When you think of classic TV shows, Spaced is probably one of the first to come to mind—and for good reason.
The cult classic sitcom, which originally aired in 1999 on Channel 4, has remained a favorite for comedy fans ever since. Created by Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson (now Jessica Hynes), Spaced follows the hilarious and quirky adventures of Tim and Daisy, two twenty-somethings who fake being a couple to score a flat in a funky London neighborhood.
Tim, played by Simon Pegg, is a lovable geek obsessed with comics and video games, while Daisy, played by Jessica Stevenson, is an aspiring writer still trying to figure things out. Together, they navigate everything from dealing with their eccentric landlord to encountering strange neighbors.
Directed by Edgar Wright, the genius behind Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver, Spaced is a prime example of brilliant storytelling. The much-loved show stars Simon Pegg, Jessica Stevenson, Nick Frost, and a talented ensemble cast. Despite its short run of two seasons, Spaced became a defining piece of British comedy and launched the careers of Pegg and Frost.
Here, we take a look at some of the hidden behind-the-scenes secrets from the show you probably didn’t know about.
A Bold Pitch From Spaced’s Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson
When Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson first pitched Spaced, they described it as “a cross between The Simpsons (1989), The X-Files (1993), and Northern Exposure (1990).“
Tim’s Comic Homage
If you’ve ever wondered why Tim’s last name is Bisley, it’s because the character is named after Simon Bisley, a renowned comic artist known for his work on Judge Dredd.
All About Spaced Creator Edgar Wright
Edgar Wright, the show’s director, was notorious for doing many takes, often pushing the cast to get every line and shot just right.
After Spaced, Wright became famous for directing the Cornetto Trilogy—Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. He also directed Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a cult classic, and Baby Driver.
How was Nick Frost Cast in The Show?
Nick Frost’s character Mike was one of the show’s most memorable, but when Edgar Wright first considered casting him, he was skeptical. At the time, Frost was a waiter with no previous acting experience.
The character of Mike in Spaced was inspired by Nick Frost’s natural talent for making Simon Pegg laugh, and Edgar Wright later praised Frost’s performance as “brilliant.”
Since Spaced, Frost has gone on to star in several iconic projects alongside Simon Pegg and beyond. His film career includes standout roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End—part of the much-loved Cornetto Trilogy directed by Edgar Wright. Frost also starred in Paul, co-writing the film with Pegg, and had a memorable part in Attack the Block.
Channel 4’s Early Confidence
Channel 4’s faith in Spaced was clear when they commissioned a second season before the first season had even aired. This early decision showed just how much the network believed in the show’s potential, and it paid off as Spaced quickly built a loyal following.
A Goodfellas Tribute
Tim’s first line in season two, “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a graphic artist,” is a playful reference to the famous opening line of Goodfellas (1990). In the film, Ray Liotta’s character says, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.”
The Star Wars Connection
Peter Serafinowicz, who played Tim’s arch-nemesis Duane Benzie, has an interesting connection to Star Wars fans. He provided the voice of Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), and his voice for Duane is remarkably similar to his Darth Maul character.
In fact, in one episode, Duane even paraphrases one of Darth Maul’s lines. What’s even more interesting is that from season two onward, Tim’s growing hatred for Duane mirrors his dislike of The Phantom Menace, making the Star Wars connection even more fitting.
What Inspired Spaced?
Simon Pegg has said that the opening scene in Art (1999) directly inspired the creation of Shaun of the Dead (2004).
Spaced’s Star Trek and Star Wars References
Both Star Wars and Star Trek fans will recognize the many references to these iconic franchises in Spaced. Simon Pegg, who later became involved in both Star Wars and Star Trek films, peppered the show with nods to the fandoms, whether it was through subtle jokes or outright references, the show’s love for sci-fi was clear.
Crew Cameos
One of the charming things about Spaced is how many of the bit parts, extras, and non-speaking roles were played by the cast and crew. Friends, family, and even crew members of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nira Park appeared in small roles throughout the series.
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW
Real-life experiences:
Spaced drew heavily from the real-life experiences of its creators, Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson. In an interview with Vice, Stevenson has said that her early years— “living in squats, struggling with jobs, and dealing with the instability of daily life” – were the foundation for the show’s authentic, gritty feel.
Similarly, Pegg related to his character Tim, recalling his own days as a stand-up comedian earning just £50 a gig, playing video games, and smoking weed.
Both creators were inspired by their own flat-sharing experiences, but they also wanted to make a show that rejected the glossy depictions of young adulthood found in shows like Friends. Instead, Spaced embraced the messy, real-life struggles of its characters, offering a fresh, more relatable take on life as a 20-something.
Let us know some of your favourite scenes from Spaced down below.