In the explain your avatar thread, there was a bit of talk about sitcoms from across the pond. I was wondering if there were many other fans of the genre here, so I figured I'd make this thread to list a few of my favorites, and why I like them. Hopefully it will introduce some of you to something new to enjoy, and I'm hoping to maybe learn about some shows I haven't seen before.
The first britcom I ever watched was the classic The Young Ones. It's about four filthy college students and their surreal life. Neal the hippie, Vyvyan the punk, (p)Rick the wannabe anarchist, and Mike the self-proclaimed cool one.
As an added bonus, the makers learned they could get more funding from the BBC if they were a variety show rather than a comedy, so there was a musical performance thrown randomly into every episode. Motorhead, Madness, and Dexy's Midnight Runners are among the performers.
Some of the stars went on to do the series Bottom and Filthy Rich & Catflap, which I have never watched, for some reason.
Are You Being Served is about the staff of a posh department store in the 70's. It's fairly straightforward comedy, somewhat notable for having an openly(?) gay character who is just one of the gang. Mrs. Slocombe is probably my favorite character.
Absolutely Fabulous is the story of a vain, going-to-seed fashion designer, her straitlaced daughter, and her man-hungry, boozy, druggy, best friend.
The Mighty Boosh is another surreal comedy starring Howard Moon, a serious jazz enthusiast who isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is, and his fashionista, airhead, buddy Vince Noir. The first series takes place in the Zooniverse, while the latter two series are based out of the Nabootique, a second hand store.
Black Books is a series I'm just starting to watch. It stars the guy who is probably best known in North America as the asshole who is in love with Shaun's girlfriend in Shaun of the Dead, as Bernard Black. He plays a drunk book store owner who hires a hyperactive accountant played by comedian Bill Bailey.
One of my favorite early scenes has Bernard inviting in a pair of Jesus freaks who come to his door, because it is less horrible than doing his taxes. When he asks them what they want to tell him about Jesus, they are baffled. "We've never gotten this far before".
He gets them hammered and teaches them a bit about the bible before they stagger on their way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Slocombe
The first britcom I ever watched was the classic The Young Ones. It's about four filthy college students and their surreal life. Neal the hippie, Vyvyan the punk, (p)Rick the wannabe anarchist, and Mike the self-proclaimed cool one.
As an added bonus, the makers learned they could get more funding from the BBC if they were a variety show rather than a comedy, so there was a musical performance thrown randomly into every episode. Motorhead, Madness, and Dexy's Midnight Runners are among the performers.
Some of the stars went on to do the series Bottom and Filthy Rich & Catflap, which I have never watched, for some reason.
Are You Being Served is about the staff of a posh department store in the 70's. It's fairly straightforward comedy, somewhat notable for having an openly(?) gay character who is just one of the gang. Mrs. Slocombe is probably my favorite character.
Absolutely Fabulous is the story of a vain, going-to-seed fashion designer, her straitlaced daughter, and her man-hungry, boozy, druggy, best friend.
The Mighty Boosh is another surreal comedy starring Howard Moon, a serious jazz enthusiast who isn't nearly as smart as he thinks he is, and his fashionista, airhead, buddy Vince Noir. The first series takes place in the Zooniverse, while the latter two series are based out of the Nabootique, a second hand store.
Black Books is a series I'm just starting to watch. It stars the guy who is probably best known in North America as the asshole who is in love with Shaun's girlfriend in Shaun of the Dead, as Bernard Black. He plays a drunk book store owner who hires a hyperactive accountant played by comedian Bill Bailey.
One of my favorite early scenes has Bernard inviting in a pair of Jesus freaks who come to his door, because it is less horrible than doing his taxes. When he asks them what they want to tell him about Jesus, they are baffled. "We've never gotten this far before".
He gets them hammered and teaches them a bit about the bible before they stagger on their way.
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Well, that turned out longer than I thought it would, so I'll stop there. Anyone else have any favorites?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Slocombe
