BEST BRITISH COMEDY SERIES': My Top 100 Pom-Coms
PLEASE NOTE: The first 20 titles are my top 20 in alphabetical order... and therefore no particular order. It's way too hard to play favourites. The main reason that I compiled the list this way is because whichever title is #1 on the list will instantly become the thumbnail for the list... and I really don't want the thumbnail to be ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS... because it's a bit gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that :p Real men are totally allowed to enjoy Ab Fab. Let's face it, essentially it's about two middle-aged women who love getting drunk and/or high. What's not to like? ;D
I'm constantly probing Pom-Com's that may or may not prove to be worthy of my precious list. Whenever I discover a new gem, the first ones to be omitted from this list will be the old shows that don't really stand the test of time, the shows that were tragically axed after only one series and the shows featuring Rik & Ade that only made the list because I'm a die-hard fan of THE YOUNG ONES who was clutching at straws and who would probably turn gay for Rik & Ade... if only I could manage to prod a blokes bottom without instantly throwing up all over his back. You heard me! This is what happens when you watch too much BOTTOM. Particularly the BOTTOM LIVE's. You start writing the kind of "jokes" that would make Quagmire from FAMILY GUY or Jay from THE INBETWEENERS go, "EWWWWW! That's a bit much isn't it?!" :p
I look forward to your comments and/or criticisms... whether they're constructive or not. I'm also very keen to receive suggestions for my list. If you recommend it, I promise to give it a fair crack asap. Having said that, please read my comments at the end of the list before commenting, criticising, suggesting and/or having a go at me for including the likes of Frank Spencer whilst excluding the likes of Hyacinth Bucket :p
How's my diction/literacy? Call 1800 DROP OUT! Here, have a few more misplaced commas, overused quotation marks and dots to indicate slight pauses followed by an extra emoticon ...",",",... :D
Probe my other IMDb Lists:
http://www.imdb.com/user/ur23177327/
Or add me on your Face:
http://www.facebook.com/MurphysLoreOfAttraction
Or experience my Tube:
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I also created this website for my virtual chum, Ewen "Big Keith" MacIntosh:
http://www.ewenmacintosh.com
I'm constantly probing Pom-Com's that may or may not prove to be worthy of my precious list. Whenever I discover a new gem, the first ones to be omitted from this list will be the old shows that don't really stand the test of time, the shows that were tragically axed after only one series and the shows featuring Rik & Ade that only made the list because I'm a die-hard fan of THE YOUNG ONES who was clutching at straws and who would probably turn gay for Rik & Ade... if only I could manage to prod a blokes bottom without instantly throwing up all over his back. You heard me! This is what happens when you watch too much BOTTOM. Particularly the BOTTOM LIVE's. You start writing the kind of "jokes" that would make Quagmire from FAMILY GUY or Jay from THE INBETWEENERS go, "EWWWWW! That's a bit much isn't it?!" :p
I look forward to your comments and/or criticisms... whether they're constructive or not. I'm also very keen to receive suggestions for my list. If you recommend it, I promise to give it a fair crack asap. Having said that, please read my comments at the end of the list before commenting, criticising, suggesting and/or having a go at me for including the likes of Frank Spencer whilst excluding the likes of Hyacinth Bucket :p
How's my diction/literacy? Call 1800 DROP OUT! Here, have a few more misplaced commas, overused quotation marks and dots to indicate slight pauses followed by an extra emoticon ...",",",... :D
Probe my other IMDb Lists:
http://www.imdb.com/user/ur23177327/
Or add me on your Face:
http://www.facebook.com/MurphysLoreOfAttraction
Or experience my Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/NozinArounRises
I also created this website for my virtual chum, Ewen "Big Keith" MacIntosh:
http://www.ewenmacintosh.com
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- CreatorRichard CurtisStarsRowan AtkinsonBrian BlessedElspet GrayIn the Middle Ages, Prince Edmund the Black Adder constantly schemes and endeavors to seize the crown from his father and brother.MY TOP 20
Obviously I'm referring to "The Whole Damn Dynasty" and not just the first series... although for the record, I'd just like to say that the first series was nowhere near as bad as Ben Elton seems to think it was. Bladder and Balders may not have found their feet at that point, but it still had more charisma in its pinky toe than Mad Gerald had in his entire body. I can certainly understand why it wasn't better received in my neck of the woods. The Seven Network Australia were loosely involved in its production and when they broadcast it in Australia, they butchered several minutes worth of each episode to make way for bloody ads! Luckily I had a video... and in this day and age, if you asked an Aussie if they'd ever heard of Blackadder and they said either "No I haven't" or "Yes I have and I think it's $h!+", that'd be like finding a gold filling in a hens' gob... or a straight female/homosexual male who passionately hates GLEE :p
BALDRICK: Boom Boom... Boom Boom...
BLACKADDER: Boom Boom Boom?!
BALDRICK: How did you guess, sir?
GEORGE: I say, sir that is spooky! - CreatorDylan MoranStarsDylan MoranBill BaileyTamsin GreigBernard Black runs a book shop, though his customer service skills leave something to be desired. He hires Manny as an employee. Fran runs the shop next door. Between the three of them many adventures ensue.MY TOP 20
My mum and I were channel-hopping one night when we stumbled upon a new Pom-Com with 2 guys and a girl we were unfamiliar with. It was the episode where Bernard and Manny accidentally guzzle the Pope's wine and Fran's date turns out to be a f(l)op (S1.E3). We both pissed ourselves consistently, fell in love with the humour instantly and purchased the 1st series on DVD the very next day. We soon realised that Bernard, Fran & Manny were far from being one hit wonders. The fact that a guy in his late teens and a woman in her late 50's laughed every 25 seconds for 25 minutes speaks volumes ;)
BERNARD: No one's willing to admit that wine doesn't actually have a taste!
MANNY: But you can't taste anything! You smoke a bajillion cigarettes a day! What's that you're eating?
BERNARD: It's some sort of delicious biscuit.
MANNY: It's a coaster.
BERNARD: Is it? Are there any more? - StarsJack DavenportGina BellmanSarah AlexanderSix best friends talk about all aspects of sex and relationships on their never-ending quest to find true love.MY TOP 20
Hopefully you won't be discouraged if I refer to COUPLING as a more risque Pommy answer to FRIENDS. It's also the show that tenderly filled the gaping void between MEN BEHAVING BADLY and PEEP SHOW. "Scary" Jeff Murdoch is without a doubt the real scene-stealer and unfortunately he's absent from the 4th and final series... probably because his agent advised him to ask for the current balance of Ted Danson's savings account per episode. However the 4th series makes you realise just how well-drawn the other 5 characters are and Jeff's replacement, Oliver also has his fair share of moments.
When introducing a friend to the joys of COUPLING, I highly recommend the 5th episode of series 1 where Jeff chats up a Hebrew Goddess or the 1st episode of series 2 where Jeff accidentally tells a girl that he only has one leg... as you do. Steve and Susan really shine in the episode where Steve attempts to propose and the episode where he pretends to be an Aussie called Bruce and she pretends to be a French bitch called Giselle. Patrick and Sally really shine in the episode where Steve accidentally sees Sally's bottom and the episode with Madame Butterfly and Spider-man. As for Jane... she just generally shines... regardless of the fact that she's a shallow, self-satisfied simpleton.
"CLEFT?!" - CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisAshley JensenStephen MerchantAndy Millman is an actor with ambition and a script. Reduced to working as an extra with a useless agent, Andy's attempts to boost his career invariably end in failure and embarrassment.MY TOP 20
"What's E.T. short for?
Because he's only got little legs."
EXTRAS just barely beat THE OFFICE to a place in my Top 20. The main reason that the former pipped the latter at the post (and believe me it was a photo-finish) is the breakthrough performance of a lanky, goggle-eyed freak known as Stephen Merchant. After watching the bonus features on THE OFFICE DVD's (yeah... I'm one of those nerds), I couldn't understand why Steve didn't portray Gareth (all due respect to Mackenzie) or at least another recurring character instead of appearing for a mere minute or two in only one episode. I could tell that he was equally as talented as Ricky... and I was right! Special mentions should also go to Barry From Eastenders and every other celebrity who contributed along the way. Having said that (Curb Your Enthusiasm reference), the REAL main reason that EXTRAS pipped THE OFFICE at the post is because I've always wanted to be "Famous"... without having to "Kill A Prostitute"! - StarsJohn CleesePrunella ScalesAndrew SachsHotel owner Basil Fawlty's incompetence, short fuse, and arrogance form a combination that ensures accidents and trouble are never far away.MY TOP 20
A little-known gem :p
"ZOOM! What was that? That was your life mate. Oh, that was quick. Do I get another? Sorry mate, that's your lot. Back to the world of dreams." - CreatorJesse ArmstrongSam BainStarsZawe AshtonGreg McHughKimberley NixonA comedy that follows a group of six students about to embark on the most exciting period of their lives so far, university.MY TOP 20
It's pretty rape :p
My Facebook chums Jesse Armstrong & Sam Bain, who created the modern masterpiece PEEP SHOW and the piss-funny film FOUR LIONS, also conceived and gave birth to this stupendously brilliant comedy series about a group of British university students who share a house (No points for originality :p). I recently bumped NIGHTY NIGHT from my top 20 in favo(u)r of FRESH MEAT because after watching the 3rd series I realised that there's much more to love. Sorry Julia. - CreatorVictoria PileStarsSally BrettonOliver ChrisOlivia ColmanFunky hospital-based sketch-comedy-drama type show.MY TOP 20
2 words... MARK and HEAP! Not to mention everyone else who ever uttered a single syllable in this (arguably) Pommy answer to SCRUBS. Much like COUPLING is (arguably) the Pommy answer to FRIENDS.
Discuss... - StarsJohnny VegasGraham DuffNicola ReynoldsMoz is a drug dealer and has very strange clientele who come and go from his flat.MY TOP 20
Much like a stoner, this series takes a while to get going. Once you reach the 2nd last episode of the 1st series where Moz (Johnny Vegas) utters the immortal words, "We should take Craig out", I guarantee you'll be addicted... whether you're a stoner or not. The good news is that there are 6 whole series' of the show and it gets more addictive as it goes. The bad news is that it was axed and they wouldn't even allow the ultra scrummy Graham Duff to wrap it up with a 7th series or at least a feature-length special. Whoever made that decision seriously needs to be axed!
"Kids are like farts. You hate other peoples but you relish your own." - StarsSimon BirdJames BuckleyBlake HarrisonFollows four friends and their antics during their final years of school.MY TOP 20
Down under, in my great brown land, the 5 most popular Pom-Com's of the 21st century (particularly amongst the "Young Adult" demographic) are undoubtedly BLACK BOOKS, THE IT CROWD, LITTLE BRITAIN, THE OFFICE and a very risque series about a foursome of randy teenage lads that made the AMERICAN PIE movies look like utter $h!+ (which let's face it, isn't very hard). The popularity of Will, Simon, Jay & Neil in my neck of the woods is not only due to their instant appeal, but also due to the fact that the networks actually gave them a decent run on Aussie commercial networks instead of airing each episode once (at the most) in late time slots that constantly changed without warning. If only GREEN WING and PEEP SHOW had enjoyed similar treatment!
"So just to be clear... that's AMBULANCE... or MUMMY!" - StarsChris O'DowdRichard AyoadeKatherine ParkinsonThe comedic misadventures of Roy, Moss and their grifting supervisor Jen, a rag-tag team of IT support workers at a large corporation headed by a hotheaded yuppie.MY TOP 20
Knock Knock Knock "Penny".
Knock Knock Knock "All Of My Friends".
This show is quite funny... and in my opinion, the main reason for the well-deserved success of THE BIG BANG THEORY is due to the fact that the Yanks merely pinched a hint of THE IT CROWD's essence instead of insulting our intelligence with a blatant rip-off. If only they'd done that with the likes of FAWLTY TOWERS, MEN BEHAVING BADLY and RED DWARF, they MIGHT have had hits on their hands. Much in the same way that the Pom's (arguably) pinched a hint of FRIENDS to create COUPLING and a hint of SCRUBS to create GREEN WING. Discuss... :p
If you're introducing a friend to the joys of Roy, Moss, Jen, Richmond & the Reynholm's, I highly recommend the 4th episode of series 1 where Jen upsets the delicate eco-system by opening "The Red Door" or the 1st episode of series 2 where they attend "GAY: The Musical". You're friend will... ahem... never look back ;D
"I'M DISABLED!" - StarsMark GatissSteve PembertonReece ShearsmithAn interweaving narrative chronicling the antics of such diverse characters as: a transgender taxi driver, a family obsessed with hygiene and toads, a fiery reverend, a carnival owner who kidnaps women into marriage, and a xenophobic couple who run a local shop for local people.MY TOP 20
These platonic bum-chums of the LITTLE BRITAIN guys certainly gave Matt and David some stiff competition with their remarkably dark sense of super-intelligent silliness. There's also a movie, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN'S APOCALYPSE, that many of my fellow LOG fans didn't know about. What would they do without me?
"How many killings are there?"
"LOADS!" - CreatorMatt LucasDavid WalliamsStarsMatt LucasDavid WalliamsTom BakerMatt Lucas and David Walliams, the creators of this character-comedy sketch show, delight in all that is mad, bad, quirky and generally bonkers about the people and places of Britain.MY TOP 20
It cost me AUS$130 to see these guys perform live on stage. They originally intended on doing 2 shows in Western Australia, but they instantly sold out, so they added 2 more... then 2 more... then 2 more... then 2 more... then 2 more... then 2 more for a total of 14. How many Comedians can boast ticket sales like that? If Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran joined forces for a tour... they MIGHT be able to compete. Even THE INBETWEENERS LIVE would be lucky to score audiences of that magnitude. If Kurt Cobain came back from the dead for one last world tour with Dave and Krist... they MIGHT make Matt and David feel a bit inadequate. Failing that, I'd like to see any entertainer of any kind try to steal LITTLE BRITAIN's well-deserved crown. Nuff said? It's also important to note that as they approached Perth International Airport to embark on their journey home... it was a bit like when Graham Chapman died and Michael Palin said, "No more Python!" Hmmm... wait a minute... Matt and David realising that it's the end of an era... as they approach an AIRPORT. Funny that ;) Actually they might've flown to Japan before going home and if so, all I can say in my defense is, "Martin Clunes. Martin Clunes. Chinky. Chinky. Martin Clunes." :p
"I look a pillock." - CreatorSimon NyeStarsMartin ClunesCaroline QuentinLeslie AshTwo early thirties best friends live together while having completely different personalities. While their girlfriends try to help them take on more responsibilities the boys seldom respond well and usually end up drinking together.MY TOP 20
If you've never experienced the joys of MEN BEHAVING BADLY... you must live outside of the United Kingdom or something! That's the only half-decent excuse I can think of. I was originally exposed to Gary and Tony's antics when I happened to catch the episode where Mr Strang has a mid-life crisis and drags everyone to a rave. I suddenly found myself looking back at the likes of MONTY PYTHON, FAWLTY TOWERS, THE YOUNG ONES, BLACKADDER, RED DWARF and countless other Pom-Coms before asking myself, "Why can't the Yanks write consistently classic comedy as brilliantly as their British counterparts?" Then I pulled my head out of my arse (ass) and asked myself why the Poms can't transfer their talents to the big screen like their American counterparts. Then I started to wonder whether or not space really is the final frontier. What if there's space... then space... then space... and then suddenly milk and oh no I've gone cross-eyed!
"I was just wondering what car rubbish is." - StarsJulian BarrattNoel FieldingMichael FieldingSurreal British comedy in which Vince Noir and Howard Moon have adventures filled with oddball characters while working as Zoo Keepers, before pursuing a musical career and running a second-hand shop.MY TOP 20
It's not everyone's cup of tea... but if you put 2 tabs of acid in the cup it should really hit the spot. Whether or not you end up being sectioned by your loved ones as a result is utterly irrelevant ;) In fact I have a theory that Julian and Noel created THE MIGHTY BOOSH whilst watching THE GOODIES on LSD. That is my theory. It is mine. I own it and what it is too :p
"I took a s**t on a gravestone once. Right on it!" - CreatorGraham ChapmanEric IdleTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseTerry GilliamThe original surreal sketch comedy showcase for the Monty Python troupe.MY TOP 20
It should be mandatory for schools around the globe to force-feed AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT and PARROT SKETCH NOT INCLUDED to their students! I have spoken... and I hit the ball first time and there it was in the back of the net!
I bet you thought I was gonna say HOLY GRAIL and LIFE OF BRIAN, didn't ya? I would never be that predictable. Someone might watch HOLY GRAIL and see Graham Chapman deliberately poorly pretending to ride a horse whilst Terry G deliberately poorly bangs coconuts together and they could be forgiven for saying, "Stop that! It's silly!" Someone could find the controversial subject matter of LIFE OF BRIAN and/or the gratuitous exposure of Mr Chapman's bell-end (which hardly serves as a revelation for his character) to be "A Bit Much". However... regardless of how reserved a person might be... The Ministry Of Silly Walks, The Five Minute Argument, How Not To Be Seen, Just A Pair Of Panties Then Please, Shut Up You Silly Bitch It's Only A Bit Of Fun and countless other sketches will always be overwhelmingly hilarious to anyone who isn't dead inside.
"Oh, Mollusks. I thought you said bacon." - CreatorJesse ArmstrongSam BainAndrew O'ConnorStarsDavid MitchellRobert WebbMatt KingMark and Jez are a couple of twenty-something roommates who have nothing in common - except for the fact that their lives are anything but normal. Mayhem ensues as the pair strive to cope with day-to-day life.MY TOP 20
When I take over the world, the first thing I'll do is force everyone over the age of 13 to discover "The El Dude Brothers". When it comes to Pom-Coms that are far too consistently hilarious for their own good and should appeal equally to both males and females aged 13 to 130, 3 shows instantly spring to mind. They are MEN BEHAVING BADLY, COUPLING and PEEP SHOW. I try not to be too opinionated with my descriptions on this list... but if you don't like those shows... particularly the latter... YOU HAVE SERIOUSLY MAJOR MALFUNCTIONS! I've half a mind to have you sectioned. The way PEEP SHOW is written is inconceivably impeccable, the way the cast carry their characters is constantly classic and as for the way it's filmed... it's beyond brain-bogglingly brilliant. I HAVE SPOKEN! :p
"I'm just a statue. A dirty, filthy statue!" - CreatorRob GrantDoug NaylorStarsChris BarrieCraig CharlesDanny John-JulesThe adventures of the last human alive and his friends, stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf.MY TOP 20
It's like I've always said... If you're going to be a sci-fi nerd... at least have a sense of humour about it.
Please don't judge it by the 1st series alone. It really finds its groove by the 3rd series and most die-hard Dwarfers will bore each other stupid arguing about whether series 5 or 6 is the best. In my opinion series 5 is the best... but what the hell do I know? I actually enjoyed RETURN OF THE JEDI more than EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and the only STAR TREK I've ever watched is JJ Abrams' recent remake... because I'm a fan of LOST... and because Simon Pegg is in it :p
Check out RED DWARF: THE NEXT DIRECTIVE on Facebook. - StarsSimon PeggJessica HynesJulia DeakinFriends Tim and Daisy, 20-something North Londoners with uncertain futures, must pretend to be a couple to live in the only apartment they can afford.MY TOP 20
A stepping stone for many of Britain's finest comic talent including Simon Pegg, Nick Frost & Edgar Wright, the trio who gave us their "Three Cornetto Flavours Trilogy" which includes such crowd-pleasing modern classics as, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD'S END. This show is jam-packed with more pop culture references than Seth "FAMILY GUY" MacFarlane could possibly bash out in a whole decade. The episodes are a well-crafted string of independent forms... like sausages. - StarsDavid MitchellRobert WebbJames BachmanA comedy sketch show featuring David Mitchell and Robert Webb.MY TOP 20
When I first discovered these titan's of comedy, I laughed so hard that I'm lucky I didn't pi$$ myself, $hi+ myself and cum at the same time.
THE MITCHELL & WEBB SITUATION is also a MUST SEE! - StarsRik MayallAdrian EdmondsonNigel PlanerThe crazy and sometimes surreal comedic adventures of four very different students in Thatcher's Britain.MY TOP 20
A show for young adults, made by young adults and concentrating on all the things that young adults are interested in... like sex, violence & lentils. THE YOUNG ONES is actually MY #1 TV SHOW OF ALL TIME because it began my love affair with Pom-Coms. If I never discovered NEVERMIND by NIRVANA, I probably would've ended up being one of those people who conformed to "Popular Music" and simply enjoyed whatever tunes happened to be in the charts at the time. Or god forbid I might've gotten into mindless Rap, Hip-Hop & Doof-Doof crap instead of mindless Grunge, Punk & Very Metal crap. Similarly if I never discovered The People's Poet, The Punk, The Hippie & The Cool Person, I might've ended up watching all the American crap that the Aussie networks told us to watch instead of developing a mind of my own. I owe the discovery of both Kurt Cobain AND Rik Mayall to my best mate Matt. Since then I've returned the favour by introducing him to every other show on this list as a reward. We've also been known to impeccably impersonate Rik and Ade at the best and worst of times, usually with me as Rik and Matt as Ade. Surprisingly... we also manage to get laid... occasionally. I don't care if you believe me or not :p
"We would've brought Harry but... we don't know anyone called Harry." - StarsJennifer SaundersJoanna LumleyJulia SawalhaThe wild misadventures of Edina "Eddy" Monsoon and her best friend Patsy Stone, who live in a nearly constant haze of drugged, drunken selfishness.With all due respect to the eternally fabulous Jennifer Saunders and friends... the series went downhill after series 3. They peaked around the episode entitled "Sex" where they attempt an orgy. By the time I reached "Ab Fab At 20", I couldn't help but feel that I'd be enjoying the show much more if I was either gay or a wealthy, middle-aged British woman who's desperate to hang out with Madonna & Elton. Having said that, I did enjoy the fact that Saffy did time as "Top Dog" of the local slammer and the whole scenario of Patsy getting her birth certificate. "I'm a person." :D Bo & Marshall were ball-bouncingly funny when they first appeared in the episode entitled "Birthday"... but now they're just cringe-worthy. And even though I love the bloody arse off of Jane Horrocks... I remember when Bubble was funny! As for Katie Grin... she literally hurts my teeth! On the plus side, the friction between Patsy & Saffy never fails to amuse, June Whitfield never gets old and Mrs Edmondson will always be one of the funniest females in history. Once again... I HAVE SPOKEN! ;p
"Eddie... Eddie... Eddie... don't ever make me a cup of tea!" - StarsMel SmithGriff Rhys JonesGeoffrey McGivernMel Smith and Griff Rhys-Jones present a series of short (often tasteless, always scathing) sketches about modern life and the stupidity and gullibility of those who believe in it.Remember WILT? That was a good film... as far as I can remember :p
- StarsKarl PilkingtonRicky GervaisStephen MerchantBritish comedy duo Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send their simple and closed-minded friend Karl Pilkington on a trip around the world to experience a variety of people and cultures.Just because it's technically a "Travel Show" doesn't necessarily mean that it can't simultaneously qualify as a "Comedy Series" :p
As Karl himself would say,
"Bulls**t! You're talking Bulls**t!" - StarsAlexander ArmstrongBen MillerJim HowickBritish comedy sketch show starring Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller.Isn't it?
- CreatorDerren LittenStarsJake CanusoJanine DuvitskiTony MaudsleyBritish comedy series following holidaymakers at the Solana Resort in Benidorm. Hilarity ensues as guests try to get value for their Euros.It's a bit hit & miss... but the awesome cast ensures that it's mainly hits.
- StarsDavid WalliamsCatherine TatePhilip GlenisterDeputy Head of Science, Mr Church has been at Greybridge School for 15 years. He is about to resign after a dramatic experiment. However, the arrival of the new French teacher changes everything.David "Little Britain" Walliams writes and stars in this hilarious new series set in a typical British high school. It mainly focuses on the faculty, specifically a daggy science teacher called Keith Church (David Walliams) who develops a crush on the new French teacher, Sarah Postern (Catherine Tate). All of the main characters have their fair share of funny moments and by the 6th episode I'm sure you will come to appreciate them all. Rumour has it that a 2nd series has been given the green light.
- StarsStephen FryHugh LaurieDeborah NortonComedians Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie perform a variety of comedy skits and the occasional musical number."Hold the Newsreader's nose squarely Waiter or friendly milk will countermand my trousers." Perfectly ordinary words... but never before said in that precise order.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Cuminmyear - CreatorCharlie BrookerStarsWunmi MosakuMonica DolanDaniel LapaineFeaturing stand-alone dramas -- sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales that explore techno-paranoia -- "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about the modern world.The only thing I can VAGUELY compare BLACK MIRROR to would be COMIC STRIP PRESENTS. Essentially it's a bunch of stand-alone short stories that have nothing to do with each other... at this stage. If I say, "Are you familiar with the works of Charlie Brooker?" and you say, "Who?"... I PITY YOU! Then again, I also envy you because I wish I could erase the likes of BLACK MIRROR, A TOUCH OF CLOTH and WEEKLY WIPE from my memory and re-enjoy them for the first time... like in RED DWARF when Holly erased all the Agatha Christie novels from his memory :D
SIDE NOTE: I just removed 'ALLO! 'ALLO! in favo(u)r of this. From this list... not my memory... obviously. - StarsSimon FarnabyDavid MitchellTony WayA Channel 4 Friday night comedy sketch show starring David Mitchell, Rhys Thomas and Tom Meeten.BLUNDER and BRUISER go hand-in-hand as 2 of the most highly underrated British sketch shows that helped numerous Pom-Com legends to wedge their feet firmly in the door of stardom. Just because these 2 shows were never given the time of day down under, doesn't necessarily mean they were $h!+ :p
- StarsAdrian EdmondsonRik MayallSteven O'DonnellTwo perpetually bored and broke flatmates waste their days in a futile struggle to get laid, earn cash, and not kill one another.As much as I love BOTTOM with all of my heart and all of my soul and all of my... you know, THE YOUNG ONES beat BOTTOM to my Top 20 because it began my love affair with not only Rik & Ade, but with British Comedy in general. It was a stiff decision, much like THE OFFICE and EXTRAS, but alas one of them had to come out 2nd best. Technically BOTTOM should win because there's so much more to enjoy such as the 5 brilliant BOTTOM LIVE's and Richie & Eddie's big screen debut, GUEST HOUSE PARADISO featuring an unforgettable stint by Vincent Cassel (BLACK SWAN, CRIMSON RIVERS, DERAILED and IRREVERSIBLE) with unmissable early-ish performances by Bill Nighy (THE BOAT THAT ROCKED, LOVE ACTUALLY, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN and UNDERWORLD), Simon Pegg (HOT FUZZ, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE IV, PAUL and STAR TREK) and his SHAUN OF THE DEAD love interest, Kate Ashfield. The last 10-15 minutes where all the guests are vomiting is a tiny little bit *beep* but the rest of it is a tiny little bit beyond brilliant. Just being honest :p
"They can't treat me like this! My mother used to make sandwiches for the Hammersmith Conservative Association!" - StarsChristopher MorrisMark HeapKevin EldonControversial spoof of current affairs television, and the role of celebrity in the UK.Chris Morris is God (subject to exaggeration)
- CreatorRichard FegenAndrew NorrissStarsChris BarrieHarriet ThorpeMichael BurnsGordon Brittas is the manager of the Whitbury-Newtown Leisure Centre. Despite his good intentions, everything seems to go wrong when he's around, despite the best efforts of the center staff and his long-suffering wife, Helen.Gordon just barely made the list by the skin of his teeth... even though I'm almost certain that along with the likes of 'ALLO! 'ALLO!, ARE YOU BEING SERVED? and (potentially) FATHER TED... THE BRITTAS EMPIRE probably served as inspiration for Andy Millman's "WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS" :p
- StarsOlivia ColmanMatthew HolnessCharlotte HudsonA series of short sketches from some of Britain's comedy kings including David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Olivia Coleman and Martin Freeman.BLUNDER and BRUISER go hand-in-hand as 2 of the most highly underrated British sketch shows that helped numerous Pom-Com legends to wedge their feet firmly in the door of stardom. Just because these 2 shows were never given the time of day down under, doesn't necessarily mean they were $h!+ :p
- StarsCatherine TateMathew HorneNiky WardleyA British sketch comedy series featuring a wide range of characters, each with unique and humorous quirks, created and performed by Catherine Tate.Catherine Tate isn't funny?!
HOW VERY DARE YOU?! - StarsCharlie BrookerDiane MorganAl CampbellCharlie Brooker highlights the week's news in a comic fashion.CUNK: Die Hard 5 looks really good with the helicopter and the explosions that look really hot and all the big guns that Bruce uses to kill the bad guys with. At least I think they're bad guys... otherwise he's a f@#*ing murderer!
- StarsMatt LucasDavid WalliamsLindsay DuncanThis is a parody of shows about the inner workings of an airport.This is what happens when Matt & David get bored s**tless of LITTLE BRITAIN. Funny thing is... it's just as good as LITTLE BRITAIN, if not arguably better. Much like PSYCHOVILLE is arguably just as good as THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN.
Discuss... - StarsPeter RichardsonAdrian EdmondsonJennifer SaundersA series of self contained television movies starring performers from London's "Comic Strip" comedy club and their friends. Noted for a high sense of parody of previous movies, literature, and generally everyone in sight.VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to fans of THE YOUNG ONES and anyone who ever appeared in THE YOUNG ONES, particularly Ade, Rik, Nigel, Alexei, French, Saunders and Coltrane. I often wish I was wearing two hats so I could take them off to Peter & Pete. I also often wish that I could've had a chat with Ben Elton and Peter Richardson in 1983. That would've been quite a penis envy face-off ;)
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE;
Five Go Mad In Dorset, Five Go Mad On Mescalin, Five Go Mad In Rehab, War, The Beat Generation, Dirty Movie, Bad News Tour, More Bad News, A Fistful Of Traveler's Cheques, Gino: Full Story & Pics, Eddie Monsoon: A Life, Mr Jolly Lives Next Door, Consuela (The New Mrs Saunders), The Supergrass, Les Dogs, Spaghetti Hoops, Gregory: Diary Of A Nutcase, Four Men In A Car, Four Men In A Plane, Sex Actually and The Hunt For Tony Blair.
My Top 10 (alphabetical):- Bad News Tour/More Bad News (Counts as 1)
- The Beat Generation
- Consuela aka The New Mrs Saunders
- Dirty Movie
- Eddie Monsoon: A Life
- A Fistful Of Traveler's Cheques
- Four Men In A Car/Four Men In A Plane (Counts as 1)
- Gregory: Diary Of A Nutcase
- Mr Jolly Lives Next Door
- The Supergrass
- CreatorJimmy McGovernStarsRobbie ColtraneGeraldine SomervilleKieran O'BrienDr Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald is a criminal psychologist. He is rather anti-social and obnoxious but he has a gift for solving crimes. Thus he is employed as a consultant by the Manchester Police.Along with DOC MARTIN and DOCTOR WHO, this is one of the more unusual entries on this list, but all 3 of them are here to stay and with bloody good reason. Dr Fitz is indeed a cracker! Essentially it's an intense Drama/Thriller series... but Coltrane carries a crime show like no other. His character is nothing short of comedy gold! I feel sorry for anyone who has never experienced the 1st episode of series 2 featuring Robert Carlyle as... ummm... I won't spoil it. Not to downplay the brilliance of series 1, but the episode I'm referring to is when it REALLY starts getting good. It sets in motion a chain of events that makes for extremely addictive and ultimately rewarding viewing.
TRIVIA: Yes! Robbie Coltrane is Hagrid from HARRY POTTER (:s) and the more observant of you might also spot the late, great Lily Potter as Fitz's lust interest, Panhandle ;) - CreatorRobin FrenchKieron QuirkeStarsGreg DaviesHelen BaxendaleTyger Drew-HoneyCuckoo is every parent's worst nightmare - a slacker full of outlandish, New Age ideas.Whether you're a fan of THE INBETWEENERS or not, this show should be at the top of your to-do-list, especially if you've got a hard-on for SNL's Andy Samberg aka "That Hot Rod/Jizz In My Pants Guy". It also stars Greg Davies (Mr Phil Gilbert from The Inbetweeners) and Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet, Dirk Gently & Racherrr... Emily from Friends).
SIDE NOTE: I removed the Rik Mayall vehicle known as BELIEVE NOTHING in favo(u)r of this little beauty. - DirectorPaul JacksonStarsRik MayallAdrian EdmondsonMorwenna BanksThe two Dangerous brothers Sir Richard and Sir Adrian host a series of mad and violent sketchesADE DROPS HIS GUTS.
RIK: What have you been eating?
ADE: Doggy-Doo.
RIK: Doggy-Doo?!
ADE: Yeah, I did it for a bet.
RIK: A bet?!
ADE: Yeah, I thought, "I bet that tastes disgusting", and it did. - StarsSharon HorganJennifer SaundersAisling BeaHelen Stephens is wrongly sentenced to 12 years in prison for murdering her boss Eric Bridges, the managing director of Entirely Tiles. Although she is sure that it will only be a matter of time before this mistake is rectified, everyone around her seems to be conspiring to keep her behind bars. Her lawyer Tony is incompetent, her sister Laura wants her flat, and fiancé Justin--her alibi--has disappeared. Her colleague Henry seems to be the only one willing to help, but he has an ulterior motive.A pitch black comedy from Sharon Horgan. Featuring Jennifer Saunders and various other Pom-Com illumni.
- CreatorRobert ThorogoodStarsElizabeth BourgineDon WarringtonDanny John-JulesCultures collide when British Detective Inspector is transferred from England to the Caribbean island of Saint Marie to head the island's police department.Ben Miller sure can pick 'em.
Special shout-out to my virtual chum Danny John-Jules (Cat from Red Dwarf) for not "unfriending" me considering how often I ride his fabulous coattails ;D - CreatorDominic MinghellaMark CrowdyCraig FergusonStarsMartin ClunesCaroline CatzIan McNeiceThe trials and tribulations of Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but socially challenged doctor who moves from London to the picturesque village of Port Wenn in Cornwall.Along with CRACKER and DOCTOR WHO, this is one of the more unusual entries on this list, but all 3 of them are here to stay and with bloody good reason. Admittedly Doc Martin (which when adopting the correct Cornish accent is pronounced "Doc Marrrten" :p) is a tad more drama than comedy, but I consider it funny enough to make the list. Particularly the episodes with Ben Miller. I kinda prefer the original movie-length DOC MARTIN's where he was more like his character in SAVING GRACE (which not only starred... but was actually written by THE Craig Ferguson who portrayed the personification of Lister's Confidence in RED DWARF and went on to become THE host of America's THE LATE LATE SHOW). Doctor Martin Bamford had an AMERICAN BEAUTY-style mid-life crisis, with a re-invigorated love of marijuana and even an AMERICAN BEAUTY-style musical score before he eventually became Doctor Martin Ellingham (an anagram of the series creator's surname, Minghella). With all due respect to THE Hugh Laurie... both incarnations of Doc Martin piss all over HOUSE M.D.! And with all due respect to THE Ted Danson... who I believe has gone from strength to strength to strength over the past decade... don't even get me started on BECKER :p
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.Along with CRACKER and DOC MARTIN, this is one of the more unusual entries on this list, but all 3 of them are here to stay and with bloody good reason. I'm dead serious when I say that I haven't finished watching series 6 yet because Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) sexually frustrates the living $hi+ out of me! Ginger's aren't meant to be that gorgeous. I bet she's even capable of gaining a tan and controlling her temper. That'd be just typical of that bitch! (Btw my bestest/oldest mate is ginger... so I'm allowed to mock his kind :D)
It loses one star because I'm sick to death of watching the Doctor kill "The Last Dalek In The Universe"! Although... I must admit to being beyond terrified when they decided to release the next generation of Dalek's... in a variety of different colours!!! Thank God for sofas hey?! - CreatorDavid CraneJeffrey KlarikStarsMatt LeBlancStephen ManganTamsin GreigA couple of British TV producers move to Hollywood to export their most popular series, and find it is not what they expected.BIT OF A GREY AREA :p
Specifically catered to people like me who live in predominantly English-speaking countries and have always considered British comedies to be far superior to American comedies... or vice versa. It's also specifically catered to people who are Yankees and don't understand Pommy humo(u)r... or specifically catered to Poms who don't understand why Yanks create crap sit-coms and crapper Yankee versions of British sit-coms. Whether or not you enjoyed FRIENDS and regardless of whether or not you've ever heard of Tamsin Greig and/or Stephen Mangan... EPISODES is the show for you! My only qualm is that Matt LeBlanc doesn't lock his stalker, Labia (Sophie Rundle from The Adventures Of Merlin), in his basement and go BOXING HELENA on her arse (ass). Gimme 24 hours alone with that chick and she'd be taking out a restraining order against me! If she broke into my Hollywood home and stood in my kitchen wearing nothing but flimsy knickers, I'd raise hell and high water to turn us both into vampires just so I could tap that loopy little lust monster til the end of days! I'm not buying his actions! Shyeah right LeBlanc! ZIFF! :p
Btw I created a Facebook page for her.
THE "OFFICIAL" SOPHIE RUNDLE:
https://www.facebook.com/SophieRundlePage - StarsDermot MorganArdal O'HanlonFrank KellyThree misfit priests and their housekeeper live on Craggy Island, not the peaceful and quiet part of Ireland that it seems to be.I reckon this probably falls under the same category as 'ALLO 'ALLO!, ARE YOU BEING SERVED? & THE BRITTAS EMPIRE. It's a tad too "WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS"... but it's still better than the vast majority of American sitcoms. I wonder if they forced Graham Linehan to work with someone who was "Too Gay".
- StarsAdrian EdmondsonRik MayallNigel PlanerA satire about three losers: a failed actor, his sleazy agent, and a permanently drunk bodyguard.Did I mention that I'm a huge fan of THE YOUNG ONES? :p
"Your Honour! I wandered into a garden... under the impression that it was my garden... and when I saw the women's underthings hanging on the line... I naturally assumed that they were my wife's... and began gathering them in for her. The fact that I live in a high-rise flat... and am not married... is purely circumstantial evidence and therefore inadmissable!"
SIR PERVY PETER SPURTY - CreatorRobert PopperStarsTamsin GreigSimon BirdPaul RitterTwo siblings share their Friday-night dinners at their parents' home and, somehow, something always goes wrong.S**T ON IT!
- StarsRichard AyoadeMatt BerryMatthew HolnessThis parody series is an unearthed 80s horror/drama, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.Maggots... maggots... maggots... maggots... ... ... maggots!
- CreatorTim Brooke-TaylorGraeme GardenBill OddieStarsTim Brooke-TaylorGraeme GardenBill OddieThe adventures of a crazy trio whose motto is "we do anything, anytime, anywhere."Before THE YOUNG ONES...
...Before LOOK AROUND YOU...
...Before THE MIGHTY BOOSH...
...Before THIS IS JINSY...
...After MONTY PYTHON...
...There was only one show that was sooo ridiculously random and stupendously silly that it could only have been conceived by genuine geniuses! AND YOU CAN QUOTE ME! - StarsGareth HaleNorman PaceMelanie KilburnHale and Pace is a sketch-based British comedy show. The terms "Good Taste" and "Politically Correct" are obviously totally unknown to the writers....AND I'm a huge fan of anyone who ever had anything to do with THE YOUNG ONES. I saw Hale & Pace perform live on stage once. Gareth walked through the audience and strolled right past me. I swear! He was literally an inch away from my kneecap. True Story! :p
- StarsJennifer SaundersAdrian EdmondsonDawn FrenchGuy Fuddle (Ade Edmondson) lives with his grandmother (Jennifer Saunders). He has four sisters(Saunders) who were sent away from home as small children. Grandmother is now ill and she wants to see her granddaughters before she dies. She sends Guy into the world to find them. Grandmother's real motives are revealed when the family reunites.Sadly there's only one series. This is due to the fact that Ben Elton only ever intended to write one series. Producer Paul Jackson kept a slot in BBC's schedule for a 2nd series... knowing full well that Ben never intended on writing a 2nd series. Paul did this so that he could take a risk on a new series that only had a slim chance of succeeding. That show ended up being none other than RED DWARF! True Story!
"You must understand Madeliene! I need a good snog... and a bang!" - CreatorSimon NyeStarsMartin FreemanPeter SerafinowiczKen MorleyThe series revolves around the store staff as they engage in a daily wisecrack battle with packs of DIY obsessed clients.An underrated gem from the writer of MEN BEHAVING BADLY and WILD WEST.
- CreatorLee EisenbergStephen MerchantGene StupnitskyStarsStephen MerchantChristine WoodsNate TorrenceA gawky Englishman comes to Los Angeles to find the woman of his dreams.I BLOODY LOVE THIS LANKY, GOGGLE-EYED FREAK! Stephen Merchant's new series is based on his 2012 stand up show of the same name. I can really relate to Merchant's character Stuart Pritchard, a deeply shallow sensitive new age guy who is desperately seeking love... with a supermodel obviously. Derek and Hello Ladies are definitely my two favourite new shows of 2013. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
- StarsJim HowickSimon FarnabyMathew BayntonA group of British comedians show the sides of history they don't teach you in school. From the 'Savage Stone Age' to the 'Troublesome 20th Century', you see the full side to history.It's kids stuff really... but it's awesome kids stuff!
- StarsNick FrostKevin EldonMiranda HartHyperdrive is a British science fiction comedy film that follows the adventures of the crew of HMS Camden Lock, tasked with protecting Britain's interests in an ever-changing galaxy.Nowhere near as good as RED DWARF... but the stellar cast ensure that Cecil & Riley's Space Opera is well worth a bash.
- CreatorSteve PembertonReece ShearsmithStarsReece ShearsmithSteve PembertonDerek JacobiGenre-mixing anthology series, inviting viewers into some very different and enigmatic No. 9s.The League Of Gentlemen follow up Psychoville with several unsettling nuggets of comedy gold.
- StarsBill BaileySimon PeggForbes MassonStand-up and sketch show from the bastion of bewilderment.If you've seen Bill Bailey's stand up gigs, you've already seen at least 60% of the material in this show, but the other 40% is a must-see for every die hard fan of "The Mecha For Those With No Agenda".
- StarsSue JohnstonDawn FrenchMaggie SteedThe comical misadventures of friends involved with a women's club. Retitled as "Clatterford" in the United States.The cast alone should speak for itself.
- DirectorColin GilbertTom GutteridgeStarsRik MayallThe Mad Kevin Turvey has been hired by the BBC to investigate things but rather than investigate 'norma'l things Kev decides to investigate stupidly bizarre things (like he does) and his rambling rants are a joy to behold The nonsensical mutterings of Turvey will leave you in fits of laughter, and this is another fine example of the comic genius that is 'the great'Rik Mayall (much missed already)Even though it's just a collection of shorts and it will probably be omitted from this list in the near future to make way for something fresher and longer lasting than Hermoine Granger's hyman, I believe it deserves a mention because Kevin Turvey is the undisputed king of "Going Off On A Tangent". It has nothing to do with the fact that I have an inexplicable hetero hard-on for that Drop Dead Fred guy. You know the one? The one who managed to build an enviable career via top notch gags regarding snot and masturbation :p
- CreatorPeter LearmouthStarsDawn FrenchJennifer SaundersAdrian ScarboroughIt's 1782 and welcome to the fabulous Palace of Versailles, France. Outside the gates, the peasants are on the verge of revolting , whilst inside lives one of the most hated women in all of France -Columbine, the Comtesse De Vache.The short-lived female version of Slackbladder... very vaguely. It deserves a mensh but it'll probably be omitted from this list in favour of something better very soon, mainly because there's only one series :p
- CreatorWarwick DavisRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsWarwick DavisRicky GervaisStephen MerchantThe show centers on Warwick Davis in his day-to-day life, complete with the frustrations he faces.Time Bandits?
No, I wasn't in Time Bandits.
F@#% OFF YOU C@#%!!! - StarsPeter SerafinowiczNigel LambertRobert PopperA parody of educational programs. Just don't believe anything in the show is true.Random as F@#%!
- CreatorGreg DaviesStarsGreg DaviesRoisin ConatyMike WozniakA deadbeat drama teacher gets a wake-up call when his girlfriend leaves him.I'm a 32 year-old man-child and the fact that Rik Mayall is old enough to convincingly portray Greg Davies' dad makes me feel old. I wonder how Rik feels about that :p
BRIAN: You asked me which one of the Muppets my wife's vagina most looked like!
DAN: I know... and you said Gonzo. All purple... all messy thick tufts. - StarsAmanda AbbingtonBen CromptonDaisy HaggardBritish comedy sketch show by 6 well known comedy actors/actressesIf you, the Jury, find my client guilty... then I will think that you are all... gay. That's right! And I will point at you on the street... and I'll say, "Look at that gay! Look at those gays! They're properly gay! It's obvious!" Is that what you want? To be a gay jury... of gays? I rest my case."
- CreatorHoward OvermanStarsNathan Stewart-JarrettJoe GilgunIwan RheonA group of young offenders doing community service gets struck by lightning during a storm and start to develop superpowers.Okay... so it's technically a "Sci-Fi Drama Series"... but it's piss-funny!
"SAVE ME BARRY!" - StarsDavid MitchellRobert WebbOlivia ColmanThe comedy duo's first sketch show, which launched both of their careers.It's hit and miss... and hit and hit and hit and hit and hit and miss. Just try not to focus on Mitchell's bulbous eyes or Webb's shark-like teeth :p
MALE ADDICT: Do you want some more heroin?
FEMALE ADDICT: Not for me thanks. It goes straight to my bottom.
MALE ADDICT: Really?
FEMALE ADDICT: Yeah, I haven't had a $hi+ for 3 weeks. - CreatorRowan AtkinsonRichard CurtisStarsRowan AtkinsonMatilda ZieglerRobin DriscollBumbling, childlike Mr. Bean has trouble completing the simplest of day-to-day tasks, but his perseverance and resourcefulness frequently allow him to find ingenious ways around problems.Who else?
- CreatorFred BarronStarsRobert LindsayZoë WanamakerGabriel ThomsonBen Harper, a misanthropic dentist, has little time for most people, including his wife Susan, and their children Nick, Janey, and Michael.It has its fair share of moments :p
- StarsJulia DavisAngus DeaytonRebecca FrontAlthough Jill's husband seems to respond well to cancer treatment, she tells him that he's dying. Jill pretends she's already a widow and pursues her next-door neighbor, Don. Jill manipulates and torments Don's wife, who suffers from MS.Mark Gatiss' twitch never gets old and Steve Coogan's protege, Julia Davis certainly gave Gervais and Merchant a run for their money when it came to "Squirm-Inducing Awkward Humour" with her break-out black comedy. Angus Deayton (The Other Man in Rowan Atkinson's One Man Show) is in fine form, Rebecca Front is almost too apathetically pathetic (or do I mean pathetically apathetic) for her own good and Ruth Jones (Myfanwy from Little Britain) will take your breath away. Not to mention the countless cameos by classic comedy actors such as Marc Wootton who impeccably deliver such corkers as...
"He describes his personality as Scottish." - StarsNoel FieldingMichael FieldingDolly WellsThe adventures of Noel and his friends Smooth, Andy Warhol, and Dolly.I love you a bit.
- StarsRowan AtkinsonMel SmithPamela StephensonBritish sketch comedy starring the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Mel Smith.ALL HAIL ALTERNATIVE CARPARK!
- CreatorRicky GervaisStephen MerchantStarsRicky GervaisMartin FreemanMackenzie CrookThe story of an office that faces closure when the company decides to downsize its branches. A documentary film crew follow staff and the manager David Brent as they continue their daily lives.If you want the rainbow... you gotta put up with the rain. You know which "Philosopher" said that? Dolly Parton! And people say she's just a big pair of tits.
- StarsRonnie BarkerDavid JasonLynda BaronArkwright is a miserly and eccentric shopkeeper with a stammer, who longs to marry his lifelong love Nurse Gladys. He runs a small town grocery store along with his errand boy and nephew, Granville and a particularly dangerous till.Invokes nostalgia in me like no other.
- StarsHugh DennisClaire SkinnerTyger Drew-HoneyA part-improvised comedy about a couple bringing up their three young children.It's definitely worth a look... especially if you're one of those sad sacks who actually loves their kids :p
- StarsPeter SerafinowiczBelinda Stewart-WilsonPaul PutnerA series of sketches by British comedian Peter SerafinowiczDUKE'S BARRELL CHEESE!
Nuff Said?
No?
Need more?
How about the fact that whenever I show the 1st episode of this to anyone I've ever met, they all say the same thing.
"This guy is REALLY good. How many seasons are there? ONLY ONE?! That's F@#%ED!!!"
Whoever axed THE PETER SERAFINOWICZ SHOW seriously needs to be axed! - StarsEmma FryerTom BennettAndrew BrookeThe antics of the dysfunctional staff of Sutton branch of a mobile phone retailer.Emma Fryer is my special friend... on Facebook. Bless her.
Oh... and the show's pretty good ;) - StarsTom RosenthalRyan SampsonTom Basden"Plebs" follows three desperate young men from the suburbs as they try to get laid, hold down jobs, and climb the social ladder in the big city--that happens to be Ancient Rome.It's a bit like BLACKADDER meets THE INBETWEENERS... set in Roman times... several years before Christ.
- StarsReece ShearsmithSteve PembertonDaniel KaluuyaA group of seemingly unrelated strangers all receive a mysterious note stating "I know what you did", which sends their lives into a downward spiral.It's all good, but the Halloween Special is the real TREAT.
- CreatorDavid NobbsStarsMartin ClunesFay RipleyLucy LiemannThis "finely balanced black comedy" (Guardian, UK) follows a midlevel corporate drone who finds himself in the throes of a midlife crisis.Much like the earlier incarnation of DOC MARTIN, Reginald is also very "Lester Burnham in AMERICAN BEAUTY".
Vaguely. - StarsSteve CooganJames BachmanRasmus HardikerTommy, an ex-roadie, runs a pest control biz in Stevenage post-divorce. He lives with Magz and mentors his assistant Raymond, seeing himself as a maverick dispensing wisdom.CLASSIC COOGAN!
A BABY COW PRODUCTION about an aging Rocker/Roadie with serious anger management issues called Tommy Saxondale who runs his own Pest Control business. He often lives in the past... but he's also ashamed to admit that in recent years his priorities have somewhat changed. - CreatorPaul AbbottStarsDavid ThrelfallRebecca AtkinsonAlice BarryThe lives and relationships of a group of siblings and their estranged father Frank Gallagher on a rough Manchester estate.The American version actually has its fair share of moments too. So for those of you who are keeping count, that makes 2 decent American rip-offs of brilliant British shows out of approx 200 pathetic attempts over the years. THE OFFICE and SHAMELESS. I'm not overlooking anything am I? LITTLE BRITAIN USA doesn't count :p
- StarsLee MackTim VineJim TavaréSketch comedy series featuring a range of different humour styles.On tomorrow night's program, we ask the question... is llama bad?
- CreatorJamie BrittainBryan ElsleyStarsKaya ScodelarioNicholas HoultJoe DempsieThe story of a group of British teens who are trying to grow up and find love and happiness despite questionable parenting and teachers who would rather be friends (and lovers) than authority figures.I miss Cassie :(
- StarsRobert WebbJeremy SwiftPaula WilcoxA British comedy set in the smoking room of a workplace.An Underrated Gem. Like many of the best Brit-Com's ever made, it's all about the classic characters and the brilliant banter.
"YOU'D SMASH IT!" - StarsMatt BerryRich FulcherTerry WadeTwo hangmen (Matt Berry and Rich Fulcher) compete for women, money and happiness, venturing deeper in the ocean of depravity than any friends should in a whisky-fuelled, cross-cultural friendship.Berry AND Fulcher. Nuff Said?
- StarsMichael CrawfordMichele DotriceJessica ForteAccident-prone Frank Spencer fails to navigate the simplest tasks of daily life, while also trying to look after his wife and baby.FRANK SPENCER: ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I'm a man.
He took the words right outta my mouth :p - StarsMark WilliamsJack DochertySarah AlexanderAliens in human form land on Earth to carry out a secret mission, and when the Supervisor is decapitated, the two bumbling Cadets have no idea what the mission entails. With a mixture of their of own language, and mannerisms taken from old 50s movies, they try and get through the crazy world we live in, without trying to get caught by the various shady organisations after them.Rob Grant (Red Dwarf) created this overwhelmingly brilliant and tragically short-lived masterpiece. Look it up on YouTube and/or like the Facebook Page.
- StarsAdrian EdmondsonEd ColemanLaura AikmanDuring the last two decades, aging punk rocker Vernon, has spent much of his time in the pub whilst living off his high-flying wife! Now, following a particularly nasty divorce, middle-aged divorcée Vernon moves into the student accommodation with his teenage kids, much to their disgust and dismay, in order to carry on living his rebellious (so he thinks) lifestyle.It HAD Potential.
"BLOODY WOMEN! They're only ever after one thing... ... ...
but they'll never tell you what it is!" - CreatorArmando IannucciStarsChris AddisonJames SmithPeter CapaldiThe Minister for Social Affairs is continually harassed by Number 10's policy enforcer and dependent on his not-so-reliable team of civil servants.I removed THE NEW STATESMAN in favour of THE THICK OF IT.
I didn't think anyone would mind :p - CreatorBen EltonStarsRowan AtkinsonMina AnwarJames DreyfusVarious mishaps at a police station in an English town. The main character is the anachronistic, yet charming and funny Inspector Fowler. CID foil to Fowler, Inspector Grim is a bumbling, seething idiot.Hugely Underrated! People were far too eager to compare it to BLACKADDER just because it's written by Elton and starring Atkinson. That's like comparing... ummm... something that's written by a certain person and starring a certain person and not liking it as much because it's not the same show :p What if people didn't like FAWLTY TOWERS because John Cleese isn't random enough and there are no cartoons in it? Or what if people didn't like A FISH CALLED WANDA because Archie Leech was less of an uptight stress-head than Basil Fawlty and Michael Palin wasn't well-spoken enough? Surely the nicest man in England would never assist dirty rotten scoundrels to rob a bank?!
THE DEFENSE RESTS! :p
"I've arranged for the women's... machine... to be moved. The women's machine... ... ... the... mechanized... purveyor of... ... ...purificatory dressings. SWABS!"
*Search YouTube for "Rowan Atkinson Swabs" ;) - StarsJustin ChubbChris BranGeoffrey McGivernThe series follows Arbiter Maven (Justin Chubb) (the 17th Arbiter and "Wearer of the Hat") and Operative Sporall (Chris Bran) (nice hair and "Wearer of the Beige Suit") as they keep a close eye on the 791 residents of Jinsy from the Great Tower in the parish of Veen. Life on the island is rather Orwellian: each colorful member of the community is monitored by a surveillance system of tessellators, from local folk dribbler Melody Lane (Justin Chubb) to weather monk Tracee Henge (David Hatton). The tessellators include video cameras for surveillance, but also little screens to allow the residents to watch important island events, such as the tri-annual island cow wash (live from Glotters Field). Additionally, they include a handy slot for paying fines, and a sphincter nozzle for product and pill downloads. Each episode features a notable guest star. Some of the biggest names in comedy, from Stephen Fry to Olivia Colman, have appeared on the show.I've only just discovered this show. It does my bloody head in... AND I LOVE IT! More random than MONTY PYTHON, THE GOODIES, THE YOUNG ONES, LOOK AROUND YOU and THE MIGHTY BOOSH rolled into one.
- StarsMatt BerryRobert BathurstDoon MackichanSteven Toast, an eccentric middle-aged actor with a chequered past, spends more time dealing with his problems off stage than performing on stage.It's a bit pretentious at times... but on the whole it's a treat for fans of Matt Berry (Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, The IT Crowd). Plenty of pop culture references.
If you've ever held Benedict Cumberbatch's balls in your hand... you'll love it :D - StarsJohn HannahSuranne JonesNavin ChowdhryDCI Jack Cloth and DC Anne Oldman are paired to investigate a series of grisly murders done by a devious killer.If you don't fall instantly in love with Cloth... there's something seriously wrong with you!
SIDE NOTE: See also BLACK MIRROR and WEEKLY WIPE. - StarsSteve CooganRob BrydonClaire KeelanSteve is asked to review restaurants for the UK's Observer who is joined on a working road trip by his friend Rob who fills in at the last minute when Coogan's romantic relationship falls apart.Featuring the guy who got blown-up near the start of TROPIC THUNDER and the dude from *THE WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE trying to out-funny each other. How can it fail :p
*Please don't comment that Rob Brydon wasn't in THE WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE. It's an in-joke for QI fans ;D - StarsRonnie BarkerRonnie CorbettThe Fred Tomlinson SingersThis long-running BBC comedy show consisted of sketches and humourous musical routines.No description required!
- StarsDawn FrenchJames FleetTrevor PeacockA boisterous female minister comes to serve in an eccentricly conservative small town's church.No. No. No. No. No. YES! On the surface it looks like Dawn French, the guy from FOUR WEDDINGS & A FUNERAL, *the chick from NOTTING HILL and several old farts sitting around a table discussing their church... but you won't need to scratch the surface very hard to find yet another masterpiece by Sir Dick Curtis.
*Yes... I'm well aware that the chick from NOTTING HILL was never sitting around the table... which I always found to be a little odd. Shouldn't the Verger attend these meetings? What's up with that Curtis? I assume that you did your fact-checking :p - StarsAlan DaviesDarren BoydKatherine ParkinsonThe story of the executive chef at a country house hotel.Whoever decided not to commission this show for at least a second series should be axed!
- CreatorSimon NyeStarsDawn FrenchCatherine TateDavid BradleyMary Trewednack lives above her post office in the Cornish village of St. Gweep, with her neurotic partner Angela. Lesbians until something better comes along. Witchcraft and wife-swapping are more a way of life than cream teas and pasties.What is it about shows set in little Cornish-ish villages that appeals to me? Not that there's anything wrong with that :p
- CreatorMark BussellJustin SbresniStarsBen MillerSarah AlexanderAlison SteadmanMel and Howard's wedding is one week away. Howard experiences a series of humiliating disasters in the week leading up to the ceremony.A Classic Comedy Series that's like the British answer to MEET THE PARENTS.
"Any idea how to get an engagement ring out of a dead dog set in concrete?"