View Full Version : British and American Television Comedy
I thought this thread would be great to see how the two countries see the other's comedy as well as the input of non-Brit/US .Orgahs too. :3
When I think of any comedy, I often find myself dividing it into two clear categories; older comedy (1960s-1990s) and then more modern stuff (say, 2000-present). The general consensus among British comedy lovers is that modern offerings (both our own and from across the pond) simply don't compare to the older stuff.
Older generations in particular are always saying things to me like "Ricky Gervais doesn't compare to Ronnie Barker" or "this Peep Show pales in comparison to Only Fools and Horses", whereas people of my own age are the complete polar opposite. If you told the average person my age about 'Allo 'Allo or Are You Being Served, you'd likely recieve a "WTF" expression in return. It's as though there's no desire to embrace comedy of other generations because it's seen as rubbish, dated, rude or whatever.
There is a British comedy show aimed at teenagers called Coming of Age, which screens on BBC Three; the show is basically constant one-liner jokes orientated about sex, and generally not even innuendos but completely overt references to bodily functions and such.
I actually shudder when I see the two female characters discussing these things in such a manner, because it seems a bit extreme for anyone to talk like that, let alone two teenage girls. I fail to understand how that show was scheduled for a second series when it's absolutely rubbish, and this is for a show that's orientated towards my age group, allegedly.
In the same breath, I look at a show like Dad's Army and wonder "who the fudge thought this was funny?". I can appreciate comedy from before my time (I adore Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools, among others), but I also believe that many modern comedies are deserving of similar attention in their own right, such as Mock The Week, Peep Show or The IT Crowd.
What's it like in other countries and what do you all think?
Are things just getting a little too... PC, and thus we're getting less funny as time goes by? Do modern comedians and sit-coms simply not compare to their predecessors?
I agree older comedies were generally better but also agree with your examples of good modern day comedy. Almost identically, even (other than not watching and therefore not really knowing if the IT crowd is good). :speechless:
Their are also funny shows that aren't always classified as comedy, for example, Harry Hill's TV burp, the stupidity of him just makes it all the better yet the details he picks out of programs are remarkable.
I agree Dad's army was appalling, I think whereas Faulty Towers & Blackadder were good also.
Mr Bean is a classic too, gotta love it, Rowen Atkinson is a great actor by being able to create something funny with such minimal speech.
The IT Crowd is an acquired taste, I guess; I watched it and adored every second of it, whereas I had other friends who couldn't grasp some of the more... geeky references. Richard Ayoade (if you've watched The Mighty Boosh, you might know him as Saboo) is brilliant and it's definitely worth a look.
Harry Hill is fantastic, the comedy's very... slapstick and fresh, and as you said he does show quite the attention to detail in the programmes he analyses. As an Eastenders viewer (yeah, yeah, I know!), I love his take on Heather and her yoghurt pot lids etc. Funny Saturday viewing, certainly.
Dad's Army bored the life outta me, honestly. It seems like the best moment was "don't tell 'em your name, Pike!", and that's about it. Blackadder Goes Forth is a better example of making military endeavours comedic.
Mr Bean is excellent; I wasn't so keen on the films, though.
I actually shudder when I see the two female characters discussing these things in such a manner, because it seems a bit extreme for anyone to talk like that, let alone two teenage girls. I fail to understand how that show was scheduled for a second series when it's absolutely rubbish, and this is for a show that's orientated towards my age group, allegedly.
You just have to resign yourself to the fact that all comedy on BBC3 is utter s:daisy:t, I don't know who its aimed at but it cetainly isn't us.
As for comedy on the whole, I don't think it has really changed at all, its just that people only remember the good shows from the past and the best of the modern stuff compares very well.
There are still loads of great comedies produced in recent times, for example Spaced, Arrested Development, Brass Eye, anything by Charlie Brooker, anything by adultswim, are all just as good as the older "classics".
You just have to resign yourself to the fact that all comedy on BBC3 is utter s:daisy:t
Well, Gavin and Stacey started on BBC Three until it grew really popular; I really enjoyed that. But otherwise I'd have to agree... the likes of Coming of Age and Two Pints of Lager are pretty poor, really. I blame the writers rather than the actors, though.
There are still loads of great comedies produced in recent times, for example Spaced, Arrested Development, Brass Eye, anything by Charlie Brooker, anything by adultswim, are all just as good as the older "classics".
You have very good taste, particularly Spaced. I'm also fond of Brooker's very dry, sarcastic humour, and I thought he was fantastic on most recent The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Whoever paired him up with David Mitchell for that show deserves a medal.
I'm keen to hear some non-British opinions too, .Orgahs! :P
gaelic cowboy
03-02-2010, 02:08
Father Ted is :daisy: hilarious also Black Books very good there is no real good comedy on tv in Ireland that does not come from somewhere else all our comedians go to UK who graciously export back the quality to us which is nice :2thumbsup:
Yes, Father Ted is pretty good, also Vicar of Dibley is hit and miss with the occasional brilliant episode.
I think BBC 3 as a channel is fairly good though I agree most of its comedy's are shabby.
I do like American animations though, the simpsons is brilliant but personally I find family guy to be Laugh-out-Loud funny and more entertaining overall, regardless of what some people think of it. :wink:
Father Ted is fantastic, it's such a shame that Dermot Morgan died before his time.
Family Guy is probably my favourite American comedy, to be honest, but it amazes me the extent of things they get away with saying; I cannot see a live action comedy being able to make racial or homosexual remarks in the context FG does without controversy.
Louis VI the Fat
03-02-2010, 03:40
I'm keen to hear some non-British opinions too, .Orgahs! :PThe Americans have a good sense of humour. Seen some great stuff over the years. My favourite US comedy is Married with Children.
My great love is British humour. Very different from american, even if I can't exactly point out in which way right here on the spot. Blackadder, the Office (Gervais version) and Extras are the very best comedy I know. Such unmitigated brilliance. I've got them all on DVD, and watch them over and over again, and I laugh as hard every time. Which shows they're really rather good or I'm really rather too dumb too remember a joke.
Two eighties, two noughties shows then.
Wait, make that German humour. By far my favourite:
'A man walks his dog in the park. He sees a woman with a dog. Says he: you are ze third woman wearing a brown leather jacket this week'. :laugh4:
Oh, and the classic:
'Do you see that BMW? It has three wheels. Then we haben it gefixed back in Stuttgart. How many wheels does it have now?'
'Well....four?
'Nein! Now it has five - four underneath and one spare!' :laugh4: :laugh4:
Centurion1
03-02-2010, 03:45
My great love is British humour. Very different from american, even if I can't exactly point out in which way right here on the spot. Blackadder, the Office (Gervais version) and Extras are the very best comedy I know. Such unmitigated brilliance. I've got them all on DVD, and watch them over and over again, and I laugh as hard every time. Which shows they're really rather good or I'm really rather too dumb too remember a joke.
Two eighties, two noughties shows then.
Its drier i enjoy sometimes.
In the US most people think of like Monty Python when they hear British Comedy.
I think modern comedy is becoming more crass which doesnt make it any less funny especially for hormonal teen males like myself.
Louis VI the Fat
03-02-2010, 03:55
I think modern comedy is becoming more crass which doesnt make it any less funny especially for hormonal teen males like myself.American Pie had its moments. Especially the first one. which was a rather sweet movie too. Then the series quickly deteriorated.
I, erm....I personally wouldn't watch such plebeian rubbish, of course. The above is what I remember from the reviews. :sweatdrop:
I'm very particular about comedies from across the pond, really; there's sometimes a level of humour that I don't find funny, or I feel has been dumbed down for the wider audience. Having said that, I do like US comedy just as much as British, really.
My current favourites from the good old US are The Big Bang Theory and Scrubs. BBT feels a little like IT Crowd for a younger, less tech-orientated audience; the jokes aren't so vague that only a certain demographic will understand them. And Scrubs... well, I've loved that since the very beginning, though it feels as though they're trying to live past their prime by continuing past Season Eight.
They should take a leaf out of Fawlty Towers' book; quit while you're ahead, before things get stale.
Centurion1
03-02-2010, 03:59
American Pie had its moments. Especially the first one. which was a rather sweet movie too. Then the series quickly deteriorated.
I, erm....I personally wouldn't watch such plebeian rubbish, of course. The above is what I remember from the reviews.
Lets be frank my dear frenchmen, you liked the first one because of the lovely nadia.
i like office.
personally i do not find scrubs funny, at all. but many people do so i dont judge
Sasaki Kojiro
03-02-2010, 04:02
Two and a half men was great (I've seen the first 2 seasons), but from what I've seen it doesn't work with Jake grown up.
The weirdest thing about sitcoms to me is how utterly unfunny they are if you miss the beginning.
That 70's show was great too. What's his name who always wore sunglasses was my favorite.
Centurion1
03-02-2010, 04:05
That 70's show was great too. What's his name who always wore sunglasses was my favorite.
hyde. yeah its a funny show.
Yes Ministter, Red Dwarf, New Statemen, the list could go on.
Peter Kay is good though, with Phoenix Nights... damn, haven't seen that in ages. Remind me to watch it when I return home.
Strike For The South
03-02-2010, 04:15
If you haven't seen Airplane or Animal House, you haven't seen American comedy.
Samurai Waki
03-02-2010, 04:45
Rather enjoyed Little Britain, despite it's rather short running. Seinfeld had some excellent episodes, as did Everybody Loves Raymond. As far as animated series, I still love South Park, Family Guy is beginning to stale, but American Dad is really starting to find it's legs, Love the Apocalypse episode.
personally i do not find scrubs funny, at all. but many people do so i dont judge
I liked it when it first came out. So seasons 1-4ish. But now I'm kind of over it and I don't really find it funny anymore.
I love Brit-coms though. I adore IT Crowd (half my Uni course is IT so...). But my favourite is the Mighty Boosh, quirky and ridiculous.
Of the recent US offerings Arrested Development has to be my favourite. The writing is fantastic, unbelievably witty and dry show.
a completely inoffensive name
03-02-2010, 06:37
I don't care for any of those shows you guys watch but I love iCarly and Drake and Josh on Nickelodeon. That stuff is waaaay more hilarious then Monty Python, Scrubs or Ricky Girvais.
Are things just getting a little too... PC, and thus we're getting less funny as time goes by? Do modern comedians and sit-coms simply not compare to their predecessors?
Tastes change, and morals change as time goes on, but humour is constant. Just look at Lysistrata or the Comedy of Errors for proof.
I agree older comedies were generally better but also agree with your examples of good modern day comedy. Almost identically, even (other than not watching and therefore not really knowing if the IT crowd is good). :speechless: .
The first series is fantastic, just utter brilliance. The second, not so much, but the first episode at least is til worth watching.
Pannonian
03-02-2010, 11:08
The IT Crowd is an acquired taste, I guess; I watched it and adored every second of it, whereas I had other friends who couldn't grasp some of the more... geeky references. Richard Ayoade (if you've watched The Mighty Boosh, you might know him as Saboo) is brilliant and it's definitely worth a look.
Look for Chris Morris's earlier stuff. On the Hour, The Day Today, the radio shows from which he was sacked, etc.
Bushwhacked (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfQdduWGjuU&feature=related)
Bushwhacked 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FSpQLsUmVQ)
Bombdogs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nvfQw8UCDE&feature=related)
Rok TV (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d9C5KHP5z0)
"Hello, Ian Curtis here. I watch Rok TV everyday."
pevergreen
03-02-2010, 11:56
Sketch Show (UK, not the terrible US version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4sUqrK1J6k
SkitHOUSE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFPm2fhB2pI
Two best comedy shows in the last 15 years.
edit: Oops, and Trigger Happy TV!
Look for Chris Morris's earlier stuff. On the Hour, The Day Today, the radio shows from which he was sacked, etc.
Seconded! The Day Today is probably one of the best comedy shows ever made "THIS IS THE NEWS!"
Also how could I forget The Thick of It, the best british comedy in recent years
**Warning Lots of Swearing** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzszTRCoj44&feature=related)
Crazed Rabbit
03-04-2010, 18:14
I didn't like the British version of The Office as much as the American version. Just seemed too mean spirited and heartless.
As for current comedy, my favorite is Community. Some great characters and writing. I'd recommend that to everyone. In its first season, and one of the best comedies in recent years. Unfortunately, hulu only has one episode up.
Next would be 30 Rock. Great writing. Then The Office and Parks and Rec roughly tied.
I used to like The Office more (and Parks and rec less), but my admiration has been slowly decreasing (and vice versa for Parks).
There's also Archer on FX, an animated show about a jerk-*** spy in a fictional spying agency. Occasionally vulgar, but often hilarious. The first four episodes are on hulu.
I looked up a clip of Coming of Age on youtube. Wow, that is horrific. It's not humor, but anti-humor; what you would show to make sure no one laughs at a funeral.
How did the country that gave us blackadder and spaced come up with this?
CR
Justiciar
03-04-2010, 18:30
"Yoof (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hR-A_ppO5o)" television, that's how.
All-time favorite sictom: Spaced (http://www.hulu.com/spaced).
Current TV that makes me laugh: South Park (http://www.southparkstudios.com/), Aqua Teen Hunger Force (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/aquateenhungerforce/indexpage.html#video), The Colbert Report (http://www.colbertnation.com/home).
Pannonian
03-04-2010, 19:07
All-time favorite sictom: Spaced (http://www.hulu.com/spaced).
Current TV that makes me laugh: South Park (http://www.southparkstudios.com/), Aqua Teen Hunger Force (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/aquateenhungerforce/indexpage.html#video), The Colbert Report (http://www.colbertnation.com/home).
Have a look for The Day Today (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgP6GF91YCs&feature=related).
I didn't like the British version of The Office as much as the American version. Just seemed too mean spirited and heartless.
I must admit that I'm not a massive fan of The Office (I preferred Extras, myself, but then I loved the celebrity cameos, heh), but I felt that the American rendition deviated too far from the original premise of what made The Office such a hit over here; it was too light-hearted, I guess.
Next would be 30 Rock. Great writing.
I totally agree with this. Tina Fey's writing is sensational, loved her since I first saw Mean Girls in which she co-wrote and starred. I have to admit though, I really dislike Tracy Morgan's character... he's loud, annoying and I feel he just doesn't play his role with the same panache as Fey, Alec Baldwin or Jack McBrayer.
I looked up a clip of Coming of Age on youtube. Wow, that is horrific. It's not humor, but anti-humor; what you would show to make sure no one laughs at a funeral.
It's an attempt to get younger viewers enamoured with Facebooks and Playstations back to their televisions, really.
The funny thing is, I found the pilot of the show was actually quite good, at least in comparison to the current show. However, it seems that once the BBC signed the show, the creators of CoA replaced three of the five cast members (who had all wielded previous acting 'talent') with three who are absolutely awful.
Personally, the best comedy show that has tried to appeal to younger viewers is Channel 4's The Inbetweeners; if you haven't seen it, you really should. It better represents that 16-18s age group much better than CoA. Sure, the boys are all talking about sex, but it's not quite in the same disgusting fashion as CoA, and you find that they're largely unsuccessful in their ventures. It's good viewing. :3
CountArach
03-04-2010, 23:08
And Scrubs... well, I've loved that since the very beginning, though it feels as though they're trying to live past their prime by continuing past Season Eight.
Scrubs stopped being funny around teh time they introduced a plotline. I enjoyed the first two seasons, but past that, no thanks.
I personally love British comedy, partly because that is what I have been exposed to for much of my childhood and have been on a bit of a journey of discovery lately as to what is out there. Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are both geniuses and anything they touch is fantastic (A Bit of Fry and Laurie, for instance, or QI). Blackadder, as always, is hilarious. However, 'Allo 'Allo grates at me a bit and I can't quite place what it is, and don't even get me started on Are You Being Served.
Furunculus
03-06-2010, 00:24
Brit comedies:
Blackadder is awesome.
Yank comedies:
quite fond of Scrubs.
Gavin and Stacey had some funny characters (ness and bryn), but the domesticity of it was depressing.
Gavin and Stacey had some funny characters (ness and bryn), but the domesticity of it was depressing.
It was depressing. To imagine people are even like that. I guess the show would be boring if they were simply normal.
It was depressing. To imagine people are even like that. I guess the show would be boring if they were simply normal.
"You've got to hold and give
But do it at the right time
You can be slow or fast
But you must get to the line!"
The thing is, that show is like Little Britain in a way; you know that it's stereotyping and taking the mickey out of us, but we watch it anyway because it's good, compulsive viewing.
The thing is, that show is like Little Britain in a way; you know that it's stereotyping and taking the mickey out of us, but we watch it anyway because it's good, compulsive viewing.
Actually, Little Britain is pretty true. Such as Andy (the character in the wheelchair), if you worked with people with learning disabilities, it is unfortunately very close to the real thing, except they are legitimately disabled.
tibilicus
03-06-2010, 01:04
True fact, any comedy shown on BBC 3 isn't funny. two pints of lager and a packet of crisps needs to be burned and eradicated from the BBC archives.
Only real comedy I like these days is peep show. I watch quite a few American comedy's like two and a half men but not to many actually make me laugh out loud. A lot of them have a trend of deteriorating rapidly as they go on as well. Scrubs started going down hill after season 6, season 8 was shocking and I prefer to blank the current season from my memory.
True fact, any comedy shown on BBC 3 isn't funny. two pints of lager and a packet of crisps needs to be burned and eradicated from the BBC archives.
Only real comedy I like these days is peep show. I watch quite a few American comedy's like two and a half men but not to many actually make me laugh out loud. A lot of them have a trend of deteriorating rapidly as they go on as well. Scrubs started going down hill after season 6, season 8 was shocking and I prefer to blank the current season from my memory.
So Doctor Who isn't good? That is pretty much a BBC3 comedy.
Actually, Little Britain is pretty true. Such as Andy (the character in the wheelchair), if you worked with people with learning disabilities, it is unfortunately very close to the real thing, except they are legitimately disabled.
So they're all balding, pot-bellied men with bad hygiene and mono-syllabic responses?
So Doctor Who isn't good? That is pretty much a BBC3 comedy.
Doctor Who is a BBC1 show that is repeated on BBC Three. :P
I like BBC4.
I think I'm the only person in Britain who watches it.
johnhughthom
03-06-2010, 01:15
Was it BBC 4 had "The History of Christianity" a few months ago? I think I've watched a few things on it.
Justiciar
03-06-2010, 01:18
So they're all balding, pot-bellied men with bad hygiene and mono-syllabic responses?Thanks to the wonders of genes, a terrible diet, a dodgy lifestyle and a state-school education, I resemble that remark. But I think he means they're unintentionally manipulative, selfish, and have a tendacy to play up their disability for petty benefit. I've met a few such people, though they're hardly indictive of the whole.
I like BBC4.
I think I'm the only person in Britain who watches it.I watch it from time to time. Despite m'self being a commited philistine, the Andrew Graham-Dixon art documentaries were grand.
tibilicus
03-06-2010, 01:46
I like BBC4.
I think I'm the only person in Britain who watches it.
Sometimes I forget it even exists as a channel.
Occasionally it has some good stuff but it's usually BBC 2 repeats. BBC2 though has to be the champion of British television. It actually justifies the need to buy a tv licence. Settling down for an evening of intellectual programming is always nice, especially if David Attenbourgh is doing one of his nature documentaries.
Was it BBC 4 had "The History of Christianity" a few months ago? I think I've watched a few things on it.
I know it was on BBC2 a couple of weeks back, I watched a bit of it.
Centurion1
03-06-2010, 01:46
So they're all balding, pot-bellied men with bad hygiene and mono-syllabic responses?
Depends on the disability of course. People who are dyslexic come in all shapes and sizes and that is a learning disability. Very broad term that.
Depends on the disability of course. People who are dyslexic come in all shapes and sizes and that is a learning disability. Very broad term that.
Well, I assumed that Beskar was referring to Andy's physical disability, really.
Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other such learning difficulties aren't really a laughing matter, just the same as race or gender. :3
So they're all balding, pot-bellied men with bad hygiene and mono-syllabic responses?
No, but the behaviour is quite similar, such as suddenly changing their mind, etc.
Centurion1
03-06-2010, 01:53
Well, I assumed that Beskar was referring to Andy's physical disability, really.
Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other such learning difficulties aren't really a laughing matter, just the same as race or gender. :3
I don't even know what show you are speaking about. i wan't laughing two of my cousins are dyslexic, i don't really giggle about it after seeing the trouble they have with reading
No, no, you misunderstand, Cent! :3
I was speaking about Andy from Little Britain (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLJYBlObudw).
I'm saying that I don't find it a laughing matter. Some of my closest friends are dyslexic... I'm saying that I don't think any comedy shows should take the mickey out of disabilities just as they shouldn't make racial or sexist remarks either.
Centurion1
03-06-2010, 02:06
they shouldn't make racial or sexist remarks either.
oh ok i understand now after seeing that clip, thats really not that funny im sorry to say. yeah but good luck trying to get sexism out of comedy.
Louis VI the Fat
03-06-2010, 02:41
Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other such learning difficulties aren't really a laughing matterHear, hear!
Me, I'd never joke over lysdeixa.
I like BBC4.
I think I'm the only person in Britain who watches it.
Let me dispel your doubts.
It's about the only channel that I watch and is by far the best in Britain.
Furunculus
03-06-2010, 17:59
Was it BBC 4 had "The History of Christianity" a few months ago? I think I've watched a few things on it.
now that was an interesting show, watched all of them on iplayer.
I watch it from time to time. Despite m'self being a commited philistine, the Andrew Graham-Dixon art documentaries were grand.
I hate art, and I absolutely loved his Russian Art series. I was just transfixed all the way through, and Repin's stuff (http://www.centre.smr.ru/images/pics/pic0278/pic0278_1024.jpg) had me in awe.
It's about the only channel that I watch and is by far the best in Britain.
I thought I was the only one...
Ja'chyra
03-06-2010, 21:03
Beskar
You need to lighten up or take it to the backroom, people in general aren't out to offend.
Back on the subject has anyone mentioned QI or Mock the Week, although Mock the Week isn't what it used to be since Frankie Boyle left, such an angry man but as a fellow Weegie I know where he's coming from, very funny.
Back on the subject has anyone mentioned QI or Mock the Week, although Mock the Week isn't what it used to be since Frankie Boyle left, such an angry man but as a fellow Weegie I know where he's coming from, very funny.
I mentioned MTW in my first post I think, it's sheer genius. Frankie Boyle is a fantastic comedian (if a little... vulgar at times), but he doesn't make the show; the likes of Andy Parsons and Russell Howard are as integral to the show and as funny, in their own way.
I love QI, although I kinda wish Alan Davies wasn't a core feature of it. With a smaller panel of just four people... I'd like to see him rotated off, if only because I find him irksome and boring.
QI (Stephen Fry!) and Mock the Week (Dara Ó Briain) are absolutely incredible.
I love QI's ability to make you laugh and go "oh, seriously?" simultaneously, and Dara Ó Briain is one of my favourite comedians; combine that with politics and you get Mock the Week.
I never really liked Frankie Boyle that much. His humor was okay, but too crude for me.
I love QI's ability to make you laugh and go "oh, seriously?" simultaneously
One of my favourites was an occasion where Stephen Fry presented a long chemical formula:
C6H12O6(S) + 6O2(g) -> 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)
He simply gave the clue that it was related to food and would be worth two hundred points if someone could describe it correctly.
There was a female 'contestant' (Helen Atkinson-Wood, her sole appearance) who correctly ascertained that the formula was known as an explosion in a custard factory, and represented the oxidation of glucose; I was completely astounded, as were Stephen and the rest of those playing. Apparantly it's a standard thing to learn in Home Ecomomics! o_O
I never really liked Frankie Boyle that much. His humor was okay, but too crude for me.
Exactly; you can be funny without every other word being an f-bomb, which Frankie does in every single round without fail. Russell Howard's my favourite on the show, but I know a few people who loathe him. :<
Pannonian
03-06-2010, 23:07
Sometimes I forget it even exists as a channel.
Occasionally it has some good stuff but it's usually BBC 2 repeats. BBC2 though has to be the champion of British television. It actually justifies the need to buy a tv licence. Settling down for an evening of intellectual programming is always nice, especially if David Attenbourgh is doing one of his nature documentaries.
It's hard to say where he's of most value. As the BBC2 controller, he virtually made it the innovative, intelligent, yet populist channel that it is at its best. However, if he hadn't got tired of that and moved on, we'd never have got the wildlife documentaries that he's likely to be remembered for.
One of my favourites was an occasion where Stephen Fry presented a long chemical formula:
C6H12O6(S) + 6O2(g) -> 6CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)
He simply gave the clue that it was related to food and would be worth two hundred points if someone could describe it correctly.
There was a female 'contestant' (Helen Atkinson-Wood, her sole appearance) who correctly ascertained that the formula was known as an explosion in a custard factory, and represented the oxidation of glucose; I was completely astounded, as were Stephen and the rest of those playing. Apparantly it's a standard thing to learn in Home Ecomomics! o_O
It shows that Mrs Miggins knows all about anything pie-related.
Ach, let us not forget the horrible "Acropolis, where the Parthenon is"-incident.
I mentioned MTW in my first post I think, it's sheer genius. Frankie Boyle is a fantastic comedian (if a little... vulgar at times), but he doesn't make the show; the likes of Andy Parsons and Russell Howard are as integral to the show and as funny, in their own way.
Frankie Boyle is pretty lightweight compared to the likes of Jerry Sadowitz.
Frankie Boyle is pretty lightweight compared to the likes of Jerry Sadowitz.
Did you see frankie boyles live show (on dvd lol) by todays standards, hes as heavyweight as allowed (some of his remarks got more gasps, even boos, than laughs :creep: )
CountArach
03-07-2010, 06:16
Back on the subject has anyone mentioned QI or Mock the Week, although Mock the Week isn't what it used to be since Frankie Boyle left, such an angry man but as a fellow Weegie I know where he's coming from, very funny.
QI is a fantastic show. Though I have noticed the entire show is dependent on the quality of the guests. The less the guests know, the better the show. There are a couple of semi-regular guests (names escape me) who know far too much about little trivia things and that just irritates me in a show where knowledge is only supposed to be secondary.
I love QI, although I kinda wish Alan Davies wasn't a core feature of it. With a smaller panel of just four people... I'd like to see him rotated off, if only because I find him irksome and boring.
Really? I think Alan Davies helps to tie the show together and gives it a bit of continuity and some running jokes (his 'love' of Pliny the Elder for instance, or Classical Greek). Then again, I also find him to be extremely hilarious most of the time.
There are a couple of semi-regular guests (names escape me) who know far too much about little trivia things and that just irritates me in a show where knowledge is only supposed to be secondary.
I know that, as of the latest series, there's quite a few who've appeared a fair few times: Jo Brand (24), Sean Lock (21), Phill Jupitus (21), Bill Bailey (19) and Rich Hall (19). Everytime I turn on QI, I see Jo Brand on it. >.<
Really? I think Alan Davies helps to tie the show together and gives it a bit of continuity and some running jokes (his 'love' of Pliny the Elder for instance, or Classical Greek). Then again, I also find him to be extremely hilarious most of the time.
There's some continuity, yes, I guess that's the good thing. But I just... don't find him that funny, and think he detracts from the bundle of awesomeness that is Stephen.
Did you see frankie boyles live show (on dvd lol) by todays standards, hes as heavyweight as allowed (some of his remarks got more gasps, even boos, than laughs :creep: )
And yet he's diluted himself for TV. He's a sellout, in that everybody thinks he's edgy, but his TV set is in comparison to some stand up comedians not exceptionally outrageous.
Besides, Boyle is just "offensive". His set has no structure. It's just "offensive statement", "offensive statement", "offensive statement". If we go back to Sadowitz as an example, Sadowitz has a much better structure, in that everything he says leads on into the next thing. Combined with Sadowitz's social commentary and his fantastic magic tricks, this makes him a better comedian.
Sadowitz is also genuinely offensive. He started a TV series that got pulled after one episode, after it recieved a record number of complaints that was surpassed only by "Sachsgate". See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Sadowitz#Career for more evidence.
I think Alan Davies helps to tie the show together and gives it a bit of continuity and some running jokes (his 'love' of Pliny the Elder for instance, or Classical Greek). Then again, I also find him to be extremely hilarious most of the time.
Likewise. I always find him funny, he's quite the character. But, maybe the fact that he supports the same football team as I my judgement may be clouded.
Crazed Rabbit
03-07-2010, 20:22
I've enjoyed the clips of Fry and Laurie and Blackadder I've seen on youtube.
I've looked at a couple inbetweeners clips as well. I don't think that would fly as a show aimed at teens in the US - to vulgar. But at least it seems more realistic and better written than that other show.
I'll mention a couple other current American comedies I like; Chuck and Glee.
Chuck is about some best buy geek squad member who gets a government database downloaded into his brain via the internet and so he gets roped into government plans to defeat evil spying organizations in the greater LA area. It's amusing, but oh so ridiculous at times. And completely unintended ridiculousness; the writers seem to have done no research on anything for any of the situations they put Chuck into. So I find I just have to not care to much about the plot or I'd get bogged down in the plot holes and hollywood science.
Glee is about highschoolers in Ohio joining a new glee, or singing and performance, club at their high school. Definitely not the same disney-clean fare as 'high school musical', it features a lot of television tropes and humor mixed with drama. And the singing is good too. Usually well written, and the character of Sue Sylvester is great (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dYDT7j9gRQ&feature=related).
As for Scrubs, I liked the first few seasons. But the longer plot lines and the JD character I grew to dislike.
CR
I've looked at a couple inbetweeners clips as well. I don't think that would fly as a show aimed at teens in the US - to vulgar. But at least it seems more realistic and better written than that other show.
How come? Even if an American remake (Shudder) that preserved the "grittiness" of the original was made?
Glee is about highschoolers in Ohio joining a new glee, or singing and performance, club at their high school. Definitely not the same disney-clean fare as 'high school musical', it features a lot of television tropes and humor mixed with drama. And the singing is good too. Usually well written, and the character of Sue Sylvester is great (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dYDT7j9gRQ&feature=related).
Ugh, my sister watches Glee. And as my computer is in the same room as the TV, I have to listen to Glee. It's driving me mad.
As for Scrubs, I liked the first few seasons. But the longer plot lines and the JD character I grew to dislike.
CR
I totally agree. The first and second scenes are great. But when they run out of jokes and start doing serious stuff, it just fails.
I've looked at a couple inbetweeners clips as well. I don't think that would fly as a show aimed at teens in the US - to vulgar. But at least it seems more realistic and better written than that other show.
Wow, really? I have the DVDs for The Inbetweeners and they say '18' on, but the show seems to be a little like Skins (which is also 18, I think) but more comedic rather than dramatic. Both shows are orientated around students in the 16-18 age group, and they are both popular with 16s+ here, though Channel 4 wouldn't admit that under-18s are watching the programmes. :P
Chuck is about some best buy geek squad member who gets a government database downloaded into his brain via the internet and so he gets roped into government plans to defeat evil spying organizations in the greater LA area.
One of the prettier actresses in this show is in a computer game, like-for-like (http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Miranda_Lawson); technology, huh? I haven't gotten around to seeing this yet though, it looks funny though. :3
Glee is about highschoolers in Ohio joining a new glee, or singing and performance, club at their high school. Definitely not the same disney-clean fare as 'high school musical', it features a lot of television tropes and humor mixed with drama. And the singing is good too.
I've watched this show a few times, and it's certainly more palatable than High School Musical; I'm struggling to really get into it though. :<
As for Scrubs, I liked the first few seasons. But the longer plot lines and the JD character I grew to dislike.
Dr. Cox got better and better though. :P
I've watched this show a few times, and it's certainly more palatable than High School Musical; I'm struggling to really get into it though. :<
Don't force yourself, :brood:
Its basically a wannabe musical, those are never good.
CountArach
03-07-2010, 23:31
I know that, as of the latest series, there's quite a few who've appeared a fair few times: Jo Brand (24), Sean Lock (21), Phill Jupitus (21), Bill Bailey (19) and Rich Hall (19). Everytime I turn on QI, I see Jo Brand on it. >.<
My bigger problem is with people like Clive Anderson, who I don't find particularly funny and who is far too knowledgeable for that show.
gaelic cowboy
03-07-2010, 23:35
I just watched Frankie Boyles DVD last night I enjoyed it but I found it to be a bit lacking continuity now Dara O'Briain can give a seemingly random set which merges seemlessly with the prepared stuff and its intelligent stuff too.
Dr. Cox got better and better though. :P
Meh. I've got a not dissimilar personality to Dr Cox, so I found myself not at all surprised when he insulted J.D. with some new taunt, as they'd be the kind of things I'd say.
A Very Super Market
03-08-2010, 06:33
American TV always seems to drag on far too long. They keep trying to prod the old dog, wanting to see the tricks he used to play, but he's just too brittle and frail for them. Sadly, instead of realizing their folly and writing off a series with a nice finale, they keep it going, with a "Make everything more pronounced" mentality. Soon, characters are unrecognizable, plots far-fetched, and continuing with our dog metaphor, our dear pet has been beaten, kicked, and his flopping, ugly innards are available for all to see.
WinsingtonIII
03-11-2010, 06:14
Has anyone else watched Modern Family? That's quite a funny new show. Community and 30 Rock are also quite good, as mentioned before.
For British comedy I usually end up going back to Fawlty Towers (it can be painful but it's truly brilliant), or Jeeves and Wooster (partially because I like Fry and Laurie, partially because I love P.G. Wodehouse).
Banquo's Ghost
03-11-2010, 14:02
There are some classic comedies referred to in the thread, particularly British ones. However, US sitcoms have often scaled the absolute heights of brilliance and yet seem strangely absent from the roll call here.
My three favourite long running sitcoms are Frasier, Cheers and M*A*S*H. Each relies on wonderfully clever wordplay and deeply affecting characterisation that makes the journey over some years sweeter and funnier.
As a fan of timing and the ancient art of farce, I cannot praise this (below) greatest of scenes from Frasier highly enough. I weep with laughter every time. Immaculate timing, increasing chaos, in tempo to the music and perfect use of character - and a dog. True comic genius - enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTdD_dVyteA
As a fan of timing and the ancient art of farce, I cannot praise this (below) greatest of scenes from Frasier highly enough. I weep with laughter every time. Immaculate timing, increasing chaos, in tempo to the music and perfect use of character - and a dog. True comic genius - enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTdD_dVyteA
It was like Mr. Bean, but more obvious. I could see the Iron fire from a mile away for example.
CountArach
03-11-2010, 22:38
My three favourite long running sitcoms are Frasier, Cheers and M*A*S*H. Each relies on wonderfully clever wordplay and deeply affecting characterisation that makes the journey over some years sweeter and funnier.
Early M*A*S*H, with Trapper and Frank, was utterly hilarious. I never felt that Hawkeye had the same interplay with BJ or Winchester. The show also gradually became much more serious, which in itself is not a bad thing, but it isn't what I watch it for. Still the complete collection of M*A*S*H is in my house and I have watched all of them. A masterpiece of television but perhaps slightly too long-running.
Philippus Flavius Homovallumus
03-14-2010, 01:56
I was going to mention M*A*S*H as well, actually. I recall someone noting that when it was first broadcast in the UK the canned laughter was removed from the soundtrack. Also, I have to say that 'Allo 'Allo is pure genius, especially the early stuff. If you know something about the SOE it's even funnier because they really DID try some of those insane plans.
I must admit I am enjoying GLEE immensely, but I suspect that has something to do with a certain actress.
This contains some naughty words, Lemur wouldn't allow his kids to hear. So if you do not want to be confronted with an F-bomb, or an H-bomb or any other Bombs, do not go to the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIyNzRvKBw4
It is from the TV Show "Mock the Week" bonus round, where the contestants are given a theme, and have to come up with material for humour. The theme there is "Unlikely Lines in a Hollywood Blockbuster Movie". I am sure there are other links to other parts, etc through the related.
I loved that round!
"Nemo, where the **** have you been?!"
Shows that MTW can still be funny without Mr. Boyle. :P
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