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Who would you give this award to?
Just been watching an episode of Rising Damp and fell about laughing. That program seems to have lasted the test of time really well.
There is something about the comedy timing and the editing process which has not exactly survived the test of time. Take the reboot of Open all Hours, it wasn't a patch on the original. Probably something to do with all the camera angle changes compared to the camera following the actors and their antics.
Just been watching an episode of Rising Damp and fell about laughing. That program seems to have lasted the test of time really well.
There is something about the comedy timing and the editing process which has not exactly survived the test of time. Take the reboot of Open all Hours, it wasn't a patch on the original. Probably something to do with all the camera angle changes compared to the camera following the actors and their antics.
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In reply to The Lemming:
fawlty tower has to be the best for me . followed by porridge
fawlty tower has to be the best for me . followed by porridge
Post edited at 18:07
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In reply to The Lemming:
Rising Damp feels very dated to me. I loved Open All Hours as a kid, but the re-boot is poor and looking back at old episodes of the original, it is nothing like as good as I remember.
The two stand out sitcoms of the 70s are Porridge and Faulty Towers. Only Fools and Horses is still my favourite sitcom, even though Porridge and Faulty Towers are probably objectively of higher quality.
We probably think of the 70s and 80s as the golden age of sitcom, but there was some right old shite.
Rising Damp feels very dated to me. I loved Open All Hours as a kid, but the re-boot is poor and looking back at old episodes of the original, it is nothing like as good as I remember.
The two stand out sitcoms of the 70s are Porridge and Faulty Towers. Only Fools and Horses is still my favourite sitcom, even though Porridge and Faulty Towers are probably objectively of higher quality.
We probably think of the 70s and 80s as the golden age of sitcom, but there was some right old shite.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Father Ted for me in 1st.
Only Fools and Horses in close 2nd, then Blackadder, maybe.
Father Ted for me in 1st.
Only Fools and Horses in close 2nd, then Blackadder, maybe.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Definite votes for Father Ted & Porridge from me.
Also a shout for Yes Minister. Scarily accurate, even today. Sublimely written & acted.
Definite votes for Father Ted & Porridge from me.
Also a shout for Yes Minister. Scarily accurate, even today. Sublimely written & acted.
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In reply to The Lemming:
I have to admit that I thought Gimme Gimme Gimme was hilarious.
A honourable mention had to go to Four pints of lager and a packet of crisps.
I have to admit that I thought Gimme Gimme Gimme was hilarious.
A honourable mention had to go to Four pints of lager and a packet of crisps.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Blackadder for me. It just got better and better! Probably Yes, Minister a close second.
Blackadder for me. It just got better and better! Probably Yes, Minister a close second.
Post edited at 20:02
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In reply to The Lemming:
The Inbetweeners
Gavin & Stacey
The Thick of It
Only Fools & Horses
G&S and OF&H also have a warmth and the affection you have for the characters that gives them something extra.
The Inbetweeners
Gavin & Stacey
The Thick of It
Only Fools & Horses
G&S and OF&H also have a warmth and the affection you have for the characters that gives them something extra.
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In reply to The Lemming:
The Office and Extras were pretty great.
Haven't seen in for years, but in my memory M*A*S*H was really good
And Nightingales - anybody there?
The Office and Extras were pretty great.
Haven't seen in for years, but in my memory M*A*S*H was really good
And Nightingales - anybody there?
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In reply to The Lemming:
My shortlist:
Blackadder
Bottom
Father Ted
Fawlty Towers
Men Behaving Badly
Only Fools and Horses
The Gay Daleks
The Inbetweeners
My shortlist:
Blackadder
Bottom
Father Ted
Fawlty Towers
Men Behaving Badly
Only Fools and Horses
The Gay Daleks
The Inbetweeners
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In reply to FactorXXX:
The gay daleks?
Never heard of that one.
As for comedy sitcoms that did NOT float my boat they were the Royal Family and The Office.
Not funny in the slightest
The gay daleks?
Never heard of that one.
As for comedy sitcoms that did NOT float my boat they were the Royal Family and The Office.
Not funny in the slightest
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In reply to The Lemming:
The gay daleks? Never heard of that one.
That was a slightly tongue in cheek insertion to see if you were paying attention.
Google it at your peril...
As for comedy sitcoms that did NOT float my boat they were the Royal Family and The Office.
Agree with you about 'The Office', but thought that 'The Royle Family' was pretty good. However, that reminds me of 'Early Doors' which might well need to be added to my list.
The gay daleks? Never heard of that one.
That was a slightly tongue in cheek insertion to see if you were paying attention.
Google it at your peril...
As for comedy sitcoms that did NOT float my boat they were the Royal Family and The Office.
Agree with you about 'The Office', but thought that 'The Royle Family' was pretty good. However, that reminds me of 'Early Doors' which might well need to be added to my list.
In reply to The Lemming:
If you didn't piss yourself laughing when Brent did THE dance, you must have got a humour bypass!
> As for comedy sitcoms that did NOT float my boat they were the Royal Family and The Office.
> Not funny in the slightest
If you didn't piss yourself laughing when Brent did THE dance, you must have got a humour bypass!
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In reply to FactorXXX:
Victor Lewis-Smith was pretty hit and miss: moments of genius but I'm not sure The Gay Daleks was one of them!
I think sitcoms are defined by their era: tough to compare Rising Damp to the Inbetweeners as society has changed so much in between.
Imagine Mary Whitehouse watching the Inbetweeners. That would be worth a show in its own right...
Back in the day I'd say Porridge, Rising Damp and Fawlty Towers, with the latter getting the crown on hit:miss ratio given how few episodes there were. And for every episode of Porridge there were plenty of Sorry! or Butterflies or Bread episodes to endure.
b
Victor Lewis-Smith was pretty hit and miss: moments of genius but I'm not sure The Gay Daleks was one of them!
I think sitcoms are defined by their era: tough to compare Rising Damp to the Inbetweeners as society has changed so much in between.
Imagine Mary Whitehouse watching the Inbetweeners. That would be worth a show in its own right...
Back in the day I'd say Porridge, Rising Damp and Fawlty Towers, with the latter getting the crown on hit:miss ratio given how few episodes there were. And for every episode of Porridge there were plenty of Sorry! or Butterflies or Bread episodes to endure.
b
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In reply to ben b:
How could I forget, One Foot in the Grave with Meldrew!
> Victor Lewis-So and so ...
How could I forget, One Foot in the Grave with Meldrew!
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In reply to Lusk:
Saw it on YouTube.
Meh!
> If you didn't piss yourself laughing when Brent did THE dance, you must have got a humour bypass!
Saw it on YouTube.
Meh!
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In reply to ben b:
I though Butterflies was great.
However I though No place like home was better. An honourable mention goes to Doc Martin and Waiting for God.
I though Butterflies was great.
However I though No place like home was better. An honourable mention goes to Doc Martin and Waiting for God.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Join the Daft Club, mate!
I'm going senile ....
The Likely Lads, (70s version), that's my ALL time favourite.
Und Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
Join the Daft Club, mate!
I'm going senile ....
The Likely Lads, (70s version), that's my ALL time favourite.
Und Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
Post edited at 23:33
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In reply to The Lemming:
No Phoenix Nights!
Faulty Towers
Blackadder II
IT Crowd
Black Books
Rising Damp - especially the one when he thought he'd driven over the cat (Vienna).
The Office was shite!
No Phoenix Nights!
Faulty Towers
Blackadder II
IT Crowd
Black Books
Rising Damp - especially the one when he thought he'd driven over the cat (Vienna).
The Office was shite!
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In reply to The Lemming:
I guess one things that this thread demonstrates is that people enjoy very different things from sitcoms. Some wonderful stuff being dismissed as unfunny and some turgid old guff being praised. The thread has definately reminded me of some stuff that I loved and at least nobody has mentioned Mrs Brown's Boys.
I guess one things that this thread demonstrates is that people enjoy very different things from sitcoms. Some wonderful stuff being dismissed as unfunny and some turgid old guff being praised. The thread has definately reminded me of some stuff that I loved and at least nobody has mentioned Mrs Brown's Boys.
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In reply to Lusk:
I think you are referring to Whatever Happened to the Likely lads, as I said earlier, my favourite too.
i don't really know why I missed all the earlier ones and am upset to learn that all but half a dozen have been destroyed by the BBC.
Also rather upset that Bolam and Bewes had a fallout in the mid 70's and haven't spoken since.
Words were said, Terry, words were said.....
I think you are referring to Whatever Happened to the Likely lads, as I said earlier, my favourite too.
i don't really know why I missed all the earlier ones and am upset to learn that all but half a dozen have been destroyed by the BBC.
Also rather upset that Bolam and Bewes had a fallout in the mid 70's and haven't spoken since.
Words were said, Terry, words were said.....
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In reply to The New NickB:
The one I could never get my head around its popularity, was The Good Life and the obsession people have with what's her name.
The one I could never get my head around its popularity, was The Good Life and the obsession people have with what's her name.
Post edited at 00:02
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In reply to The Lemming:
Fawlty Towers in number 1 position, then
Dad's Army
Blackadder
Only Fools and Horses
Fawlty Towers in number 1 position, then
Dad's Army
Blackadder
Only Fools and Horses
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In reply to The Lemming:
There is one sitcom that has not stood the test of time is The Young Ones. At the time I howled with laughter. I watched an episode this year and it was cringe worthy.
What has stood the test of time though, and I am watching again after 30 years is The New Statesman.
Comedy genus.
There is one sitcom that has not stood the test of time is The Young Ones. At the time I howled with laughter. I watched an episode this year and it was cringe worthy.
What has stood the test of time though, and I am watching again after 30 years is The New Statesman.
Comedy genus.
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In reply to aln:
Still tops a lot of the rankings, and deservedly so.
I've high hopes for the new series of Curb Your Enthusiasm which has been consistently brilliant.
> Seinfeld.
Still tops a lot of the rankings, and deservedly so.
I've high hopes for the new series of Curb Your Enthusiasm which has been consistently brilliant.
In reply to The Lemming:
Father Ted - the minority players are class - the dancing vicar, and the arguing shopkeeper couple
and Yes Minister, especially as its (sadly!) still spot on even now
Father Ted - the minority players are class - the dancing vicar, and the arguing shopkeeper couple
and Yes Minister, especially as its (sadly!) still spot on even now
In reply to JamButty:
What I would give for a Prime Minister half as competent as Jim Hacker!
> and Yes Minister, especially as its (sadly!) still spot on even now
What I would give for a Prime Minister half as competent as Jim Hacker!
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In reply to The Lemming:
Father Ted
Black Books
15 Storeys High (Sean Lock - massively underrated)
Reggie Perrin (is it a sitcom?)
Detectorists (to throw in my current favourite)
Father Ted
Black Books
15 Storeys High (Sean Lock - massively underrated)
Reggie Perrin (is it a sitcom?)
Detectorists (to throw in my current favourite)
Post edited at 08:26
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In reply to The Lemming:
I suppose Tony Hancock lived in a "situation" of being himself.
All Gas and Gaiters was a favourite of mine as well as AP Herbert's Misleading Cases, just to mention a couple of probably forgotten ones
I suppose Tony Hancock lived in a "situation" of being himself.
All Gas and Gaiters was a favourite of mine as well as AP Herbert's Misleading Cases, just to mention a couple of probably forgotten ones
In reply to The Lemming:
Red Dwarf
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Allo Allo
BlackAdder
InBetweeners
Young Ones
not the best but was really good...
Honky Sausages
Perfect World
Red Dwarf
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Allo Allo
BlackAdder
InBetweeners
Young Ones
not the best but was really good...
Honky Sausages
Perfect World
In reply to The Lemming:
The Simpsons, though I haven't watched it for some years - I gather it's passed its peak. Finally demonstrated that when the Americans *do* get irony, they do it very, very well -
Homer: And so, the burglar was caught by the very person who was trying to catch him.
Principal Skinner: How ironic.
Also honourable mention to Futurama particularly for Bender the kleptomaniac, vice-ridden anti-social robot.
Blackadder obviously though some of it has dated badly. And the first series is terrible.
Peep Show and The Office (and its American remake) are works of genius.
Lately, Bojack Horseman for successfully making depression funny.
Never saw what was funny about Only Fools, Last of the Summer Wine etc. Something for my parents' generation.
The Simpsons, though I haven't watched it for some years - I gather it's passed its peak. Finally demonstrated that when the Americans *do* get irony, they do it very, very well -
Homer: And so, the burglar was caught by the very person who was trying to catch him.
Principal Skinner: How ironic.
Also honourable mention to Futurama particularly for Bender the kleptomaniac, vice-ridden anti-social robot.
Blackadder obviously though some of it has dated badly. And the first series is terrible.
Peep Show and The Office (and its American remake) are works of genius.
Lately, Bojack Horseman for successfully making depression funny.
Never saw what was funny about Only Fools, Last of the Summer Wine etc. Something for my parents' generation.
Post edited at 09:43
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In reply to The Lemming:
Best - a difficult choice between BlackAdder and Yes Minister, with Porridge not far behind
Most underrated - Dinnerladies. Why does this not get repeated ?
Best - a difficult choice between BlackAdder and Yes Minister, with Porridge not far behind
Most underrated - Dinnerladies. Why does this not get repeated ?
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In reply to The Lemming:
Bottom
The Thick of It
Yes Minister
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin - CJ is possibly my favourite comedy character ever.
Father Ted
Peep Show
The IT Crowd
Bottom
The Thick of It
Yes Minister
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin - CJ is possibly my favourite comedy character ever.
Father Ted
Peep Show
The IT Crowd
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In reply to Mooncat:
Father Ted and Fawlty Towers- not one wasted line in any episode. Maybe Ted gets the nod for the playful absurdity ("If there's a nurse here could she please come to the Tunnel of Goats where a young boy has become stuck"...) and underlying warmth. Fawlty Towers is astonishing in the bleakness of the situation and the intense misanthropy of the main character- a testament to the writing skills of Cleese and Booth that they manage to make it so funny despite, or perhaps because of this
honorable mentions to The Thick of It, Yes Minister, Blackadder- especially Blackadder Goes Forth, and The Simpsons
Father Ted and Fawlty Towers- not one wasted line in any episode. Maybe Ted gets the nod for the playful absurdity ("If there's a nurse here could she please come to the Tunnel of Goats where a young boy has become stuck"...) and underlying warmth. Fawlty Towers is astonishing in the bleakness of the situation and the intense misanthropy of the main character- a testament to the writing skills of Cleese and Booth that they manage to make it so funny despite, or perhaps because of this
honorable mentions to The Thick of It, Yes Minister, Blackadder- especially Blackadder Goes Forth, and The Simpsons
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In reply to The Lemming:
I wonder if any other sitcom will stand the test of time in the way Dad's Army has and provide us with as many as six such brilliant characters whose names still trip off the tongue after nearly half a century. I doubt it.
I wonder if any other sitcom will stand the test of time in the way Dad's Army has and provide us with as many as six such brilliant characters whose names still trip off the tongue after nearly half a century. I doubt it.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Spaced
Father Ted
IT Crowd
And one no-one has mentioned Flight of the Conchords, sublime
Honourable mentions to League of Gentleman and Catastrophe
Spaced
Father Ted
IT Crowd
And one no-one has mentioned Flight of the Conchords, sublime
Honourable mentions to League of Gentleman and Catastrophe
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In reply to The Lemming:
NATHAN BARLEY!!!
Can't believe I forgot to mention this. Well worth seeking out.
NATHAN BARLEY!!!
Can't believe I forgot to mention this. Well worth seeking out.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Rab C Nesbitt was patchy, especially towards the end, but contained enough moments of utter brilliance to be worth at least an honourable mention.
Rab C Nesbitt was patchy, especially towards the end, but contained enough moments of utter brilliance to be worth at least an honourable mention.
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In reply to The Lemming:
All the good ones have been mentioned, many of which are classics and decades old. A very recent addition the list should definitely be Car Share.
All the good ones have been mentioned, many of which are classics and decades old. A very recent addition the list should definitely be Car Share.
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In reply to Robert Durran:
Leaves me cold. I Just don't find it funny, along with the vast majority of classic UK comedy.
> I wonder if any other sitcom will stand the test of time in the way Dad's Army has and provide us with as many as six such brilliant characters whose names still trip off the tongue after nearly half a century. I doubt it.
Leaves me cold. I Just don't find it funny, along with the vast majority of classic UK comedy.
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In reply to The New NickB:
I can only assume that people who enjoy this also think that the 'comedy within a comedy' in Extras was the point of it all.
> ...at least nobody has mentioned Mrs Brown's Boys.
I can only assume that people who enjoy this also think that the 'comedy within a comedy' in Extras was the point of it all.
In reply to bouldery bits:
ah yes, it was well weapon
> NATHAN BARLEY!!!
> Can't believe I forgot to mention this. Well worth seeking out.
ah yes, it was well weapon
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In reply to Chris Harris:
one of my favourite TV moments was when the men in white coats came to collect Rab's loony brother, who'd broken out of the asylum. Rab asked them how he'd managed to get out....
Man in white coat: "Well y'see, anyone can break out of anywhere if he has a mind to."
Rab, casting a jaundiced eye over his Govan surroundings: "You think so?"
> Rab C Nesbitt was patchy, especially towards the end, but contained enough moments of utter brilliance to be worth at least an honourable mention.
one of my favourite TV moments was when the men in white coats came to collect Rab's loony brother, who'd broken out of the asylum. Rab asked them how he'd managed to get out....
Man in white coat: "Well y'see, anyone can break out of anywhere if he has a mind to."
Rab, casting a jaundiced eye over his Govan surroundings: "You think so?"
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In reply to FactorXXX:
Early Doors was absolutely brilliant and I drive past the pub it was filmed in everytime I go through Stockport. The 2 coppers were superb.
two pints of lager was an early sign of great things.
Dad's Army must still rank highly.
Big fan of IT crowd, the epsiode on the " internet"..classic.
Early Doors was absolutely brilliant and I drive past the pub it was filmed in everytime I go through Stockport. The 2 coppers were superb.
two pints of lager was an early sign of great things.
Dad's Army must still rank highly.
Big fan of IT crowd, the epsiode on the " internet"..classic.
In reply to The Lemming:
Is Nathan Barley a sit com? If so, then that wins all day. That and peep show.
Is Nathan Barley a sit com? If so, then that wins all day. That and peep show.
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In reply to TheDrunkenBakers:
Haven't seen a mention of Steptoe and Son so far
> All the good ones have been mentioned........
Almost.Haven't seen a mention of Steptoe and Son so far
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In reply to The Lemming:
Anybody mentioned Men behaving badly yet?
And would Alf Garnet get commissioned today if it was pitched to a TV exec?
Anybody mentioned Men behaving badly yet?
And would Alf Garnet get commissioned today if it was pitched to a TV exec?
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In reply to The Lemming:
Can't help thinking the likelihood of that is a lot higher now than it was a year and a half ago.
> And would Alf Garnet get commissioned today if it was pitched to a TV exec?
Can't help thinking the likelihood of that is a lot higher now than it was a year and a half ago.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Curb
Frasier
Office (UK)
Fawlty
Dad's
Seinfeld
Office (US)
Green Wing
Friday Night Dinner
Friends
Probably in that order or thereabouts
Ones that didn't do it for me
Blackadder (as overrated as Withnail in film)
Fools
Curb
Frasier
Office (UK)
Fawlty
Dad's
Seinfeld
Office (US)
Green Wing
Friday Night Dinner
Friends
Probably in that order or thereabouts
Ones that didn't do it for me
Blackadder (as overrated as Withnail in film)
Fools
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In reply to Yanis Nayu:
'Him and Her' was good for this too, I thought
> G&S and OF&H also have a warmth and the affection you have for the characters that gives them something extra
'Him and Her' was good for this too, I thought
In reply to The Lemming:
Fawlty Towers for me, second place to Father Ted. Not a duff scene in either, and both ended before they went stale, though at too high a price for Father Ted.
Honourable mention for Whatever happened to the likely lads, one for summoning up the early 70's nostalgia dimly remembered from my early childhood, but mainly for the best line ever from Terry:
"How Bob man, I'd give you a beer....
But I've only got six"
Fawlty Towers for me, second place to Father Ted. Not a duff scene in either, and both ended before they went stale, though at too high a price for Father Ted.
Honourable mention for Whatever happened to the likely lads, one for summoning up the early 70's nostalgia dimly remembered from my early childhood, but mainly for the best line ever from Terry:
"How Bob man, I'd give you a beer....
But I've only got six"
In reply to The Lemming:
I'd just like to add Outnumbered and My Family to the list, even though I don't think the term "finest sitcom" has any meaning or worth when there are so many each with its own charm
I'd just like to add Outnumbered and My Family to the list, even though I don't think the term "finest sitcom" has any meaning or worth when there are so many each with its own charm
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In reply to The Lemming: as well as Fawlty Towers I find Curb your enthusiasm literally painful to watch (excessive wince induced laughter)
Iso much variance in taste - I didn't think Fools and Horses was particularly funny then , let alone now, and Dads Army sits down there with it ain't half hot mum
Iso much variance in taste - I didn't think Fools and Horses was particularly funny then , let alone now, and Dads Army sits down there with it ain't half hot mum
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In reply to wbo:
The Lemming: as well as Fawlty Towers I find Curb your enthusiasm literally painful to watch (excessive wince induced laughter)
Iso much variance in taste - I didn't think Fools and Horses was particularly funny then , let alone now, and Dads Army sits down there with it ain't half hot mum
Are there any you actually like?
The Lemming: as well as Fawlty Towers I find Curb your enthusiasm literally painful to watch (excessive wince induced laughter)
Iso much variance in taste - I didn't think Fools and Horses was particularly funny then , let alone now, and Dads Army sits down there with it ain't half hot mum
Are there any you actually like?
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In reply to bouldery bits:
The scene of the group of Catholic Priests trying to get out of the lingerie section in the department store is simply genius!
> Father Ted
The scene of the group of Catholic Priests trying to get out of the lingerie section in the department store is simply genius!
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In reply to The Lemming:
The correct answer in order is:
Fawlty Towers
Dad's Army
Yes Minister
with honourable mentions for Porridge, The Office and Blackadder.
The correct answer in order is:
Fawlty Towers
Dad's Army
Yes Minister
with honourable mentions for Porridge, The Office and Blackadder.
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In reply to nathan79:
And there may be good reason.
Its not funny.
> Not hearing any noise for the hilarious Citizen Khan.....
And there may be good reason.
Its not funny.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Drop the Dead Donkey - not sure if it would stand the test of time though
Absolutely Fabulous
Blackadder
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
Drop the Dead Donkey - not sure if it would stand the test of time though
Absolutely Fabulous
Blackadder
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
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In reply to The Lemming:
I think describing it as not funny is still too much praise.
My serious contribution to the main topic is Blackadder or The Phil Silvers show. Bilko and the boys never fail to amuse me.
I think describing it as not funny is still too much praise.
My serious contribution to the main topic is Blackadder or The Phil Silvers show. Bilko and the boys never fail to amuse me.
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In reply to nathan79:
Sadly the original has been removed from youtube, but this is as close to the original as I can get.
Pure genius.
youtube.com/watch?v=huSP7PtctC4&
youtube.com/watch?v=z6h0lkq-Sno&
> Not hearing any noise for the hilarious Citizen Khan.....
Sadly the original has been removed from youtube, but this is as close to the original as I can get.
Pure genius.
youtube.com/watch?v=huSP7PtctC4&
youtube.com/watch?v=z6h0lkq-Sno&
Post edited at 17:24
In reply to The Lemming:
Father Ted
IT Crowd
Flight of the Conchords
Peep Show
Arrested Development
I also loved Pete Vs Life which is perhaps a bit more obscure but I thought every episode was a winner and thought the format was hilarious.
Father Ted
IT Crowd
Flight of the Conchords
Peep Show
Arrested Development
I also loved Pete Vs Life which is perhaps a bit more obscure but I thought every episode was a winner and thought the format was hilarious.
In reply to The Lemming:
Well, it could just be me, but "Not Going Out" is one of the few programmes to make me laugh out loud.
JW
Well, it could just be me, but "Not Going Out" is one of the few programmes to make me laugh out loud.
JW
In reply to The Lemming:
Community and Curb Your Enthusiasm (the latter is remarkably similar to Fawlty Towers except more mature, sophisticated, consistent and well-developed)
Community and Curb Your Enthusiasm (the latter is remarkably similar to Fawlty Towers except more mature, sophisticated, consistent and well-developed)
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In reply to The Lemming:
Some great ones listed above. For me the best that come to mind are (surprising all British though that is not intentional)
Alan Partridge (NO MENTON YET!!!)
The Inbetweeners
Peep Show
The IT Crowd
Nathan Barley
These made me laugh a lot. sometimes sidesplittingly so.
Close behind these:
Father Ted
Phoenix Nights
Spaced
The Office
Red Dwarf
The League of Gentlemen
Also a mention for Outnumbered.
Further back in time I remember enjoying
AbFab
Blackadder (many of these espisodes are still funny)
The Young Ones
Yes Minister
Faulty Towers
Some great ones listed above. For me the best that come to mind are (surprising all British though that is not intentional)
Alan Partridge (NO MENTON YET!!!)
The Inbetweeners
Peep Show
The IT Crowd
Nathan Barley
These made me laugh a lot. sometimes sidesplittingly so.
Close behind these:
Father Ted
Phoenix Nights
Spaced
The Office
Red Dwarf
The League of Gentlemen
Also a mention for Outnumbered.
Further back in time I remember enjoying
AbFab
Blackadder (many of these espisodes are still funny)
The Young Ones
Yes Minister
Faulty Towers
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In reply to Flinticus:
He was mentioned nearly 3 weeks ago on this thread.
> Alan Partridge (NO MENTON YET!!!)
He was mentioned nearly 3 weeks ago on this thread.
In reply to Flinticus:
In such cases I use the "Find" function in my browser, to avoid embarrassment
In such cases I use the "Find" function in my browser, to avoid embarrassment
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In reply to The Lemming:
Nighty Night and Hunderby by Julia Davis. The scene in the second series of Nighty Night with an attempt at artificial insemination with a sunday dinner made me nearly choke with laughter.
Another vote for Phil Silvers as well. The series of the Odd Couple with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman in the late 70's was good as well.
Nighty Night and Hunderby by Julia Davis. The scene in the second series of Nighty Night with an attempt at artificial insemination with a sunday dinner made me nearly choke with laughter.
Another vote for Phil Silvers as well. The series of the Odd Couple with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman in the late 70's was good as well.
In reply to ben b:
### WHITE ### WEE-WEES ### IN ### THE ### DARK! ###
> Victor Lewis-Smith was pretty hit and miss: moments of genius but I'm not sure The Gay Daleks was one of them!
### WHITE ### WEE-WEES ### IN ### THE ### DARK! ###
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In reply to Si_G:
OK maybe it was funnier than I recall (watching in a student flat in North London in 1997)!
I still love his appearance on U.F.Orb (Towers Of Dub) calling Reception at LWT. "Is there a Haillie Selassie here?" ...."Was that him?" "No, that's a cat..."
Plus you get to listen to endless electronic noodling too. Result!
b
OK maybe it was funnier than I recall (watching in a student flat in North London in 1997)!
I still love his appearance on U.F.Orb (Towers Of Dub) calling Reception at LWT. "Is there a Haillie Selassie here?" ...."Was that him?" "No, that's a cat..."
Plus you get to listen to endless electronic noodling too. Result!
b
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In reply to The Lemming:
Loved last of the summer wine until it got to have too much slapstick. Brian Wilde's comic timing was perfection.
Loved last of the summer wine until it got to have too much slapstick. Brian Wilde's comic timing was perfection.
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In reply to Steve Perry:
The American Office actually very good. Better than the original (with the exception of the first series that tried to copy the original)
> No Phoenix Nights!
> Faulty Towers
> Blackadder II
> IT Crowd
> Black Books
> Rising Damp - especially the one when he thought he'd driven over the cat (Vienna).
> The Office was shite!
The American Office actually very good. Better than the original (with the exception of the first series that tried to copy the original)
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In reply to Mooncat:
You didn't get where you are today without recognising a great character when you saw one!
>
>
You didn't get where you are today without recognising a great character when you saw one!
>
>
> The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin - CJ is possibly my favourite comedy character ever.
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In reply to plyometrics:
Agreed, and the BBC should get more credit for putting it out
> I'm a big fan of W1A
Agreed, and the BBC should get more credit for putting it out
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In reply to DubyaJamesDubya:
I'd disagree. They were both very good but very different. US Office had no downright malevolent characters (Finchy), and no excruciatingly nasty situations (the stolen Post-its), and was the worse for their absence. US Brent was always more likeable than UK Brent, and this in a way detracted from the comedy and made it more like a regular soap opera. Still, highly watchable.
> The American Office actually very good. Better than the original (with the exception of the first series that tried to copy the original)
I'd disagree. They were both very good but very different. US Office had no downright malevolent characters (Finchy), and no excruciatingly nasty situations (the stolen Post-its), and was the worse for their absence. US Brent was always more likeable than UK Brent, and this in a way detracted from the comedy and made it more like a regular soap opera. Still, highly watchable.
In reply to Flinticus:
One of my favourite scenes in Alan Partridge was where Alan had taken 2 complimentary chocolate mousses back to his hotel room where he was entering a lady friend. Room service calls in the middle of the night (ex military chap from Newcastle) and Alan answers the door with chocolate all round his mouth and lady friend can be heard in his room behind.
Alan sees the expression on the face of the guy from room service and tries to explain its chocolate on his face.
One of my favourite scenes in Alan Partridge was where Alan had taken 2 complimentary chocolate mousses back to his hotel room where he was entering a lady friend. Room service calls in the middle of the night (ex military chap from Newcastle) and Alan answers the door with chocolate all round his mouth and lady friend can be heard in his room behind.
Alan sees the expression on the face of the guy from room service and tries to explain its chocolate on his face.
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In reply to felt:
I think you have to give some extra credit to the amount show you get with the American version.
> I'd disagree. They were both very good but very different. US Office had no downright malevolent characters (Finchy), and no excruciatingly nasty situations (the stolen Post-its), and was the worse for their absence. US Brent was always more likeable than UK Brent, and this in a way detracted from the comedy and made it more like a regular soap opera. Still, highly watchable.
I think you have to give some extra credit to the amount show you get with the American version.
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In reply to ben b:
Definitely a cab. Meet him in Babylon an ting.
> I still love his appearance on U.F.Orb (Towers Of Dub) calling Reception at LWT. "Is there a Haillie Selassie here?" ...."Was that him?" "No, that's a cat..."
Definitely a cab. Meet him in Babylon an ting.
In reply to Si_G:
“When Marcus comes in...?”
Well that’s 20 years I thought it was a cat... admittedly that would be funnier
Thanks for the correction!
B
“When Marcus comes in...?”
Well that’s 20 years I thought it was a cat... admittedly that would be funnier
Thanks for the correction!
B
In reply to ben b:
Cat's definitely better
Took care of my afternoon nicely having a listen back. I had the 12" with the remix about Claude anime and the Timothy Leary trip of the month card...
Cat's definitely better
Took care of my afternoon nicely having a listen back. I had the 12" with the remix about Claude anime and the Timothy Leary trip of the month card...
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In reply to The Lemming:
League of gentlemen
Alan Partridge(mobile home Ukrainian gf)
Thrd stone from the sun.
That 70 show
League of gentlemen
Alan Partridge(mobile home Ukrainian gf)
Thrd stone from the sun.
That 70 show
In reply to The Lemming:
Situation comedy: series in which the same set of characters are involved in various amusing situations.
Stretching it a bit, and possibly an indictment of recent comedy, I'd vote for game of Thrones.
Its certainly a "situation" and the exchanges between some of the characters make me chuckle more than most current programmes.
Add the sex, nudity, spectacle and brutal violence and what's not to like?
Situation comedy: series in which the same set of characters are involved in various amusing situations.
Stretching it a bit, and possibly an indictment of recent comedy, I'd vote for game of Thrones.
Its certainly a "situation" and the exchanges between some of the characters make me chuckle more than most current programmes.
Add the sex, nudity, spectacle and brutal violence and what's not to like?
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In reply to oldie:
The games are not really in this category, but I get your logic. Probably friends is the most renowned situation comeny of all time.
The games are not really in this category, but I get your logic. Probably friends is the most renowned situation comeny of all time.
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In reply to spartacus:
>......Alan had taken 2 complimentary chocolate mousses back to his hotel room where he was entering a lady friend.
Crikey!
>......Alan had taken 2 complimentary chocolate mousses back to his hotel room where he was entering a lady friend.
Crikey!
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In reply to The Lemming:
You can't go wrong with Eric Chappell. Only When I Laugh and Home To Roost are also up there with the very best.
> Just been watching an episode of Rising Damp and fell about laughing. That program seems to have lasted the test of time really well.
You can't go wrong with Eric Chappell. Only When I Laugh and Home To Roost are also up there with the very best.
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In reply to The Lemming:
Not often classed as a "sitcom" but Cardiac Arrest was, for me, one of the funniest series' I ever saw. Some tragedy in it too.
The little touches were great, such as the signs in the corridors pointing to "Crippen Ward", "Mengele Ward" or "Frenulum Ward".
Loved it, but never seen it repeated.
Not often classed as a "sitcom" but Cardiac Arrest was, for me, one of the funniest series' I ever saw. Some tragedy in it too.
The little touches were great, such as the signs in the corridors pointing to "Crippen Ward", "Mengele Ward" or "Frenulum Ward".
Loved it, but never seen it repeated.
In reply to The Lemming:
Dad's Army (the original series)
Yes Minister
Yes Prime Minister
The Good Life
Open All Hours (the original series)
The Vicar of Dibley - particularly the puddle jumping sequence vimeo.com/146578437
Dad's Army (the original series)
Yes Minister
Yes Prime Minister
The Good Life
Open All Hours (the original series)
The Vicar of Dibley - particularly the puddle jumping sequence vimeo.com/146578437
Post edited at 16:26
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In reply to The Lemming:
Coming to this late but...
Father Ted
Blackadder 2 - 4
Only Fools
The Thick Of It
Veep
Alan Partridge
Yes (Prime)Minister
Parks & Recreation
Phoenix Nights
Peep Show
The Office
Porridge
Seinfeld
Did anyone read the 'email exchange' between Tucker and Partridge in The Big Issue edition edited by Armando Ianucci?
Tucker on a couple of leading Brexiteers.
“Would you follow them into battle? Michael Gove, the talking sea-lion? That lying shit Boris Johnson, a 20-stone binbag of f***ng giblets in a Brian Jones wig. Shit off.”
Coming to this late but...
Father Ted
Blackadder 2 - 4
Only Fools
The Thick Of It
Veep
Alan Partridge
Yes (Prime)Minister
Parks & Recreation
Phoenix Nights
Peep Show
The Office
Porridge
Seinfeld
Did anyone read the 'email exchange' between Tucker and Partridge in The Big Issue edition edited by Armando Ianucci?
Tucker on a couple of leading Brexiteers.
“Would you follow them into battle? Michael Gove, the talking sea-lion? That lying shit Boris Johnson, a 20-stone binbag of f***ng giblets in a Brian Jones wig. Shit off.”
Post edited at 16:09
In reply to Lusk:
Felicity?
Deliciously sexy with her wicked flirtation when wearly well fitting jeans, a baggy jersey and wellingtons. She used to turn my knees to jelly......
> The one I could never get my head around its popularity, was The Good Life and the obsession people have with what's her name.
Felicity?
Deliciously sexy with her wicked flirtation when wearly well fitting jeans, a baggy jersey and wellingtons. She used to turn my knees to jelly......
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In reply to The Lemming:
curb- season 9 now showing: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/curb-your-enthus...
curb- season 9 now showing: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/curb-your-enthus...
In reply to TMM:
Parks and Recreation left me totally cold. I came to it late so it already had cult modern classic written all over it. Watched all of Season 1 and barely cracked a smile. I'd been really looking forward to it too; the cast has done plenty of other good stuff (I admit I have not seen Poehler in much else but Plaza, pratt, Jones, Offerman, Schneider....I thought "can't go wrong with this")
It just seemed like the same utterly predictable escapades every episode. I was genuinely baffled as to why I wasn't liking it .
Parks and Recreation left me totally cold. I came to it late so it already had cult modern classic written all over it. Watched all of Season 1 and barely cracked a smile. I'd been really looking forward to it too; the cast has done plenty of other good stuff (I admit I have not seen Poehler in much else but Plaza, pratt, Jones, Offerman, Schneider....I thought "can't go wrong with this")
It just seemed like the same utterly predictable escapades every episode. I was genuinely baffled as to why I wasn't liking it .
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In reply to Thrudge:
I'd forgotten about that - genius writing and the Chinese fella with a deep Lancashire accent, turned up in a pile of Hollywood studio hits.
D
I'd forgotten about that - genius writing and the Chinese fella with a deep Lancashire accent, turned up in a pile of Hollywood studio hits.
D
In reply to The Lemming:
Father Ted
Porridge
The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin
Sykes
Brittas Empire
Blackadder
Steptoe and Son
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads
Till Death Us Do Part
Ever Decreasing Circles
Father Ted
Porridge
The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin
Sykes
Brittas Empire
Blackadder
Steptoe and Son
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads
Till Death Us Do Part
Ever Decreasing Circles
In reply to The Lemming:
Boys from the blackstuff. Very funny, thought provoking and made me angry too.
You do perhaps to have to be of a certain age to appreciate it though.
Boys from the blackstuff. Very funny, thought provoking and made me angry too.
You do perhaps to have to be of a certain age to appreciate it though.
In reply to PaulW:
I don't like comedy to make me angry.
I didn't think that was the point of it.
I don't like comedy to make me angry.
I didn't think that was the point of it.
Post edited at 01:03
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Comedy has great potential to deal with serious issues.
And yes, some serious issues make me angry
Comedy has great potential to deal with serious issues.
And yes, some serious issues make me angry
In reply to The Lemming:
Fawlty Towers
The Thick Of It
The Office
We still laugh watching new episodes of The Big Bang Theory, so I might chuck that in too.
Fawlty Towers
The Thick Of It
The Office
We still laugh watching new episodes of The Big Bang Theory, so I might chuck that in too.
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In reply to The Lemming:
I can't believe all these mediocre suggestions, has nobody seen Plebs?
Chelmsford 123 is also a favourite as are Citizen Smith and A Sharp Intake of Breath.
On the radio it has to be The Navy Lark, Old Harry's Game and The Attractive Young Rabbi.
I can't believe all these mediocre suggestions, has nobody seen Plebs?
Chelmsford 123 is also a favourite as are Citizen Smith and A Sharp Intake of Breath.
On the radio it has to be The Navy Lark, Old Harry's Game and The Attractive Young Rabbi.
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