NationStates Jolt Archive

This is it. After days of searching for the answer, the stage is now set for the final decision on what is Britain's Best Sitcom. All the nominations are in and they are as follows:

Blackadder
Father Ted
Fawlty Towers
The Office
Only Fools and Horses
Red Dwarf
Spaced
Yes Minister/Prime Minister

yay red dwarf.

did anyone ever see the american version of red dwarf? They made lister good looking. sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiightly different views from the american sitcom makers

I haven't voted because I am torn between Fawlty Towers and The Office.

Wasn't Father Ted an Irish production?

Blackadder! Blackadder!
nothing comes close to Blackadder.

Blackadder is my no2 vote. I prefer Yes Minister, though.

Blackadder! Blackadder!
nothing comes close to Blackadder.
Made from the finest green!

Bump.

Gah, there's some tough choices up there. I went for Spaced because it's utterly brilliant, but The Office, Blackadder and Yes Minister were close contenders.

Wasn't Father Ted an Irish production?

For the final time no it wasn't!

Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews went to RTE (Irish channel) with the idea but RTE rejected it because it did not want anything to do with something that could be perceived as being anti-catholic.

Channel 4 however heard of the project and offered Linehan and Matthews a series and it was thus produced by Hatrick Productions, a British company that is also responsible for Room 101 and Have I Got News For You. The actors and writers are largely Irish (though the actor who plays Bishop Brennan and others are not) but the majority of the production staff were British as was the company that made it. Therefore it can be classed as a British production. If RTE had accepted Linehan and Matthews proposals and made it, it would be properly Irish.

Happy now!

A man may fight for many things. His country, his principles, his friends. The glistening tear on the cheek of a golden child. But personally, I'd mud-wrestle my own mother for a ton of cash, an amusing clock and a sack of French porn.
-- Edmund : Duel and Duality

And yes - I crave your strong, sinewy body.
Well...you're only human.
-- Amy and Edmund : Amy and Amiability


and a topical quote:

Security isn't a dirty word, Blackadder. Crevice is a dirty word.
-- Melchett : General Hospital

hence why i voted balckadder :D

For the final time no it wasn't!

Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews went to RTE (Irish channel) with the idea but RTE rejected it because it did not want anything to do with something that could be perceived as being anti-catholic.

Stupid uncontraversal RTÉ

did anyone ever see the american version of red dwarf? They made lister good looking. sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiightly different views from the american sitcom makers

There was a US version?

I saw the Brit one, I've never even heard of the US one.

Fawlty towers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The most funny. the most hilarious, the most crazy, the most witty show ever to be seen on screen!!!
John Cleeze - the funiest man on the world - made Bazil Fawlty as THE BEST sitcom character ever to be made!!!
And the others are great to: specially Manuel, of course :)

SO difficult! I loved Only Fools, Father Ted, Blackadder, Fawlty Towers AND Yes, Minister! Grr! Don't make them like that anymore :mad:

IT'S SOOOOO HARD TO CHOOSE!!

*dithers* :(

did anyone ever see the american version of red dwarf? They made lister good looking. sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiightly different views from the american sitcom makers
Really? I didn't know they made a version of Red Dwarf. But I'm not surprised it sucked big-time. The Yanks just don't 'get' English humour. They feel the need to alter for their percieved differing tastes.
Like 'Fawlty Towers'. A remake was made, years ago. But they felt it needed changing - Basil and Sybill would only bicker in public, but would be loving and caring when alone.
Awesome! Let's destroy - totally - the whole concept and humour of the original!
Likewise 'The Office'. I haven't seen the US version (thankfully), but apparently they've made Tim handsome and a wisecracker, and David Brent isn't such a loser - just an idiot.
To be fair, they were always going to find it tough to find someone as good in those mannerisms and body language as Ricky Gervais. But not a painful, embarassing loser? That was the whole humour!

I think the English have it (slightly) when it comes to humour programs, but mostly due to only having 6 episodes per season and usually ending it after only a couple (sadly with Father Ted), which leaves you wanting more. The writings tighter and you don't get to see it deteriorate.
This was true until the 90's, when the US ruled. I mean how can you compete against: Simpsons, Seinfield, Spin City, Fraser, Just Shoot Me, Gary Shandling, the one that the writer of Seinfield did about himself, Family Guy, South Park, Beavis and Butthead, Ren and Stimpy. They just blew anything the Brits have away. But considering this was 'Vicar of Dilby' , 'Keeping up appearances' and 'Thin Blue line', that wasn't too difficult.
But the Yanks always let them go on just a couple of series too long. 'Spin City' for eg. Should have stopped when MJFox left.

And yes, I know, pedants, that Simpsons started in the 80's. But it became halirious during the 90s and has slipped since.

Personally, if I could have multiple choices, I'd go 'Fawtly Towers' for the 70's, 'BlackAdder' for the 80's, 'Father Ted' for the 90's and 'The Office' for the 00's

There was a US version?

I saw the Brit one, I've never even heard of the US one.

they only ever made a pilot. dave was good lookin', rimmer was short and almost likeable (in a pathetic sort of way) and holly was like tom selleck or something similar




it didn't do too well

oh, and cat was white












and not cool








kinda geeky, in fact

i saw a programme called comedy connections or something like that on BBC1 a couple of months ago. this one in particular was on red dwarf (which got my vote... blackadder just had a few crap episodes that make me cringe at the thought of them) and it showed a small clip of the american pilot. i didn't laugh, so either they didn't add the whole 'dave, they're all dead.' part, or it didn't work in an american accent. i just can't remember what it was now.

and how the bloody hell did the office get in among all of the others? what an underdog. that programme hurts like a sulphuric acid colonic irrigation. i've heard funnier comments on 'points of view'.

and i think we're more than just competing with the whole 'sick humour' thing the americans had going with things like south park (as much as i love it) with shows like monkey dust, little britain and the league of gentlemen. i'm surprised they haven't been banned. maybe the british are more tolerant than i thought.

There have been so many top class British comedies over the years but for me Fatty Owls... Sorry, Fawlty Towers stands head and shoulders above the rest!

I think the English have it (slightly) when it comes to humour programs, but mostly due to only having 6 episodes per season and usually ending it after only a couple (sadly with Father Ted), which leaves you wanting more.
Father Ted wasn't by choice, the person who played Father Ted died :(.

while I've seen Father Ted, Black Adder and a few episodes of Fawlty Towers, my favorites are Allo Allo, Piglet Files, and Monty Python... thank god for tapes and DVD Recorders. :D

The Poll is a tie!

Blackadder and Fawlty Towers share the title of Britain's Best Sitcom in this tight NS vote.

Thanks y'all for voting!

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Nothing comes close to Blackadder.

Percy: I must say, it was very nice of you to invite me to share breakfast with you.

Edmund: Well, it is said that through learned discourse a man may rise above his peers.

Percy: Yes, i've heard that.

Edmund: Personally however, I like to start my day with an utter dickhead to remind me i'm best.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Nothing comes close to Blackadder.

Percy: I must say, it was very nice of you to invite me to share breakfast with you.

Edmund: Well, it is said that through learned discourse a man may rise above his peers.

Percy: Yes, i've heard that.

Edmund: Personally however, I like to start my day with an utter dickhead to remind me i'm best.

Not quite right my friend.

Edmund: Well Percy, it is said that through learning discourse with an intelligent individual in the morning, one prepares himself for the rigours of everyday life.

Percy: Yes, I've heard that.

Edmund: Personally however, I like to start my day with an utter dickhead to remind me i'm blessed.

--Blackadder II: Beer

It wasn't a direct quote. But the last word is definitely "best".

Perry: I must say, Edmund, it was jolly nice of you to ask me to share your breakfast before the rigours of the day begin.

Blackadder: It is said, Percy, that civilized man seeks out good and intelligent company so that through learned discourse he may rise above the savage and close to God.

Percy: *delighted* Yes, I'd heard that.

Blackadder: Personally, however, I like to start the day with a total dickhead to remind me I'm best.

Blackadder II: Beer
-Taken from the book 'The Whole Damn Dynasty'.

Blackadder! Blackadder!
nothing comes close to Blackadder.

See the little goblins, and his little feet! And his little nosie wosie, isn't the goblin sweet :p

Perry: I must say, Edmund, it was jolly nice of you to ask me to share your breakfast before the rigours of the day begin.

Blackadder: It is said, Percy, that civilized man seeks out good and intelligent company so that through learned discourse he may rise above the savage and close to God.

Percy: *delighted* Yes, I'd heard that.

Blackadder: Personally, however, I like to start the day with a total dickhead to remind me I'm best.

Blackadder II: Beer
-Taken from the book 'The Whole Damn Dynasty'.

[Baldrick and Percy begin giggling.]

Baldrick: Yes, it is, My Lord.

Edmund: Then what is so funny?

Percy: Well, My Lord, while Baldrick and I were preparing the Turnip Surprise, >we< had a surprise -- we came across a turnip that was exactly the same shape...as a thingy!

[Percy and Baldrick laugh.]

Edmund:[not amused] ...a thingy...

Baldrick: ...a great big thingy! It was terrific.

Edmund: Size is no guarantee of quality, Baldrick. Most horses are very well endowed, but that does not necessarily make them sensitive lovers. I trust you have removed this hilarious item...?

Baldrick: Oh, yes, yes, My Lord.

Edmund: Good, because there's nothing more likely to stop an inheritance than a thingy-shaped turnip.

Percy: Absolutely, Edmund. ...but it was jolly funny! [laughs more]

Edmund: Yes, yes, yes...

Baldrick: I found it particularly ironic, My Lord, because I've got a thingy that's shaped like a turnip!

Edmund: Yes, all right...

Baldrick: I'm quite [?] at parties...

Edmund: [not interested] are you...

Baldrick: Yeah -- I hide in the vegetable rack and frighten the children.

That's the best bit of that episode :D

Blackadder is a classic, but Red Dwarf has to be the best

Blackadder is a classic, but Red Dwarf has to be the best

except at the end. then it went a bit poo



i enjoy the smeg ups and smeg outs to this day though.


go series 3 and 4!

Well, I'd have voted for Fawlty Towers, personally. It never ceases to amuse me.

Although I do like Yes, Minister. I can't watch a news article about "civil servants" or "cabinet reshuffles" without giggling.

Seeing as a lot of people here seem to enjoy quoting Blackadder, how about a thread for it?

I would love for someone to inform me as to why "The Office" is funny. Any takers?

I would love for someone to inform me as to why "The Office" is funny. Any takers?
I've seen the adverts, and honestly, really no.

I would love for someone to inform me as to why "The Office" is funny. Any takers?

Never worked in an office, so i couldn't tell you

nor could any of my office dwelling freinds, infact

Good, good. I had the misfortune to see a bit of it on a long-haul flight. I thought I had switched on a really boring documentary. And then I see people recreating scenes in it and laughing. There's humour there, apparently.

I'd just like to say, bloody good choices made by whoever set up the poll.

Spaced is amazing, Father Ted is fantastic (but Irish), Red Dwarf was great till the last two series and Blackadder was great too.

I'd just like to say, bloody good choices made by whoever set up the poll.

Spaced is amazing, Father Ted is fantastic (but Irish), Red Dwarf was great till the last two series and Blackadder was great too.

We had this on the last thread, Father Ted is not Irish. The concept is Irish but it was first shown on Channel 4, making it an english sit-com set in Ireland. Red Dwarf is set in space, but its not a galactic production.

Perry: I must say, Edmund, it was jolly nice of you to ask me to share your breakfast before the rigours of the day begin.

Blackadder: It is said, Percy, that civilized man seeks out good and intelligent company so that through learned discourse he may rise above the savage and close to God.

Percy: *delighted* Yes, I'd heard that.

Blackadder: Personally, however, I like to start the day with a total dickhead to remind me I'm best.

Blackadder II: Beer
-Taken from the book 'The Whole Damn Dynasty'.

Fair enough.

I would have voted for either Red Dwarf or Blackadder but haven't been to the forum for ages and I missed the vote (sob). Series 5 of Red Dwarf is out on DVD soon, can't wait to see Quarantine again, best episode ever!!

Too late anyway, but where the hell was Phoenix Nights?

I would love for someone to inform me as to why "The Office" is funny. Any takers?

I love 'The Office'. I have never worked in such a place but I indeed found the programme extremely funny.

Too late anyway, but where the hell was Phoenix Nights?

Sorry mate but last week I started a post in which all nominations for this final vote were to be put forward and nobody said 'Phoenix Nights' (which I must confess I love also.)

LOVE BLACKADDER! very witty Fautly towers is awsom too! :D

(not the fist)

i thought the office was absolute crap.. :(

Sorry mate but last week I started a post in which all nominations for this final vote were to be put forward and nobody said 'Phoenix Nights' (which I must confess I love also.)

We'll see what my 20,000 lawyers have to say about that!

We'll see what my 20,000 lawyers have to say about that!

Bring em on!

*so sad, blocked out*

I like red dwarf (you are probably wondering how a cranky yankee knows about brit television, well, I won't tell)

*so sad, blocked out*

I like red dwarf (you are probably wondering how a cranky yankee knows about brit television, well, I won't tell)

I have American mates err mate. I just hate bigoted idiots from whatever country. This poll was not designed to say "Our Comedies are better than yours" but to merely ask which of ours was the best among our comedies. I am sure that US Comedies would win by a mile if we did an international vote. Particularly 'The Simpsons'.