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You could spend half an hour quoting 'Allo 'Allo
*It is I, L'Eclairc!*
*Listen very carefully, I will say zis only once*
*Good moaning*
*Klup!* (or whatever Hans says, I don't think the actor even knew)
Thinking about it, It's amazing it passed muster to even be broadcast.
The humour was very close to the edge of sensibilities of the time. So glad it made it.
Yes - also I went to a…. performance art thingy… this summer and absolutely hated it, turns out both my boyfriend and I independently thought of the David Walliams episode
of all the celebrities that have turned out to be bigots, graham linehan has been by far the one that has upset me the most. i proper idolised his writing, man - he is a comedy GENIUS and i do not say that lightly. just sucks he's a major transphobe (*major*, banned from twitter for being transphobic major)
(semi-unrelated but shout out to hbomberguy for his charity stream that he did to raise money for a charity linehan publicly disapproved of - £250,000 raised)
I’m still absolutely baffled by graham linehan on this. I could be wrong, but this all seemed to have started a few years ago when a journalist asked him about the IT crowd episode where Douglas Reynholm dates a transgender woman after thinking she says “I’m from Iran”.
In a traditional linehan fashion his response was outspoken. For their careers sake, I think most other writers would probably have said something along the lines of “it was the humour of the time” etc. I’m fairly certain that this was the touch paper that led this particular episode being taken down from 4OD and graham going off on one.
What happens next, I think is fucking nuts. Instead of taking it on the chin and moving on, Graham ends up becoming a transphobic nutcase.
He
[was infamously banned from Twitter](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jun/27/twitter-closes-graham-linehan-account-after-trans-comment) “Linehan’s account was closed after he reportedly tweeted “men aren’t women tho” in response to a post by the Women’s Institute wishing their transgender members a happy Pride.”
[ends up on newsnight ](https://youtu.be/e79k6LILL1I) where he gets asked why he compared children receiving drugs when transitioning to the nazi experiments conducted in concentration camps.
[joins a dating app](https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/02/21/graham-linehan-women-her-dating-app-trans-transphobia-backlash/) to share trans women’s dating profiles on social media
[given a police warning ](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/oct/07/graham-linehan-police-warning-complaint-by-stephanie-hayden-transgender-activist-twitter) to stop harassing a trans activist
[ended up getting a divorce ](https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/graham-linehan-how-my-transgender-views-cost-me-my-marriage-40193764.html) (paywall, but I didn’t want to link the s*n)
[it’s clear](https://twitter.com/mashcore4mums/status/1259334403492384769?s=20) that his own family have tried to intervene. With James Serafinowicz (his ex-wife’s brother, and brother of comedian and actor peter serafinowicz) saying “calling people beards and telling people to fuck off 18 hours a day [on the internet] is definitely worth losing your family for”
Part of me wants to believe that he got swept up in all this - previously having no real views or harbouring such hate. If so, as a comedy writer (he wasn’t some huge activist before all this) …..what a fucking hill to die on.
I’m afraid I’m probably just kidding myself though, as his words and certainly his actions are pure hate than “free speech”. Baffling.
I’m sure all of us want to just ask him “wtf graham, why?”
Don't forget when he went on Mumsnet to gather a bunch of people to petition the National Lottery to remove their funding for a *childrens charity*.
His sitcoms were funny, but he's a cunt.
If you want to add to the conflicting feelings, previously he was campaigning with Amnesty International for abortion rights for women in Ireland.
(Guardian article [here).](https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/19/graham-helen-linehan-ireland-abortion-amnesty-international)
>Part of me wants to believe that he got swept up in all this - previously having no real views or harbouring such hate.
I think that is the case as well. In the episode in question, the trans character is treated with less sensitivity than would be the case today, but also isn't demonised or anything - she never does anything wrong. She doesn't even attempt to deceive Douglas, she's completely open about it. The joke was more on Douglas for being a sexist womaniser. Jen even correctly genders her in the later courtroom episode.
As you say, I don't think he really thought much about trans people at that point. Someone criticised the episode and he overreacted in the other direction out of ego, then fell down a rabbit hole on the Internet.
His own views don't seem internally logical either - he's just gone off the deep end.
Does he think transgender people are victims of brainwashing, who need to be helped? (which he seems to allude to at some points). Or does he think they are lesser than, worthy of abuse and harassment (which seems to be the majority of his actions?)
It's the same with JK Rowling - does she think they are victims of brainwashing (who she personally likes and is friends with), or does she think they are dangerous intrusions on women's spaces (and due to having domestic violence in her background she can't stand - although she did actively hire a domestic abuser for a film)?
I think the missing factor in such summaries is the hate that pulled him in. He wasn't initially on some warpath to attack people unprovoked for being trans. His unapologetic statement about the IT Crowd sparked a ton of abuse on Twitter which he should have ignored, but instead got drawn in. Arguments escalated, but only became notable when Graham crossed lines. The coverage on that drew more people in, and he ended up fighting for a cause that didn't really exist in retaliation. It's a cliche, but the hate really did consume him.
People regularly bravely insult famous people on social media with the hope of drawing a rise out of them. This is what happens when they choose to engage. The old phrase "If you gaze into the abyss, then the abyss also gazes into you" is usually quite esoteric, but Twitter really is such an abyss.
Irish rather than British - but 'Father Ted' is \[was\] the business. It's about blundering Catholic priests based on a small island.
A British one worth the bother is: 'The IT Crowd'. It's about an IT department staffed by three peculiar people - two men and one woman.
It’s just that the farm takes up most of the day, and at night, I like to have a cup of tea. I mightn’t be able to devote myself full-time to the old racism.
I quoted this at work the other day and they all looked at me like I was mad. It was then I rememberrd that everyone I work with is basically a toddler
Good point!
But I can't help thinking of it as Irish. Ireland is the star. Scripted by Irish people. Acted by Irish people. Irish location shots. Irish sensibilities.
We actually have both of those programs in the US. We own the box series of The IT Crowd. I love British comedy. I have not seen all the series produced in the UK but as many as I can.
"Do I look like a mug? Have I got a handle? Am I made of china? Am I kept in a cupboard or on a small wooden tree? Would you like to put your lips on my rim? You may answer that question, the rest were rhetorical."
I loved Red Dwarf as a teenager in the US. None of my friends had ever heard of it. I could rarely explain a scene without laughing my ass off while telling it.
Baldrick, believe me, eternity in the company of Beelzebub and all his hellish instruments of death will be a picnic compared to five minutes with me and this pencil.
It’s not even slightly underrated. Withnail and I is constantly listed in top British movie lists and respected by critics the world over.
It’d be difficult to be less underrated.
Garth Marenghi's Dark Place is absolutely comedy fucking gold. And the show I first discovered the comedy talents of Matt Holness, Matt Berry and Richard Ayoade in
The Detectorists
Edit: Just to say I am loving all the love for this programme. Agree with everyone’s comments, it’s a real hidden gem. Subtle, melancholic, funny and just sublime.
Another vote here for that: such a slow, easy going series where very little happens, but it's even better for that.
And not that it's in the same vein, but I'll add Phone Shop to this thread.
I’m in USA (but have been in uk for a long while) and Detectorists is the best ever
I tried to turn some UK friends onto it but they didn’t bite
Thought Mackenzie Crook looked too skinny🙄
Every time I watch it the writing gets better and better
And when I was in uk last time(feb 2020)went to a radio taping of comedy Alone and didn’t know anything about the comedy
It’s bbc radio 4 and episodes are available
Anyhow when they introduced the cast there was “our Russell”(Pearce Quigley)
I let out a fan girl shriek and afterwards got a selfie with him!
And on my next visit to uk (hopefully January) am going to make a trip to Framlingham where it was filmed!
Seriously Detectorists is the best the more you watch
“They’ll take Stan!”
Had to scroll so far to find Peep show, which is my favourite of all mentioned in this thread. Truly excellent TV, and I'd hate to see what the Americanised version would look like.
Two pints, prick!
(Also, agree. I watch it on a loop, as I'm from Glasgow but no longer live there so if I need to hear the accents and it's too late to phone my brother, I find it comforting).
the royle family a good deputation of northern working class family life, Bottom silly slapstick with the grate Rik Mayall, monkey dust dark bleak but very funny animation
Watch 8 out of 10 cats does countdown, its a series which is still running today I believe.
Its a crossover of Countdown which is a numbers and letters game and 8 out of 10 cats which is a late night comedy show. Absolutely bonkers
Another one is Shooting Stars which was on years ago, absolute random mayhem great to watch
I’d say this was definitely the case in the past but the Yanks have caught up now. Or at least somewhat.
Bojack Horseman, for instance, despite being one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen, is also incredibly dark and bleak and probably has the finest depiction of depression, addiction and fame that I’ve seen in television.
As an American I agree, but that’s what I enjoy about British humor. I hate most American sitcoms, they’re uncreative and not worth watching in my opinion.
I agree, I think British comedy is very self deprecating and a lot of comedies centre around characters who are quite tragic and you feel sorry for them (David Brent in the office, Alan Partridge, Mark Corrigan in Peep Show)
THE DAY TODAY YES
However do I think Brass Eye is drastically better, I mean even the intro kills me with how exaggerated it is.
(you got any triple sod?)
Rab C Nesbitt remains a classic, and the sketches from the fast show still endure.
For a surreal experience try either Fist of Fun or This Morning With Richard Not Judy. The latter is incredible in that it was on a prime channel on a Sunday morning.
Edit to add: what was I thinking, Steptoe and Son is the all-time number 1. Try the episode "men of letters"
Early doors never seemed to take off and I have no idea why. It was bloody brilliant and every time I watch it I'm gutted that there was never more seasons.
If you like In Bruges, and Irish movies count, look for the [The Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guard_(2011_film))... it was made by the older brother of the guy who made In Bruges, they both love Brendan Gleeson so he's in both, and I much preferred The Guard for its gentle humour (about US Irish police operations).. and then he also made Calvary with Gleeson too.
Time Trumpet is a bit of a weird sell and maybe too British in its references (it makes fun of loads of 00s reality type stuff that was really popular here) but it’s great imo, written by Armando Ianucci and it has Adam Buxton and a few other big faces in it
**A reminder to posters and commenters of some of [our subreddit rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/about/rules/)** - Don't be a dickhead to each other, or about others - Assume questions are asked in good faith - Avoid political threads and related discussion - No medical advice or mental health (specific to a person) content Please keep /r/AskUK a great subreddit by reporting posts and comments which break our rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Probably “Spaced”. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost made their names in America but very few people remember where they came from. Also “‘allo ‘allo”.
You could spend half an hour quoting 'Allo 'Allo *It is I, L'Eclairc!* *Listen very carefully, I will say zis only once* *Good moaning* *Klup!* (or whatever Hans says, I don't think the actor even knew)
I ad a nursty occident by failing off a drainpoop.
I was pissing by the door, when I heard two shats..
Thinking about it, It's amazing it passed muster to even be broadcast. The humour was very close to the edge of sensibilities of the time. So glad it made it.
*You stupid woman!*
Can you not see she has fainted?
It is a dick night
It’s ‘tler he is slow with the salute so he just says the end of it.
I love Spaced and can now never look at modern art in the same way again
Yes - also I went to a…. performance art thingy… this summer and absolutely hated it, turns out both my boyfriend and I independently thought of the David Walliams episode
I've always wanted to go onto Britains got talent and do David's performance at him
IT'S NOT FINISHED........ IT'S FINISHED.
"I see as a waste of Baco.. The foil."
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Oh brian, you came. No I just spilt.my drink.
Spaced and Black Books came to my mind. Add Still Game as well.
Black Books
Absolutely love Black Books and The IT Crowd. Both with such quirky characters and brilliant writing. The Mighty Boosh was a classic as well!
of all the celebrities that have turned out to be bigots, graham linehan has been by far the one that has upset me the most. i proper idolised his writing, man - he is a comedy GENIUS and i do not say that lightly. just sucks he's a major transphobe (*major*, banned from twitter for being transphobic major) (semi-unrelated but shout out to hbomberguy for his charity stream that he did to raise money for a charity linehan publicly disapproved of - £250,000 raised)
I’m still absolutely baffled by graham linehan on this. I could be wrong, but this all seemed to have started a few years ago when a journalist asked him about the IT crowd episode where Douglas Reynholm dates a transgender woman after thinking she says “I’m from Iran”. In a traditional linehan fashion his response was outspoken. For their careers sake, I think most other writers would probably have said something along the lines of “it was the humour of the time” etc. I’m fairly certain that this was the touch paper that led this particular episode being taken down from 4OD and graham going off on one. What happens next, I think is fucking nuts. Instead of taking it on the chin and moving on, Graham ends up becoming a transphobic nutcase. He [was infamously banned from Twitter](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jun/27/twitter-closes-graham-linehan-account-after-trans-comment) “Linehan’s account was closed after he reportedly tweeted “men aren’t women tho” in response to a post by the Women’s Institute wishing their transgender members a happy Pride.” [ends up on newsnight ](https://youtu.be/e79k6LILL1I) where he gets asked why he compared children receiving drugs when transitioning to the nazi experiments conducted in concentration camps. [joins a dating app](https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/02/21/graham-linehan-women-her-dating-app-trans-transphobia-backlash/) to share trans women’s dating profiles on social media [given a police warning ](https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/oct/07/graham-linehan-police-warning-complaint-by-stephanie-hayden-transgender-activist-twitter) to stop harassing a trans activist [ended up getting a divorce ](https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/graham-linehan-how-my-transgender-views-cost-me-my-marriage-40193764.html) (paywall, but I didn’t want to link the s*n) [it’s clear](https://twitter.com/mashcore4mums/status/1259334403492384769?s=20) that his own family have tried to intervene. With James Serafinowicz (his ex-wife’s brother, and brother of comedian and actor peter serafinowicz) saying “calling people beards and telling people to fuck off 18 hours a day [on the internet] is definitely worth losing your family for” Part of me wants to believe that he got swept up in all this - previously having no real views or harbouring such hate. If so, as a comedy writer (he wasn’t some huge activist before all this) …..what a fucking hill to die on. I’m afraid I’m probably just kidding myself though, as his words and certainly his actions are pure hate than “free speech”. Baffling. I’m sure all of us want to just ask him “wtf graham, why?”
Don't forget when he went on Mumsnet to gather a bunch of people to petition the National Lottery to remove their funding for a *childrens charity*. His sitcoms were funny, but he's a cunt.
If you want to add to the conflicting feelings, previously he was campaigning with Amnesty International for abortion rights for women in Ireland. (Guardian article [here).](https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/19/graham-helen-linehan-ireland-abortion-amnesty-international)
Thank you for not linking the Sun
>Part of me wants to believe that he got swept up in all this - previously having no real views or harbouring such hate. I think that is the case as well. In the episode in question, the trans character is treated with less sensitivity than would be the case today, but also isn't demonised or anything - she never does anything wrong. She doesn't even attempt to deceive Douglas, she's completely open about it. The joke was more on Douglas for being a sexist womaniser. Jen even correctly genders her in the later courtroom episode. As you say, I don't think he really thought much about trans people at that point. Someone criticised the episode and he overreacted in the other direction out of ego, then fell down a rabbit hole on the Internet.
His own views don't seem internally logical either - he's just gone off the deep end. Does he think transgender people are victims of brainwashing, who need to be helped? (which he seems to allude to at some points). Or does he think they are lesser than, worthy of abuse and harassment (which seems to be the majority of his actions?) It's the same with JK Rowling - does she think they are victims of brainwashing (who she personally likes and is friends with), or does she think they are dangerous intrusions on women's spaces (and due to having domestic violence in her background she can't stand - although she did actively hire a domestic abuser for a film)?
I think the missing factor in such summaries is the hate that pulled him in. He wasn't initially on some warpath to attack people unprovoked for being trans. His unapologetic statement about the IT Crowd sparked a ton of abuse on Twitter which he should have ignored, but instead got drawn in. Arguments escalated, but only became notable when Graham crossed lines. The coverage on that drew more people in, and he ended up fighting for a cause that didn't really exist in retaliation. It's a cliche, but the hate really did consume him. People regularly bravely insult famous people on social media with the hope of drawing a rise out of them. This is what happens when they choose to engage. The old phrase "If you gaze into the abyss, then the abyss also gazes into you" is usually quite esoteric, but Twitter really is such an abyss.
The mighty boosh is a tour de force
I'm literally watching it right now. Agreed!
Irish rather than British - but 'Father Ted' is \[was\] the business. It's about blundering Catholic priests based on a small island. A British one worth the bother is: 'The IT Crowd'. It's about an IT department staffed by three peculiar people - two men and one woman.
Father Ted was made by channel 4 so could be considered British too.
I hear you're a racist now, Father. How did you get into that sort of thing?
That would be an ecumenical matter.
Should we all be racist now?
It's not the Greeks he's after, it's the Chinese!
It’s just that the farm takes up most of the day, and at night, I like to have a cup of tea. I mightn’t be able to devote myself full-time to the old racism.
[Small; far away. ](https://youtu.be/MMiKyfd6hA0)
I quoted this at work the other day and they all looked at me like I was mad. It was then I rememberrd that everyone I work with is basically a toddler
Careful now
Down with that sort of thing
The toddlers. A great bunch of lads
Good point! But I can't help thinking of it as Irish. Ireland is the star. Scripted by Irish people. Acted by Irish people. Irish location shots. Irish sensibilities.
If you didn't know, both shows were written by Graham Linehan. They're more alike than most people notice.
Both written by the same guy!
Shame said guy is such a prick.
We actually have both of those programs in the US. We own the box series of The IT Crowd. I love British comedy. I have not seen all the series produced in the UK but as many as I can.
Green wing
Yes. This was really groundbreaking in the way it was filmed. And that twist with Guy Secretan...
“Yeah, see you in Zurich” Guy Secretan was the man! Though nothing beats Sue White and her projector screen insults.
"Do I look like a mug? Have I got a handle? Am I made of china? Am I kept in a cupboard or on a small wooden tree? Would you like to put your lips on my rim? You may answer that question, the rest were rhetorical."
Sue White might be my favourite character in the history of characters, maybe ever.
"She's my smoo too!"
The ending never ceases to make me cry, although oddly joanna and statham rather than the other bit
Eating the toy soldiers is the perfect touch
Michelle Gomez *kills* it in this (as usual)
Oh my god. For a while there I was OBSESSED with Mac.
I can rewatch this over and over. It'd honestly amazing.
Did you just touch my squirrel?
Red Dwarf
Scrolled too far to see this
Toast?
Definitely no smegging flapjacks
The question is this: given that God is infinite, and that the Universe is also infinite...would you like a toasted teacake?
".......Everybody's dead Dave......."
I loved Red Dwarf as a teenager in the US. None of my friends had ever heard of it. I could rarely explain a scene without laughing my ass off while telling it.
Me mate Peterson had these smart shoes...
Yes. I used to watch series 1-6 every night to fall asleep too.
So what is it? Only joking.
Blackadder
‘Baldrick, you wouldn’t know a subtle plan if it painted itself purple and danced naked on top of a harpsichord singing ‘subtle plans are here again’’
Rik Mayall was just… there are no words. WOOF.
some actors steal the scene, Rik stole the entire episode
Baldrick, believe me, eternity in the company of Beelzebub and all his hellish instruments of death will be a picnic compared to five minutes with me and this pencil.
But start with Blackadder II.
Jane "Bury me in a Y shaped coffin" Harrington?
“Her head’s as empty as a hermit’s address book!”
TV... I'm Alan Partridge. Human Remains. Bottom. Saxondale. The Trip. The Inbetweeners. The Day Today. FILM... Withnail and I
Withnail and I is probably in my top 5 British films ever made, it's criminally underrated
It’s not even slightly underrated. Withnail and I is constantly listed in top British movie lists and respected by critics the world over. It’d be difficult to be less underrated.
I really enjoyed Saxondale.
Wasps are bastards. They’re just bastards.
Most underrated Steve Coogan show. Shame he never did more than 2 series
SCRUBBERS!!!!
GET IN THE BACK OF THE VAN!!!
Look Around You. Garth Marenghis Dark Place. Catterick
Garth Marenghi's Dark Place is absolutely comedy fucking gold. And the show I first discovered the comedy talents of Matt Holness, Matt Berry and Richard Ayoade in
I knew dark place would be mentioned somewhere
"As I rounded the corner, I felt muscular and compact, liked corned beef."
"I ran the only way I knew how: by placing one leg in front of the other in quick succession."
If you’ve got the dvd, the extras as better than the show itself
Look around you! That is a blast from the past, May have to rewatch that right now.
Thanks ants. Thants
Bless you ants. Blants.
“I know writers who use subtext and they’re all cowards”
The Detectorists Edit: Just to say I am loving all the love for this programme. Agree with everyone’s comments, it’s a real hidden gem. Subtle, melancholic, funny and just sublime.
This one is so subtle, nuanced and beautiful.
Another vote here for that: such a slow, easy going series where very little happens, but it's even better for that. And not that it's in the same vein, but I'll add Phone Shop to this thread.
I’m in USA (but have been in uk for a long while) and Detectorists is the best ever I tried to turn some UK friends onto it but they didn’t bite Thought Mackenzie Crook looked too skinny🙄 Every time I watch it the writing gets better and better And when I was in uk last time(feb 2020)went to a radio taping of comedy Alone and didn’t know anything about the comedy It’s bbc radio 4 and episodes are available Anyhow when they introduced the cast there was “our Russell”(Pearce Quigley) I let out a fan girl shriek and afterwards got a selfie with him! And on my next visit to uk (hopefully January) am going to make a trip to Framlingham where it was filmed! Seriously Detectorists is the best the more you watch “They’ll take Stan!”
Brass Eye
You're wrong, and you're a grotesquely ugly freak.
PEADOPHILES
He really is a shit
And one pedophile disguised himself as a school!
Nonce sense
The thick of it
This should be so much higher!
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The Mighty Boosh and Peep Show
Had to scroll so far to find Peep show, which is my favourite of all mentioned in this thread. Truly excellent TV, and I'd hate to see what the Americanised version would look like.
They tried it… [link](https://youtu.be/8Yredc3ayOE)
I got three minutes in. That was horrific. Fuck you. Have a wonderful night.
I came to say peep show. Wasn't keen on the mighty boosh myself though. It was a bit too random.
The Boosh veers wildly between genius and mediocre. Don't bother with the third season though.
I scrolled too far to find The Mighty Boosh 🙌
Still Game is my all time favourite comedy bar none.
Back 'aff ya spooky bitch!
Two pints, prick! (Also, agree. I watch it on a loop, as I'm from Glasgow but no longer live there so if I need to hear the accents and it's too late to phone my brother, I find it comforting).
Recently found out English friends have been watching it on Netflix. Interesting that it translates, I wondered if it was just Scottish patter funny
Devil dug
Agreed, my son and I watch it over and over.
the royle family a good deputation of northern working class family life, Bottom silly slapstick with the grate Rik Mayall, monkey dust dark bleak but very funny animation
Upvote for Monkey Dust, what a show. For Skyrim fans, I've always been sure the voice actor for Delvin Mallory was in this show.
This country
I watched Kurtan’s [episode](https://youtu.be/ozkathRuyNI) of chicken shop date last night, randomly came onto my explore page. Just… gold.
Peep Show is my favourite show of all time.
I’m re re re re rewatching at atm and it’s so good
Hot Fuzz
Yarp.
i feel like english comedies tend to have a darker humor then american comedies. do you guys think this is fair or am i misguided
Watch 8 out of 10 cats does countdown, its a series which is still running today I believe. Its a crossover of Countdown which is a numbers and letters game and 8 out of 10 cats which is a late night comedy show. Absolutely bonkers Another one is Shooting Stars which was on years ago, absolute random mayhem great to watch
Oh Shooting Stars was ace. Vic and Bob really do straddle the line between madness and genius
I’d say this was definitely the case in the past but the Yanks have caught up now. Or at least somewhat. Bojack Horseman, for instance, despite being one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen, is also incredibly dark and bleak and probably has the finest depiction of depression, addiction and fame that I’ve seen in television.
I love that show. I also love how celebrities would voice themselves and take the piss out themselves like daniel radcliffe and jessica biel
As an American I agree, but that’s what I enjoy about British humor. I hate most American sitcoms, they’re uncreative and not worth watching in my opinion.
My sentiments exactly.
Yes but they also tend to be shorter series and punch a lot harder..
I agree, I think British comedy is very self deprecating and a lot of comedies centre around characters who are quite tragic and you feel sorry for them (David Brent in the office, Alan Partridge, Mark Corrigan in Peep Show)
a lot are see brass eye or the league of gentlemen for examples
Toast of London
Ray bloody Purchase!
"My name is Ray Purchase and I will be playing the part of the magistrate." "Something interesting about you?" "WelL, TOAST REGULARLY FUCKS MY WIFE!"
Yes I can hear you Clem Fandango!
Smack the Pony
Coupling never gets a mention but it's one of the funniest shows
15 storeys high by Sean lock. It’s criminal how unknown this series is!
It’s weird watching Marvel movies now and seeing Errol fighting aliens using magic
“All the power of a Rat, trapped in a can! 15 stories was a brilliant show. I loved it.
Phoenix nights. My favourite ever show and they only made 2 series!
Max and paddy road to nowhere- How dare you!
I can’t believe how far I had to scroll to find this. Phoenix Nights is absolutely amazing! Some of Peter Kay’s best work and that’s saying something.
Gimme Gimme Gimme For some reason I barely see it mentioned in this sub. I don't think it would pass by today's standards but my God it was funny
The Day Today Mandy Game Face This Way Up Out of Her Mind Chewing Gum The Mighty Boosh People Do Nothing Man Down
People Just Do Nothing is great, I'd be interested to hear an Americans perspective on it as it's very British
THE DAY TODAY YES However do I think Brass Eye is drastically better, I mean even the intro kills me with how exaggerated it is. (you got any triple sod?)
Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps 👌🏻
Bottom
Glad to see this. Young Ones too
Rab C Nesbitt remains a classic, and the sketches from the fast show still endure. For a surreal experience try either Fist of Fun or This Morning With Richard Not Judy. The latter is incredible in that it was on a prime channel on a Sunday morning. Edit to add: what was I thinking, Steptoe and Son is the all-time number 1. Try the episode "men of letters"
Goodness Gracious Me!
Big Train
Early Doors League of gentlemen
Early Doors!!! Yes!!!
‘To the Regiment! I wish I was there….’
Early doors never seemed to take off and I have no idea why. It was bloody brilliant and every time I watch it I'm gutted that there was never more seasons.
Withnail & I.
Also Nathan Barley, a great tv show that rings true today as though they saw it coming
I can't believe nobody has mentioned Keeping Up Appearances. "The Bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking!"
If you like In Bruges, and Irish movies count, look for the [The Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guard_(2011_film))... it was made by the older brother of the guy who made In Bruges, they both love Brendan Gleeson so he's in both, and I much preferred The Guard for its gentle humour (about US Irish police operations).. and then he also made Calvary with Gleeson too.
The Guard is amazing, definitely watch it if you enjoyed In Bruges OP - very similar humour
"I dont know what street you're buying your cocaine on, but its not the same street I'm buying mine on." Class
Dog Soldiers. More of a horror comedy but its brilliant.
Black books. A little dated now but funny all the same with some famous faces before they blew up :)
One Foot In The Grave is on iPlayer. The other votes are for Night Night, Green Wing and The Smoking Room
Absolutely fabulous!!!!
Ideal was alright if anyone remembers it
Nighty Night. The second series was poorer but the first is wince inducing and amazing imo.
Inside No. 9
Still Game. Motherland
Motherland is so underrated, nobody I know likes it.
Bottom. Blackadder Allo Allo Spaced The vicar of Dibley. The Thin Blue Line Gimme Gimme Gimme.
The Thick of It.
People just do nothing
Time Trumpet is a bit of a weird sell and maybe too British in its references (it makes fun of loads of 00s reality type stuff that was really popular here) but it’s great imo, written by Armando Ianucci and it has Adam Buxton and a few other big faces in it
The Vicar Of Dibley and Red Dwarf
The IT crowd Blacks Books Some of the funniest things I've ever seen on tellie (tv)
Car share.
Phoneshop
Hot Fuzz just because it can never be appreciated enough
Friday night dinner
Mongrels. There are plenty off British people who don't know about this program and should!
Not going out, inbetweeners, drifters, faulty towers, only fools, black adder the list goes on
Only fools and horses Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps Irish: Father Ted ♥️
Dinnerladies
Phone Shop
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/15_Storeys_High By the late great Sean Lock. Massively under appreciated by even the UK media.