View Full Version : Best British Comedy of all time?
1300 Class
10-31-2005, 03:43 PM
Now obviously its going to be fairly wide ranging, but there is just so much quality, from some of the classics, to Yes Minister, to Blackadder and Red Dwarf, in everyone's opinions, what is the best British comedy of all time?
Stealth
10-31-2005, 04:00 PM
Red Dwarf.
No.
Only fools and Horses.
no.
Red Dwarf.
NO!
Only foold and Horses!!!!
Sandie_Zitkus
10-31-2005, 04:11 PM
OH NO CONTEST -
FAWLTY TOWERS
wtchmel
10-31-2005, 06:49 PM
Well, i haven't watched all that many british comedys, but i vote for "Are you being served" I loved that show!
CurvyEm
10-31-2005, 06:59 PM
Obviously you all need to go to hell.. but before you do you better vote for Red Dwarf, or i promise I will NEVER sober up and i'll eat my own foot. HA.
Jack Skellington
10-31-2005, 07:54 PM
I don't know which is the best. But I've enjoyed these.
Red Dwarf
Absolutely Fabulous
Are you being served?
Vicar of Dibley
My Hero
I don't know if you can count it because it's a cartoon, but I really liked Danger Mouse. That's probably my favorite. That and Count Duckula
fatlane
10-31-2005, 08:19 PM
Yes, Minister/Yes, Prime Minister.
Or are they non-fiction?
Wayne_Zitkus
10-31-2005, 09:07 PM
OH NO CONTEST -
FAWLTY TOWERS
Whatever you do, DON'T BRING UP THE WAR!!!!
http://hintofsarcasm.com/blogphotos/germans.jpg
Tragdor
10-31-2005, 09:25 PM
The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin and Monty Python are favorites of the Tragdor
Jay West Coast
10-31-2005, 09:29 PM
From a purely FA standpoint, I really should give a shout-out to The Vicar of Dibley. I loved Dawn French in the episode where she was cajoled into giving up chocolate for lent, and of course spent the entire episode craving and eating it in feverish clandestinity. The moral of the story, perhaps, "don't separate a fat girl and her chocolate."
Needless to say, a mos' def fave of my youth!
Jay West Coast
Ashley
10-31-2005, 09:34 PM
I really should give a shout-out to The Vicar of Dibley. I loved Dawn French in the episode where she was cajoled into giving up chocolate for lent, and of course spent the entire episode craving and eating it in feverish clandestinity. The moral of the story, perhaps, "don't separate a fat girl and her chocolate." t
Oh wow. I loved that episode! I can relate. I'm the one who always thought that giving up ice cream would be easy because it was still chilly outside and I didn't think I'd want it anyway. I never succeeded.
Santaclear
10-31-2005, 11:38 PM
I've watched very little TV since 1968 but Monty Python was pretty great. I've seen all the Fawlty Towers 3 or 4 times. And I was REALLY impressed with how sick the Blackadder was in the episode and a half that I caught once.
1300 Class
11-01-2005, 12:41 AM
I think Monty Python is quite dated now, but in my opinion it was never really excellent stuff (it did have its moments), and alot of their individual work was quite good.
BBW Betty
11-01-2005, 05:19 AM
Nothing beats "Are You Being Served?" IMO. I don't know how the actors manage to keep a straight face with all the double entendres (sp?) and just plain naughtiness--without being nasty. That is a trick nowadays.
EtobicokeFA
11-01-2005, 05:50 AM
Favorite British Sitcoms
Vicar of Dibley (wish Dawn French was in more stuff)
Father Ted
FAWLTY TOWERS
Monty Python
Yes, Minister/Yes, Prime Minister
Are you being served?
ConnieLynn
11-01-2005, 06:10 AM
Are You being Served is #1
Vicar of Dibley...I wish there were more episodes
'Allo 'Allo
Gaining Gourmet
11-01-2005, 06:20 AM
My favorite is Monty Python's Flying Circus. Without doubt.
curvluver
11-01-2005, 06:23 AM
For me it's a close tie between Red Dwarf and Blackadder....
TallFatSue
11-01-2005, 06:57 AM
From a purely FA standpoint, I really should give a shout-out to The Vicar of Dibley. I loved Dawn French in the episode where she was cajoled into giving up chocolate for lent, and of course spent the entire episode craving and eating it in feverish clandestinity. The moral of the story, perhaps, "don't separate a fat girl and her chocolate."
Ain't nobody separating me from my chocolate! Dawn French is great and I loved this episode too. Is it just me or did Dawn French become really fat in some of the later episodes? I think the extra fat looks great on her, but I love how the show doesn't revolve around her size. Her weight is just another attribute.
I wouldn't say it's the best British comedy, but I have a soft spot for Keeping Up Appearances because sometimes my mother and my sister-in-law behave just like Hyacinthe. I don't know how my father and brother put up with it -- but they wonder how my husband puts up with me too! ;)
Sue
PS. It's not British, but I'd give high marks to the Canadian comedy show SCTV. When Art & I were dating (1977-1982), he often forced me to watch SCTV with him. I hated it at first, but after a while it became an acquired taste and I ended up loving it. Maybe my opinion improved due to the fondling sessions (purrrr, my future husband decided he liked fat girls after all :smitten:) while SCTV was on in the background.
LillyBBBW
11-01-2005, 07:46 AM
I love Keeping Up Appearances! And I'm also a seacret fan of the old "Dr. Who" series. An old boyfriend got me hooked on that back in High School. So yeah, Are You Being Served, Keeping Up Appearances, Dr. Who and Benny Hill. :smitten:
Hi all, I'm Vix from the UK.
I love sureal comidies like League of gentlemen and Little Britain.
My other favs- Waiting for god
Red dewarf
Father Ted
Monty Python
Rising Damp
Not the nine o'clock news.
Wow I didn't realise just how many there are, I remember one then there's like five others that I love also:D
It's great to see that British comedy has made it over the channel.
I found this sight over the weekend and I must say what a great bunch you all are.
Bladder (as he was affectionately known on the series);
And while not strictly a comedy, Dr. Who....when we see cheesy special effects in any movie, we all start yelling "Who Effects."
ConnieLynn
11-01-2005, 09:37 AM
Hi all, I'm Vix from the UK.
I love sureal comidies like League of gentlemen and Little Britain.
My other favs- Waiting for god
Red dewarf
Father Ted
Monty Python
Rising Damp
Not the nine o'clock news.
Wow I didn't realise just how many there are, I remember one then there's like five others that I love also:D
It's great to see that British comedy has made it over the channel.
I found this sight over the weekend and I must say what a great bunch you all are.
Welcome to the boards Vix :) I forgot about Waiting for God because they don't show it here much anymore. I love wenchy old ladies!
Yes, Minister/Yes, Prime Minister.
Or are they non-fiction?
My vote goes with you. Mind, I first saw them while living in a government town, with my father working in the civil service, which probably made them more amusing.
A near second, "Father Ted" was goofy, but brilliantly so. It might top my list for british comedy to watch after too long of a week at work.
Lot's of other great british comedy out there, but those two always especially amused me.
-Ed
FEast
11-01-2005, 10:27 AM
Please tell us more about it. Can you post it in a larger size, so we can see more detail? Thanks!~Bountifully, Fuchsia
Hi all, I'm Vix from the UK.
waitingforsuperman
11-01-2005, 10:52 AM
in order:
faulty towers
monty python's flying circus
red dwarf
are you being served
CurvyEm
11-01-2005, 11:03 AM
no no no no no they were in the wrong order. Red dwarf should be at the top!
waitingforsuperman
11-01-2005, 11:23 AM
no no no no no they were in the wrong order. Red dwarf should be at the top!
i'd like to take a moment to express that i pretty much have a mild crush on you.
CurvyEm
11-01-2005, 11:27 AM
Well duh... :P
Faulty Towers...followed by whatever.
[QUOTE=EtobicokeFA]Favorite British Sitcoms
[LIST]
Vicar of Dibley (wish Dawn French was in more stuff)
I'll second that...she is the fat lady in the third Harry Potter movie...I know that much...Vicar is pretty good.
1300 Class
11-01-2005, 04:20 PM
Ah Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister, perhaps the pinnical of wit and humour.
OBBICH
11-01-2005, 04:47 PM
All classics!! Nothing can top these:
Only Fools and Horses
Red Dwarf
Black Adder
The Young Ones
The Thin Blue Line
Open All Hours
Porridge
The Fast Show
Fawlty Towers
Big fan of comedy here! :)
Santaclear
11-01-2005, 05:40 PM
I think Monty Python is quite dated now, but in my opinion it was never really excellent stuff (it did have its moments), and alot of their individual work was quite good.
Ya might be right. My comment on Python was based on seeing maybe 3 shows (I find most TV unbearable) and loving much of the principals' work afterwards.
Scarface
11-01-2005, 10:58 PM
After much thought heres my top five :
1. Red Dwarf ("Rimmer you smeghead!")
2. Only Fools and Horses ("Alright Dave")
3. The Day Today
4. The Fast Show/ Harry Enfield ("eh eh eh calm down alright?")
5. Bottom
French and Saunders gets a mention just for Dawn French as eye candy ;)
Theatrmuse/Kara
11-02-2005, 12:20 AM
FATHER TED! FATHER TED! FATHER TED!
:D
I also love Dawn French in Vicar of Dibley.
:kiss2:
I cannot resist Dame Judy Dench in "As Time Goes By"!
:)
AND..loved "Good Neighbors!"
:smitten: :smitten:
But still have to vote for FATHER TED as my favorite!
:smitten: :smitten: :kiss2: :smitten: :smitten:
Hugs, Kara
Scarface
11-02-2005, 01:59 AM
Sorry to bust everyones bubble but Father Ted is an Irish comedy that was picked up by Channel 4 in Britain. Wrong Category.
1300 Class
11-02-2005, 03:03 AM
For the purposes of this argument, it is largley considered to be British comedy. Having said that it is damned funny, and hilarious at best. Altough I personally cannot stand "Only fools and Horses". Just never liked it.
Santaclear
11-02-2005, 03:12 AM
For the purposes of this thread only, I regard Woody Allen and the Marx Brothers as British.
1300 Class
11-02-2005, 03:33 AM
Very droll. And completely different.
EtobicokeFA
11-02-2005, 07:12 AM
[QUOTE=EtobicokeFA]Favorite British Sitcoms
[LIST]
Vicar of Dibley (wish Dawn French was in more stuff)
I'll second that...she is the fat lady in the third Harry Potter movie...I know that much...Vicar is pretty good.
To bad she wasn't used to much in the Potter movie.
Boteroesque Babe
11-02-2005, 07:15 AM
With a deep curtsy to Monty Python and a nod to honorable mentions Little Britain, Ab Fab, and The Young Ones, I gotta go with (and wonder why it hasn't been mentioned yet) The Office. Ricky Gervais is the best British comedic export since Peter Sellers.
Oh, and much respek to Ali G, though I believe that was produced in the US. But yeah. The Office.
Anyone ever see The Comic Strip Presents stuff? Sublime. 'Five Go Mad in Dorset'--too funny. And they did a Spinal-Tap-esque thing BEFORE we Americans did it (the set up and storyline are really quite similar). I'm big on well-done parodies b/c I think they take a certain amount of work and genius and I'd recommend TCSP to anyone who shares my appreciation and likes British Humor.
For modern stuff, I have to also say The Office. It's so good it's bad. What I mean is, it's actually painful for me to watch a lot of the time. I can't always sit through it. It's So exactly like my office experience that it almost makes me feel like I'm working during my tv-watching hours, too.
1300 Class
11-02-2005, 04:09 PM
Anyone see that surreal comedy series Big Train?
LurkingBBW
11-02-2005, 04:53 PM
with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. It was made in the 60's and is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. It's a play on the Faust theme and has a very young Raquel Welch as one of the sins. Also, the actor who plays Dame Edna (I can't recall his name) also plays one of the sins. A very funny movie.
insomniac
11-02-2005, 05:05 PM
thats a no brainer, either the obvious "Monty Python" or the lesser known "The Young Ones". Either way, both revolutionary, BOTH hillarious, BOTH unparalleled. Light years ahead of stupid sitcoms like Home Improvement or Friends. Both mindless crap.
OBBICH
11-02-2005, 05:18 PM
I completely forgot the legend steve coogan, in "I'm Alan Partridge", thats was awesome! so funny, loved his previous stuff too.
fatlane
11-02-2005, 06:00 PM
The Goodies. Or, even better... The Goon Squad!!!
1300 Class
11-02-2005, 07:12 PM
Ah the goodies. Kitten Kong and the Pirate Radio station were great. The young ones can be a very hit and miss affair in my opinion.
Boteroesque Babe
11-02-2005, 09:17 PM
I completely forgot the legend steve coogan, in "I'm Alan Partridge", thats was awesome! so funny, loved his previous stuff too.
Last time I played Bill Withers on the radio, I did a (quite lame) Alan Partridge impersonation. "That was Bill Withuzz, who's thankfully still withuzzz." He slid a bit in my estimation when Courtney Love claimed to have been impregnated by him, but you're right, he's a genius.
'Cept for that Courtney Love thing.
eljay
11-03-2005, 11:04 AM
Hmm.... Difficult one
I'd go for
Black Books
Monty Python (although i find it less funny these days)
The Day Today + Brass Eye
With a special mention for Dawn French for being a Fat Chick Onna Telly
And Bill Hicks (even thou he's not a Brit)
eljay
11-03-2005, 11:06 AM
FATHER TED! FATHER TED! FATHER TED!
:D
I also love Dawn French in Vicar of Dibley.
:kiss2:
I cannot resist Dame Judy Dench in "As Time Goes By"!
:)
AND..loved "Good Neighbors!"
:smitten: :smitten:
But still have to vote for FATHER TED as my favorite!
:smitten: :smitten: :kiss2: :smitten: :smitten:
Hugs, Kara
Bugger...yes... forgot FATHER TED.
(Sorry Ted)
Tiger's_Lily
11-03-2005, 11:58 AM
* On The Buses
* Are you being served?
* The good life
Those are definately my favorite British comedy shows of all times...:)
fatlane
11-03-2005, 06:36 PM
Ted: It's a doggie toy.
Dougal: No, Ted. It's a joke phone!
Theatrmuse/Kara
11-03-2005, 08:26 PM
LOLOL! OMG.........Dougal and the joke phone! LOLOL!:shocked:
Shall I sing a verse from "My lovely Horse?"
To quote Mrs. Doyle......."Awwww..come on now. It's got cocaine in it, Father Ted!"
Gawd, I love that show!
Hugs, Kara:smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
RVGleason
11-03-2005, 08:38 PM
The Goodies. Or, even better... The Goon Squad!!!
Do you mean the Goon Show, with Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Harry Secombe? I love the Goons, one of the funniest British radio shows ever, and a major influence to Monty Python.
RV :eat1:
fatlane
11-03-2005, 08:53 PM
Yes, the Goon Show, I mean. Absolute hilarity. I need to buy their DVD collection, should they have it.
fatlane
11-03-2005, 08:53 PM
LOLOL! OMG.........Dougal and the joke phone! LOLOL!:shocked:
Shall I sing a verse from "My lovely Horse?"
To quote Mrs. Doyle......."Awwww..come on now. It's got cocaine in it, Father Ted!"
Gawd, I love that show!
Hugs, Kara:smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
DRINK! GIRLS! FECK!
1300 Class
11-03-2005, 08:58 PM
The Good Life was a very good series I think, altough it was mosre than just comedy.
fatlane
11-03-2005, 08:59 PM
The Good Life had Jim Hacker in it before he became PM. Love it. Margo Ledbetter was THE grand dame of Britcom in that series.
Obesus
11-03-2005, 11:21 PM
The very show that led up to Monty Python....and featured none other than....gasp...THE BONZO DOG BAND! I am not worthy!!! I am not worthy!!! :D
http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/tv/kids/donotadjust.htm
Les Toil
11-03-2005, 11:24 PM
Wait a second!! No one here has mention THEE funniest human on the planet!!
UNCLE MORT!!!! by Peter Tenniswood!
I heard they actually made a TV show in England about Uncle Mort. Was it any good? I can't imagine how good it could be if it didn't star the guy who did the voice on that brilliant radio show.
Les Toil
11-03-2005, 11:27 PM
The very show that led up to Monty Python....and featured none other than....gasp...THE BONZO DOG BAND! I am not worthy!!! I am not worthy!!! :D
http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/tv/kids/donotadjust.htm
Dang, even that old photo of the boys looks like some hysterical parody from a Python episode! So who's the little guy on the left? I guess he ended up being the Pete Best of the Monthy Python crew?
1300 Class
11-04-2005, 12:41 AM
Its a shame Paul Eddington died when he did. :(
fatlane
11-04-2005, 06:41 PM
Dang, even that old photo of the boys looks like some hysterical parody from a Python episode! So who's the little guy on the left? I guess he ended up being the Pete Best of the Monthy Python crew?
That's David James, later to score smiles on Open All Hours and Only Fools and Horses.
Which reminds me, I love The Two Ronnies.
Buffie
11-04-2005, 08:42 PM
Ohhh... The Young Ones (I had the WORST crush on Rik Mayall. :smitten: )
How many times have I laughed until I literally hurt watching Mr. Bean ? Lots. Lots and Lots.
The Vicar of Dibley
Keeping Up Appearances
and of course... Are You Being Served?
My faves, gawd luv em!
fatlane
11-04-2005, 08:59 PM
I've got all of Mr. Bean burned on MP3s. I love to play the episodes when I'm driving to work!
Buffie
11-04-2005, 09:11 PM
You are a smart alec SUPREME, fatlane! I totally dig it!
Listen on the way to work!!! Whaa ha ha ha haaaaa!!! Clever, very clever! :D
Buffie
11-04-2005, 09:13 PM
... Unless I'm so far in the flippin dark ages that MP3 players actually do video now. In that case, boy do I feel sheepish. But I still dig ya cuz you're a Beanie! So it all works out, right?
~Potentially Blushing...~
fatlane
11-04-2005, 09:14 PM
And I am now in my SECOND posting frenzy with a BigCutie. HAWT.
Speaking of huge boobs, I recall hearing of one time Dawn French doffed her bra and placed a DJ's head in there - with loads of room to spare. What a visual... pity I can't find pics of the magic moment.
Lenny Henry is Dawn French's husband. He is an extremely lucky man.
Buffie
11-04-2005, 09:18 PM
Lucky husband indeed! Dawn French was one of my earliest exposures to fat women in non-hater roles. Part of me has always wished I was British and partially because of her.
You make me laugh, btw. Are YOU a Brit-com? ~Giggle and Snort!~
fatlane
11-04-2005, 09:23 PM
Well, I voted Libertarian, so I'm not a Neo-con.
I've never been to prison, so I'm not an Ex-con.
I haven't fought, so I'm a Non-com.
I got roaches in my rathole, so I need to buy D-con.
Guess that leaves Brit-com.
Could be worse. I'll take it, I guess.
Now pardon me as I imagine the effect giggles and snorts would have on your various deposits of adipose tissue. Always a rewarding pastime, that.
And do check your email, by the way... :D
May the frenzy continue...
Buffie
11-04-2005, 09:34 PM
You voted Libertarian? Awww! That's so cute!!
One think you forgot...
You're a webmaster, so that makes you a dot.com! Hee hee!!
fatlane
11-04-2005, 09:36 PM
Ba-BAM!
Blindsided by BC Buffie!
Guess I should take a BC powder... or head to Vancouver...
Buffie
11-04-2005, 09:54 PM
What's in Vancouver? Is pot legal there or just ignored? Why ya going to Vancouver? Can I go, too? Do they have tacos there?
fatlane
11-04-2005, 10:03 PM
B-ritish C-olumbia.
Ignored, most of the time.
Needed another pun for BC.
YESH.
If they do, they've probably got maple syrup on them.
Have mercy, but this is a fine frenzy you've gotten me into!
Buffie
11-04-2005, 10:10 PM
Ohmigawd, and it's cosmic again because it's BRITISH Colombia... or is it Columbia? I get them confused. British, all the same! Do you think people are annoyed with us yet?
It's British folks, so it counts as on topic! Really, it does! And it was a pun, and that's funny... technically, that makes it a British Comedy! See?
fatlane
11-04-2005, 10:12 PM
I think I'll start a new thread.. call it "The Buffie and Fatlane Show" or some such. See, I even give you top billing, with no sexual connotations, whatsoever!
Webmaster
11-05-2005, 08:42 AM
Now obviously its going to be fairly wide ranging, but there is just so much quality, from some of the classics, to Yes Minister, to Blackadder and Red Dwarf, in everyone's opinions, what is the best British comedy of all time?
I happen to like "Are you being served?"--Young Mr. Grace, Mr. Rumbold, Captain Peacock, Mr. Grainger, Mr. Humphries, Mr. Lucas, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms and Mr. Mash gave me many laughs. I also loved "Keeping up Appearances" with the ever-annoying wannabe socialite Hyacinth Bucket ("that's pronounced 'Bouquet'").
Ab Fab!
I would love to get the dvd boxed set,even though I have seen every episode.:)
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