"Chewin' the Fat" (1999) TV series

Director:

Brian Horsburgh

Writers:

Iain Davidson (writer)
Robert Florence (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | unknown

Genre:

Comedy

Plot Keywords:

Catch Phrase | Sock Puppet | Interior Decorator | Sketch Comedy | Lighthouse Keeper

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Ford Kiernan	...	Various Roles (13 episodes, 1999-2000)
Greg Hemphill	...	Various Roles (13 episodes, 1999-2000)
Karen Dunbar	...	Various Roles (13 episodes, 1999-2000)
Mark Cox	...	Various (13 episodes, 1999-2000)
Paul Riley	...	Various Roles (12 episodes, 1999-2000)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:M

Company:

Comedy Unit

Trivia:

The first series had segments at the start, middle and end of each episode with Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill (as themselves) talking to each other and to the viewers. These were dropped for the second series.

Quotes:

Big Man's Maw: [to a woman] You agitating ma boy. I'll stick this Barbie that far up your arse that Ken will need tae dangle fae your tonsils just tae get a goodnight winch.

Movie Connections:

Spin off "Still Game" (2002)

Viewing the Crap?

Scottish sketch comedy has never made it to the worldwide market. However, we have had many talented comedians such as Billy Connolly, Rikki Fulton, Francie and Josie and The Krankies. Nowadays the only Scottish comedy series left is "Chewin the Fat" which consists of a series of vulgar gags primarily based on modern Glasweigan slum culture.

Unfortunately, instead of laughing at the eccentricities of the'neds' and 'slags' who inhabit the graffiti-decorated tenements of Castlemilk and Easterhouse, the producers have decided to join the neds and to laugh with them. After all, its just 'good banter' isn't it?

I have noticed that the show has covered almost every possible kind of underclass vulgarity and criminal behaviour. It is reverse snobbery. If someone says a 'posh' word, then they are laughed at - this is part of the 'Chewin the Fat' routine.

The upper class stereotypes from Edinburgh are supposedly 'amusing' because they take interest in the 'Glasgow banter' - which consists of incomprehensible and vulgar dialogue, crime and deviance, and unmannerly and undignified eccentric behaviour. And the countrymen, who just because they endorse Scotlands cultural heritage(or what is left of it)they are the subject to pranks from juvenile delinquents. Finally, an 'old-fashioned' teacher (because she has a rural accent, and is fairly strict - something that is unusual nowadays) is mocked and overpowered by her class of irresponsible and disrespectful children. Why should we find the detritus who spoil much of our country funny? Is this comedy? For what reason is this the most popular comedy series in Scotland? Perhaps because it is the only comedy series.

In sum, Chewin the Fat is a Glasweigan self-indulgent, crude and unintelligent disaster of a television programme. If you happen to be from Glasgow, and be a member of the underclass, you may indeed enjoy this series, because it is made by filthy minds, to cater for filthy minds all over Scotland. Scotland must grow up mentally, our culture is dwindling down the toilet pan. May intelligence be our saviour.