Comedian Bob Mortimer found major success in the early 1990s with his creative partner Vic Reeves starring in "Vic Reeves Big Night Out," a finger in the eye to the corny variety show. Mortimer wrote extensively for the program and played many characters on it, including The Man with the Stick and Judge Nutmeg. The show, which lasted two seasons, is still beloved by fans for its surreal, silly humor. Afterwards, Mortimer re-teamed with Reeves in 1992, writing and starring in the pilot for a proposed sitcom entitled "The Weekenders," about two friends who are harassed by aliens from outer space. Due to contractual problems, a full series was never picked up and the duo moved to the BBC to work on "The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer." That show was similar in tone and format to their previous hit, "Vic Reeves Big Night Out," although Mortimer's on-screen role was more pronounced in this new series. 1993 saw the release of the panel game show parody "Shooting Stars," created and hosted by Mortimer and Reeves, and featuring a number of comedy stars, such as Jonathan Ross, novelist Will Self, and Matt Lucas. The show originally ended in 1997, but was brought back in 2004 and is their most popular show. Mortimer and Reeves created another sketch comedy show in 1999, "Bang Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer," although it was too bizarre for many new fans. Mortimer also starred with Reeves in the supernatural comedy "Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)."