NationStates Jolt Archive


Your favorite British comedy?

The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:21
Well, I basically like them all, but I like Mr. Bean the best!:p :D
Londim
03-06-2006, 17:22
Men Behaving Badly. Now that was good
Greater Alemannia
03-06-2006, 17:23
Mr.Bean is fucking awesome. Monty Python and Fawlty Towers get credit too, but Mr.Bean is pretty much the only British comedy I've had good knowledge of my whole life.
Similization
03-06-2006, 17:26
I can't remember what it was called.. Flog the Pony? Oh well.. Young Ones gets my vote.
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:26
Mr.Bean is fucking awesome. Monty Python and Fawlty Towers get credit too, but Mr.Bean is pretty much the only British comedy I've had good knowledge of my whole life.
Yeah! Long live Mr. Bean! The man who is a bean!:D ;)
Sweedun
03-06-2006, 17:27
well either blackadder or red dwarf, but they are not there and none of the others are applicable for me.
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:27
I can't remember what it was called.. Flog the Pony? Oh well.. Young Ones gets my vote.
Yeah, they were funny!

"Shut up Rick ya bogey bum!!";)
Yootopia
03-06-2006, 17:28
Bean is crap, Python is genius. The Meaning of Life is one of the better films I've ever seen.
Nadkor
03-06-2006, 17:28
Blackadder probably, then Fawlty Towers.
Kanabia
03-06-2006, 17:29
Red Dwarf! Which is not on the poll. :mad:
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:29
Bean is crap, Python is genius. The Meaning of Life is one of the better films I've ever seen.
It's just opinion.
Mondoth
03-06-2006, 17:31
What about 'Father Ted'!

Now that is a great British Comedy.
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:31
Has anyone heard of the movie Johnny English? It's totally ossum! It stars Rowan Atkinson(The same guy who played MR. BEAN)as Johnny English.
Nadkor
03-06-2006, 17:32
Red Dwarf! Which is not on the poll. :mad:
Yes! Red Dwarf is awesome.

Actually, there's so many shows you probably wouldn't have seen outside of the UK that are hilarious.
Keir Hardie MP
03-06-2006, 17:32
None of the above. I don't know many British people that actually watch these shows now. There are far more funnier things that have come out of the UK in the last 5 years.
Findecano Calaelen
03-06-2006, 17:33
also, the goodies from back in the day, and the comic duo of bottom
The Elder Malaclypse
03-06-2006, 17:35
Uhh, how about Brass Eye? Or The Office? Or Alan Partridge?
Slacker guys
03-06-2006, 17:37
:) Red Dwarf 1 is my favorite,but alot:) of people outside thew UK haven't seen the others.But Monty Python has had several movies that have become a big part of geekdom. IT'S ONLY A FLESH WOUND:p
Similization
03-06-2006, 17:41
also, the goodies from back in the day, and the comic duo of bottomYes! The Comic Strip thing was pure brilliance. How could I not have mentioned that? Mister Jolly Lives Next Door has been the Sunday morning nightmare movie here for the last 10 years or so.
Kanabia
03-06-2006, 17:48
Yes! Red Dwarf is awesome.

Actually, there's so many shows you probably wouldn't have seen outside of the UK that are hilarious.

Probably. We do get a lot of British TV here, but eh, i generally avoid watching TV anyway.
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 17:59
Probably. We do get a lot of British TV here, but eh, i generally avoid watching TV anyway.
That's because you are in Australia.

I once saw an Australian commercial about Outback Steakhouse, and my favorite phrase was "You are vveerryy hungry....you will go to Outback Steakhouse when I say "bonza".................BONZA!!!!!"
I've always wanted to go to Australia.
Kanabia
03-06-2006, 18:05
That's because you are in Australia.

I once saw an Australian commercial about Outback Steakhouse, and my favorite phrase was "You are vveerryy hungry....you will go to Outback Steakhouse when I say "bonza".................BONZA!!!!!"
I've always wanted to go to Australia.

o.O
The Remote Islands
03-06-2006, 18:07
o.O


What does THAT mean?
The SR
03-06-2006, 18:10
the fast show?
red dwarf?
blackadder?
the office?

what a shit poll.

and excuse me father ted is irish. written, shot, funded, produced in ireland by the irish. you can have our six counties but not our father ted!! :p

if any yank hasnt seen it, see it.

"those italians know a lot about football alright ted. and fashion. sure one knew so much about fashion they had to shoot him"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ss_hs/002-1323154-5653618?platform=gurupa&url=index%3Dblended&keywords=father+ted&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go
Kazcaper
03-06-2006, 18:11
Most of those poll options are crap compared to many British comedies. Monty Python is the exception, it was brilliant. Other favourites of mine: Only Fools and Horses, Blackadder, Black Books, Fawlty Towers. To name a few.
Nadkor
03-06-2006, 18:19
and excuse me father ted is irish. written, shot, funded, produced in ireland by the irish. you can have our six counties but not our father ted!! :p

Well yea, it was written, shot, funded and produced in Ireland, except for the fact that it wasn't shot (except for outside scenes), funded, or produced in Ireland.
Keruvalia
03-06-2006, 18:21
Oh, sure ... don't mention Benny Hill at all ... hrmph.
The Infinite Dunes
03-06-2006, 18:22
I can't remember what it was called.. Flog the Pony? Oh well.. Young Ones gets my vote.I think you mean 'Smack the Pony'. It's a euphemism for female masturbation. You might be able to understand the reason for it's title now. ;)
The Infinite Dunes
03-06-2006, 18:24
Black Books and Spaced get my vote. Many as they haven't been mentioned yet and are pretty damn good.
Europaland
03-06-2006, 18:31
Fawlty Towers
Porridge
Yes Minister
One Foot in the Grave
Citizen Smith
Saklee
03-06-2006, 18:35
I agree! Red Dwarf should be up there! But of those, Are You Being Served is the best choice.
Saxnot
03-06-2006, 18:36
What about Blackadder, Red Dwarf, Coupling, or even the mighty SPACED?

Come on.

On the flipside, I find most current British "comedy" to be in terrifically bad taste and refuse to watch it. Examples: The Office, Green Wing, Little Britain.

Monty Python, very easily, out of those displayed above, though I did enjoy Are You Being Served and such...

On the point of classic comedies, why aren't Fawlty Towers and 'Allo 'Allo up there?
The Taker
03-06-2006, 18:37
The brits make comedy?
Nye Jylland
03-06-2006, 18:37
Where is The Goon Show? :rolleyes:
Saxnot
03-06-2006, 18:42
Or The Goodies, actually.
Whithy Windle
03-06-2006, 18:43
What is the air-speed velocity of a swallow?
Doige
03-06-2006, 18:47
I can't remember what it was called.. Flog the Pony? Oh well.. Young Ones gets my vote.

Smack the pony
Airenia
03-06-2006, 18:49
other - father ted
Llanarc
03-06-2006, 18:59
It's not really a poll for the Brits it would seem. Too limited a choice of soooo many possibilities. Decades of great shows from "Hancock's Half Hour" in the 60's right up to the latest offerings, "Suburban Shootout" and "Green Wing". ;)
Demented Hamsters
03-06-2006, 19:14
I can't believe this thread has gone on 3 pages already and not one person has mentioned the greatest, the funniest sit-com of all time, ever, in any language, from any country:















FAWLTY TOWERS



There's nothing better.
AB Again
03-06-2006, 19:24
I can't believe this thread has gone on 3 pages already and not one person has mentioned the greatest, the funniest sit-com of all time, ever, in any language, from any country:

FAWLTY TOWERS

There's nothing better.

You need glasses, methinks. It has been mentioned.

Best british comedy - Not the Nine O'clock News. (showing my age here)
Similization
03-06-2006, 19:27
I think you mean 'Smack the Pony'. It's a euphemism for female masturbation. You might be able to understand the reason for it's title now. ;)Now I feel like an idiot :p

Bril show, but It's years since I watched it.
Grave_n_idle
03-06-2006, 19:31
I'll tick the boxes marked "Red Dwarf", "Blackadder".... and "Coupling".

Once I find them. Surely they MUST be here....
Tweet Tweet
03-06-2006, 19:44
Ab Fab
Monty Python
Red Dwarf
Faulty Towers
Kevin and Perry
Blackadder
...and many more I cannot be bothered to list.
SocioDarwinia
03-06-2006, 20:07
What about "Coupling" and "The Office"?? Those are my definite fav's, but Monty Python is a nice third :cool:
Fair Progress
03-06-2006, 20:23
Other: Black Adder, Allo Allo, Black Books
Genaia3
03-06-2006, 20:26
That's a pretty horrendous list you've got up there. No the office, father ted, yes minister, one foot in the grave, red dwarf, only fools and horses, fawlty towers, blackadder, little Britain or even the league of gentlemen. These are all brilliant comedies that "are you being served" isn't fit to lick the boots of.
Iansisle
03-06-2006, 20:34
No Dad's Army?

I'll put in a vote for that simply because of the company I keep around here. =)
Neuvo Rica
03-06-2006, 21:25
^Seconded. Dad's Army is my favourite.

Not to mention, Black Books, Father Ted (It was a joint effort with Ireland), Bottom, and many, many more!
Velkya
03-06-2006, 21:31
And now for something completely different.
Rangerville
03-06-2006, 21:38
Are You Being Served? is my favorite of the choices you provided, and one of my favorites in general. I also like Fawlty Towers, Black Adder, The Vicar of Dibley, One Foot in the Grave, and The Thin Blue Line.
Rhursbourg
03-06-2006, 21:44
Dad's Army, Open All hours, Porridge, The Likely Lads, Aint Half Hot Mom, Are You being Served
Acquicic
03-06-2006, 21:49
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin is my favourite. It's not in the list either. Maybe the thread should be called "What's YOUR favourite British comedy that I'VE heard of?"
Anti-Social Darwinism
04-06-2006, 02:18
What about As Time Goes By with Dame Judi Dench? Or the Vicar of Dibley with Saunders and French? Both are great.
Jordaxia
04-06-2006, 02:24
Blackadder, Yes Minister, and Red Dwarf are some of my favourites.
Genaia3
04-06-2006, 03:09
The US make a lot of good dramas, but on the comedy front I don't think we're getting a fair exchange!
Megaloria
04-06-2006, 03:11
Your omission of Red Dwarf will result in your immediate death and subsequent replacement by a hologram.
Texoma Land
04-06-2006, 03:25
Waiting for God
Thin Blue Line
To the Mannor Born
Yes Minister
Good Neighbors (called The Good Life in the UK)
Butterflies
Black Adder
Coupling
Last of the Summer Wine

PBS in Dallas plays more British comedies each week than the BBC does. Mostly the older ones mind you, but that's quite all right. :D We're the Britcom test area for US public television. Monty Python was shown here before it went to the rest of the nation.

"...KERA was the first television station in the country to start airing British comedies. The relationship began when KERA became the first PBS affiliate to acquire Monty Python's Flying Circus for broadcast, starting in July 1974. "To this day," says Bill Young, KERA's Programming Director, "many of the Pythons recognize that KERA played a crucial role in salvaging the series and the tapes, which were about to be destroyed by the BBC.""

Say what you will about Dallas (most of it well deserved), but without it, Monty Python may well have been lost forever to history.
Greater Somalia
04-06-2006, 03:30
What can I say about British Comedians; they're witty and cheeky, a brilliant combination. :p
Commie Catholics
04-06-2006, 03:38
Fawlty Towers, Blackadder....Does Doctor Who count as a comedy?
British Stereotypes
04-06-2006, 03:58
Fawlty Towers, Blackadder....Does Doctor Who count as a comedy?
Yeah, why not! I love Doctor Who. I love the Doctor. He is HOT!
(I mean the current one - David Tennant.) ;)
Mondoth
04-06-2006, 04:00
only kind of, but it wouldn't be the best int he comedy area anyway, its more of a Space Opera (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_opera). (no, not an opera in space)
Hakubi
04-06-2006, 04:04
WHAT!? No Benny Hill! :upyours:

:sniper: ;)

How soon they forget! Damn politically correct B.S.

Without Benny in there its a toss up between Monty Python's Flying Circus and Are You Being Served.
British Stereotypes
04-06-2006, 04:36
I somehow managed to vote twice. I clicked votetwo times because it was being slow. Next time I'll try clicking it as many times as I can and see how many I get.
PasturePastry
04-06-2006, 05:25
What about "Coupling" and "The Office"?? Those are my definite fav's, but Monty Python is a nice third :cool:


I was wondering if someone was going to mention "Coupling"! I usually have to watch each episode twice because I'm too busy ROFLing the first time around to catch everything.
Taredas
04-06-2006, 20:46
Let's see, Monty Python is up there... good, now let's look for the Douglas Adams... oh, Hitchhiker's Guide, where are you?...

Sir, you seem to have forgotten your towel! Don't panic, but instead know that this poll is, by definition, incomplete. :p
New Callixtina
04-06-2006, 23:13
My favorites in order:

1. Monty Python/Black Adder (tie)
2. Faulty Towers
3. Absolutely Fabulous
4. Benny Hill
5. The Office
7. Dave Allen At Large (Wow now thats going back some time!)
8. Men Behaving Badly
9. The Vicar of Dibley
10. French and Saunders

Some honorable mentions:

People Like Us
Red Dwarf (Love this one!!!)
The Piglet Files (This one was OK, does anyone even remember this one???)
The League of Gentlemen
Drop The Dead Donkey
Mr Bean ( Didn't like this one so much)
Genaia3
05-06-2006, 00:01
My favorites in order:

1. Monty Python/Black Adder (tie)
2. Faulty Towers
3. Absolutely Fabulous
4. Benny Hill
5. The Office
7. Dave Allen At Large (Wow now thats going back some time!)
8. Men Behaving Badly
9. The Vicar of Dibley
10. French and Saunders

Some honorable mentions:

People Like Us
Red Dwarf (Love this one!!!)
The Piglet Files (This one was OK, does anyone even remember this one???)
The League of Gentlemen
Drop The Dead Donkey
Mr Bean ( Didn't like this one so much)

Don't quite agree with all of them, but that's a cracking list, there's got to be room for Father Ted in there somewhere though. I haven't heard of "people like us" and what on earth was the piglet files?

Incidentally has anyone seen the episode of French and Saunders where they do a spoof "behind the scenes" on LOTR - was on of the funniest things I've seen on TV. I wish they'd repeat it.
Cape Isles
05-06-2006, 00:49
I said the young Ones mainly because of the fights, but I also would have said Bottom and Faulty Towers.
New Callixtina
05-06-2006, 00:52
Don't quite agree with all of them, but that's a cracking list, there's got to be room for Father Ted in there somewhere though. I haven't heard of "people like us" and what on earth was the piglet files?
.

You're right, Father Ted is officially added to my list. The Piglet Files was a rather lame and short lived show about an undercover MI5 operative living as a professor who went to extremes to keep his identity secret from his oblivious wife. I believe is was on duirng the early 90s.
Blue Potatoes
05-06-2006, 00:53
I choose not to answer this poll. My favorite British comedy is not on the list. It is "Red Dwarf" and I am sure that many Americans would agree with me. I do like "Are You Being Served?" but it is definitely not my favorite.
Big Jim P
05-06-2006, 00:55
The Young Ones.
Bolgaronopoto
05-06-2006, 00:56
Too bad Black Books isn't on the list.

Monty Python is a classic choice, obviously, so it shouldn't even be on the list.
And what about Black Adder?

Gotta love Brit comedy.
Cape Isles
05-06-2006, 01:02
I choose not to answer this poll. My favorite British comedy is not on the list. It is "Red Dwarf" and I am sure that many Americans would agree with me. I do like "Are You Being Served?" but it is definitely not my favorite.

Do you think they will make a Red Dwarf X?
Cape Isles
05-06-2006, 01:05
Black Adder

Edmund - Baldrick I will give you a short holiday

(5 Seconds later)

Edmund - Did you enjoy it, good!
PopularFreedom
05-06-2006, 01:34
Ummm, you forgot to mention the British royal family in your poll. They can be comedic sometimes.
Saxnot
05-06-2006, 09:54
Oh yes, and Big Train.
LaLaland0
05-06-2006, 09:55
Monty Python's Flying Circusssssssssss
Peisandros
05-06-2006, 09:56
Fawlty Towers is fuckin' awesome. As for the poll, Monty Python gets my vote.
Undelia
05-06-2006, 10:49
Seinfeld pwns all things British or anything else comical for that matter.
BackwoodsSquatches
05-06-2006, 11:16
What about 'Father Ted'!

Now that is a great British Comedy.


DRINK!!
Castilla la Vieja
05-06-2006, 11:43
Where is Flowery Twats?
Zolworld
05-06-2006, 11:48
Bean is crap, Python is genius. The Meaning of Life is one of the better films I've ever seen.

I agree about that wanker Mr Bean, but the meaning of life really sucked. especially after the other 2 films were so good.

My fave british comedy is Red dwarf. but it aint on the poll.
JobbiNooner
05-06-2006, 12:29
Maybe I'm just wierd, but I voted Are you being served?

I also like Monty Python and Mr. Bean. I thought Absolutely Fabulous was a horrible show. Afterall, Comedy Central (cable station in the US that tries to be funny but is NOT) aired it for god knows how long. Too long if you ask me.
BogMarsh
05-06-2006, 13:05
Vicar of Dibbley.


But MP is pretty good too.

Oh, I have to say my really fave comedy would be the House of Lords!
Jello Biafra
05-06-2006, 13:22
Of the poll, I picked Ab Fab, but I'm puzzled why Blackadder is not there but Mr. Bean is.

Are You Being Served? is a close second for the poll.
BogMarsh
05-06-2006, 13:30
Of the poll, I picked Ab Fab, but I'm puzzled why Blackadder is not there but Mr. Bean is.

Are You Being Served? is a close second for the poll.

Agreed.
Snappy Blackadder was ever so much more entertaining that the rather clumsy Mr Bean.
On the other hand - clumsiness allows for easy identification with most people... :devilface:
Jello Biafra
05-06-2006, 13:35
Agreed.
Snappy Blackadder was ever so much more entertaining that the rather clumsy Mr Bean.
On the other hand - clumsiness allows for easy identification with most people... :devilface:Lol. I'm also surprised because Hugh Laurie has recently become a big star over here...I imagine the threadmaker is British and doesn't know that, though.
I V Stalin
05-06-2006, 13:37
Apart from all the others that deserve to be on the poll (Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, Only Fools and Horses, Spaced, etc.), The Mighty Boosh deserves to be mentioned. It's fucking brilliant!

Edit: Also, Alas Smith & Jones, That Was The Week That Was, The Frost Report, and anything that had Peter Cook in it. He was the funniest man who ever lived.
I V Stalin
05-06-2006, 13:38
Lol. I'm also surprised because Hugh Laurie has recently become a big star over here...I imagine the threadmaker is British and doesn't know that, though.
I assume you mean with House? It's shown over here, but on Channel 5, so only about 1m people watch it. It's pretty good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it.
Jello Biafra
05-06-2006, 13:39
I assume you mean with House? It's shown over here, but on Channel 5, so only about 1m people watch it. It's pretty good, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it.Yes, with House. I've only seen about 20 minutes of an episode, but, yeah, at least 15 million people watch that.
Rangerville
06-06-2006, 00:59
I love House, it's one of my favorite shows, and i think Hugh Laurie's American accent is amazing, half the time i forget he's British.
Genaia3
06-06-2006, 05:18
I love House, it's one of my favorite shows, and i think Hugh Laurie's American accent is amazing, half the time i forget he's British.

Who good resist the charms of a show about a doctor that plays by his own set of rules. I for one am just glad that they finally got around to putting a medical drama on TV.
Good Lifes
06-06-2006, 05:21
Isn't "British Comedy" an oxymoron?
The Parkus Empire
06-06-2006, 05:22
Has anyone heard of the movie Johnny English? It's totally ossum! It stars Rowan Atkinson(The same guy who played MR. BEAN)as Johnny English.
I have seen it as a matter of fact...

MONTY PYTHON FOREVER! *Clip-calp, clop-clap, clip-clap...*
The Remote Islands
24-06-2006, 02:26
I have seen it as a matter of fact...

MONTY PYTHON FOREVER! *Clip-calp, clop-clap, clip-clap...*
He's right.


MONTY PYTHON ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOLZXXXCVBBBNM!@##$%^&^$^%^@##%&^&21#$^
Psychotic Mongooses
24-06-2006, 02:32
Fawlty Towers, closely followed by Monty Python.
JuNii
24-06-2006, 02:59
don't care too much for Keeping up with Appearances..

what I like that's not on the list.
Benny Hill
Allo Allo
Piglet Files
Rangerville
24-06-2006, 03:05
I think British comedies are funnier than most American ones, so no, i wouldn't call it an oxymoron.
Vaudoise
24-06-2006, 03:16
"A bit of Fry and Laurie". They were incredibly witty and funny, and had a very refined sense of humor, a bit like Monty Python.
Peisandros
24-06-2006, 03:19
Isn't it cool that no one hasn't heard of any them? I think that's cool.
Dobbsworld
24-06-2006, 03:24
Monty Python
Blackadder
The Young Ones
Bottom
Red Dwarf
Mr. Bean

That's pretty much it.
Theoretical Physicists
24-06-2006, 03:28
What's "The Office"? The only one I'm familiar with is this American show which isn't particularly funny at all.
Rangerville
24-06-2006, 03:30
The Americans based their show The Office on the British one, as they have done with many shows. It's not that funny, but supposedly the British one is, i've never seen it though.
Grave_n_idle
24-06-2006, 03:31
What's "The Office"? The only one I'm familiar with is this American show which isn't particularly funny at all.

The American show is based on an English show... which also wasn't particularly funny at all...
Nadkor
24-06-2006, 03:33
What's "The Office"? The only one I'm familiar with is this American show which isn't particularly funny at all.

The British original is brilliant. But very much a marmite one. The American version is pathetic.

Much like with Coupling. And most other British shows that have been redone with an American cast and changed to suit an American audience.
Arrkendommer
24-06-2006, 03:36
well either blackadder or red dwarf, but they are not there and none of the others are applicable for me.
Red Dwarf forever! Long live britcoms!
Grave_n_idle
24-06-2006, 03:36
The British original is brilliant. But very much a marmite one. The American version is pathetic.

Much like with Coupling. And most other British shows that have been redone with an American cast and changed to suit an American audience.

"Red Dwarf" being the ultimate evidence. Excellent British show, remade for American audiences by the process of changing all the characters (except one... who was still played by the same actor), and removing everything that was funny about the original.
Multiland
24-06-2006, 04:00
Probably. We do get a lot of British TV here, but eh, i generally avoid watching TV anyway.

So THAT's why Aussies knew what a wank was before the Yanks :)