IMHO, Coupling is the best and funniest show on TV. There is no way that it will be as good in america. The comedy will lose its edge, and having seen the original, I can’t imagine anyone else playing Jane or Jeff. So Graham Norton is excellent, especially the intros with the audience and the stuff he finds on the internet. SGN is much better than the Tonight Show or the Late Show, I think.
Another Coupling addict here. I’m a little dissapointed by the third season so far - it seems to be getting a little more dramatic instead of comedic.
I have wanted to start a thread with some of Jeff’s (and others) theories. I love the “Giggle Loop” and the “Sock Factor” (?) and the “Fuck Me Fork”. I’ve just been too lazy to watch it, write the theory down and then post it.
Maybe I’ll start now.
Whistlepig
Anyone remember “A Very Peculiar Practice”? Was never on BBC America as far as I know, but was on PBS about ten years ago. There’s a Brit-com I’d like to see turn up on the Beeb-Am.
My wife and I watch BBC America a lot.
Coupling – Definitely fans. It covers the same material as “Friends,” but it’s much more cleverly written, like Alan Ayckbourn in his prime. The explanation of “porno buddies” was priceless.
Changing Rooms – Carol is HOT! and the designers are MUCH better than in the Americanized version.
The Office – Wincingly funny. It’s so razor-sharp in its observations that it’s difficult to watch without squirming. The lack of a laugh track means the audience doesn’t get an easy, familiar way out. (By the way, there’s going to be an American remake of this as well, to go along with “Coupling.” Expect both to suck.)
Graham Norton – Also fans, but the schtick is wearing thin for me. “Here’s a joke about how old Catherine Zeta-Jones’s husband is! Here’s a reference to something old and ugly with Betty as the punchline! Here’s a sketch where we make people from the audience say raunchy double-entendres!” Still funny, but his previous shows were more willing to go out and try stuff for the hell of it. Now it’s like he’s figured out the five or six things that reliably get laughs, and he does them over and over. Oh, and the interview where the Crocodile Hunter talked about his wife’s tits was just … icky.
What Not to Wear – The only fashion show I can tolerate. It’s practical, sensible, fast-paced, and based in the real world; the advice they give makes total sense and works for the recipient. “Your arms are flabby, so let’s do this instead.” Cool.
Ground Force – One of the best design makeover shows on TV, because the team is so cute together. Plus they do good work.
On the other hand, I find Manchild utterly intolerable.
Cervaise,
I agree, I can’t stand Manchild! I wish they’d stop showing it, I don’t think it’s going too well and they’ve pushed it long enough.
I stiil haven’t watched The Office yet.
It seems to have a very People Like Us quality to it, but without the wit and commentary of Mr Mallard.
I’m really looking forward to the new episodes of What Not To Wear!- April 1st, along with new Changing Rooms!
I did catch a little of the TLC version of WNTW- ugh! Okay, I’m sorry but that guy- I’m assuming him to be gay, and the girl on there are terrible! They seemed more concerned about themselves then the contestant, and I’m sorry, but I really don’t want fasion adivce from a gay man- or a straight one for that matter!
Trinny and Susannah are both cool, funny and really care about their client.
BTW- anyone catch the Father Ted marathon last night?? Don’t worry if you missed it- it’ll be on again Monday!!
What I’d really love to see BBCAM show is As Time Goes By- hint hint…
Maybe the right thread to pollute with my question.
Can anyone tell me where do I get a DVD or NTSC cassettes of Yes, Minister series?
The new series of Ground Force has just shown here in the UK but the bad news is that Alan Tichmarsh is not in it , just leaving Tommy and Charlie. I am afraid that the zing has gone out of the show and it is just not the same. It just shows how much the show depended on all three characters to make it a success.
Ah yes. The giggle loop.
BTW, Jeff is Welsh, if anyone is confused by the accent.
Did BBC america ever show This Life?
It should have.
Ramon Tikaram is just yummy (Ferdy, the guy with the long hair, you may have seen him in the film “Kama Sutra”).
Or Spaced? (originally C4)
Or Black Books? (C4 also)
Or the League of Gentlemen? (Originally BBC2)
Although those last three are from the weird and wonderful world of british surrealist comedy, so I don’t know how well they’d travel.
The Office is too squrimy for me to watch, i have to peek between fingers, I’m Alan Patridge is the same.
Father Ted was one of the most wonderful things on tv. Personally i like the episode with the All Priest Over 70s Five A Side Football Championship match. It involves an electric remote controlled wheelchair, a false arm, and the Craggy Island/Rugged Island feud, if that jogs memories.
Amazon.com sells a set. Amazon.co.uk sells Series One and Two separately.
As well as Coupling and The Office (both favourites of mine), I understand that Beeb America did show The League of Gentlemen and Spaced. They’re hugely popular here. What did you think?
For fans of The Office, check out The BBC The Office Page.
I was channel surfing REALLY late one night, and ran across this show on Comedy Central, of all places. I had to get up for work, so I couldn’t stay up and watch them all (they showed like 5 in a row), but after 5 minutes, I was hooked, so I turned on my VCR.
That was one of the funniest shows I’ve seen in a looong time. It’s rare for a TV show to get me laughing out loud, but this one did it to me every few minutes. The scene where Manny was pretending to be a cop? Brilliant.
Sadly, I ended up taping over them, and according to CC’s website, I happened to catch the only airing until next AUGUST! Bugger.
Actually, the actor who plays Jeff -can’t think of his name at the moment- isn’t Welsh! He just does a really good accent!
If anyone is interrested, at the BBCAM website in the Coupling disscusions section, Steve Moffat, the writer of the series actually chats with the posters and shares wounderful tid bits about the show from time to time. I find that so cool that the writer would care enough to share this with the fans!
I love that Father Ted episode too! Or how about the one where all the priests are in the lingerie department and can’t find thier way out!!