These opening sequences were initially in black and white in episodes two and three, and were intended by the producers to show his status as an "ordinary man cast into the spotlight".

In an obvious homage, the aliens send him back home in a beam of light and music similar to the opening of the original live-action Mr. Bean series.

Mr. Bean often seems unmindful of basic aspects of the way the world works, and the programme typically features his attempts at what would generally be considered simple activities, such as going for a swim, using a television set, redecorating, or attending church.

[5]Atkinson cited the comedy film Monsieur Hulot's Holiday, starring and directed by French comedian and director Jacques Tati, as an influence on the character, particularly its usage of wordless humor in ordinary situations.

Bean also made guest appearances at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and in the 2017 Chinese film Top Funny Comedian: The Movie.

Atkinson also portrayed Bean in several sketches for Comic Relief and also in television advertisements throughout the years such as REMA 1000, M&M's, Fujifilm, Nissan Tino, Snickers and most recently for Etisalat in 2019.