I don’t think the pessimism was about a “new” sitcom, John.
I knew what that would be a link to. Do yourself a favor, find a series they did called The Games, a mockumentary about organizing the Sydney Olympics. It’s brilliant.
You may need to revise your national rankings, however; John Clarke was from New Zealand.
Probably my favorite comedy series, but surely its impossible to redo it. Nothing could be as good as the original. I use it as a litmus test for new acquaintances. If they don’t get it, then we probably won’t click.