hero, Season One was released on Region One DVD on 30 May 2006.
• Buy My Hero Season 1 (NTSC) from amazon.com • from amazon.co.uk
• Buy My Hero Season 2 (NTSC) from amazon.com • from amazon.co.uk
REGION TWO
My Hero Season 3 was released on two Region 2 DVDs (Europe, Middle East & Japan only) by Imc Vision Ltd in October 2002. DVD One covers episodes 1 - 5 and DVD Two 6 - 10.
"I'm not entirely impressed with the special features on My Hero," writes contributor Dawn Ploughman. "There simply isn't enough! All very amusing of course."
You can buy both from Amazon.co.uk.
• Buy My Hero Season 3 (PAL) Episodes 1 - 5 from amazon.co.uk
• Buy My Hero Season 3 (PAL) Episodes 6 - 10 from amazon.co.uk
Want to see more My Hero on DVD?
BBC Worldwide is responsible for marketing BBC shows internationally and we suggest you contact them with any enquiries. The web site also has information for businesses interested in taking out licenses for BBC products - you know, My Hero lunchboxes, costumes, action figures etc...
BBC Worldwide Limited
Woodlands
80 Wood Lane
London W12 0TT
UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 8433 2000
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 8749 0538
Other My Hero Resources
• Big Bear FilmsLink: www.bigbearfilms
The independent TV company which produced My Hero.
• BBC America My Hero page
• TV Tome Episode Guide and other Information
This is a terrific all-round site about TV, packed with episode Guides and more, and of course My Hero is included.
• British TV Comedy My Hero Page
• British SitCom Guide: My Hero
• Chortle: Ardal O'Hanlon interview
• Ardal O' Hanlon site: My Hero tribute
