British Comedy

[Rararaz]

I was wondering what (if any) British comedies/comedians appeal to people from other countries. It is hard to get an idea of how comedy is judged in other countries. i am a fan of Scrubs, Family Guy, Archer and House (not really a comedy but very funny and also has Hugh Laurie an English comic great). As far as comedians go I don't really enjoy any American based ones but do have a bit of a soft spot for American's based here (Rich Hall, Reginald D Hunter etc)

Anyway, just wondering if things like Green Wing, Black Books, Blackadder, Spaced, Ross Nobel, Dylan Moran etc are liked elsewhere?

 

[Matt_LRR]

I'm canadian, and our comedy trends a little towards the british anyhow, but Black Books, The IT crowd, and spaced are all hilarious.

It should be relatively obvious that our LRR videos that we post here are nfluenced by Monty python as well.

-m

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Black Adder.
/thread.

Also, I think British comedy is very representative of our attitude. Sarcastic, witty and sometimes so subtle that it leaves other countries baffled.

 

[grimsprice]

Love British comedy so long as it isn't to native if you get my meaning.

It seems to me American comedy is to much screaming and cussing... i prefer the refined approach.

 

[DoctorNick]

Well, Monty Python obviously.

I've also yet to see something with Simon Pegg in it that I didn't like, and say what you will but I do enjoy the occasional episode of Last of the Summer Wine for some reason.[footnote]Being that I'm a 22 year old American I would say I'm pretty damn far outside of that shows target demographic...[/footnote] I've seen some Blackadder but not enough to have an opinion one way or another, but I do plan to watch more. Red Dwarf is always a classic also...

 

[Timotei]

I found Skins quite hilarious. Coupling I could have done without.

Both good shows, thought they pale in comparison to Monty Python's Flying Circus.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Well, Monty Python obviously.

I've also yet to see something with Simon Pegg in it that I didn't like, and say what you will but I do enjoy the occasional episode of Last of the Summer Wine for some reason.[footnote]Being that I'm a 22 year old American I would say I'm pretty damn far outside of that shows target demographic...[/footnote] I've seen some Blackadder but not enough to have an opinion one way or another, but I do plan to watch more. Red Dwarf is always a classic also...

I recommend that you watch a show called Father Ted, it's about 3 Irish priests, fucking hilarious. PM me if you want the link to a website to watch them.

 

[merc hunter]

I find british comedy to be way better than american comedy, im in New Zealand

 

[Benj17]

Never take an american with an underdeveloped sense of humour to watch Life of Brian, tis a real shame when the only part they laugh at is "Biggus Dickus"

badtimes all around ¬¬

 

[kampori]

Well, even though I'm half English, I grew up in the UAE, so I guess the difference in culture for most of my life allows me to answer.

I love British comedy. Many of us Brits say to those who don't understand it that, you've just gotta be British to get it. I guess its true to an extent. The synicism, subtlety, sarcasm, culture, wit. Love it.

As far as comedians go- Dylan Moran, Bill Bailey, Billy Conolley, Stephen K Amos, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Alan Davies, Sean Lock, Omid Djalili, Dara O Briain,.. sooo many more.
As far as shows- Fawlty Towers, Black Books, QI (my personal favourite because of the tumultuously great casts on each episode), A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Blackadder (all of them), Monty Python, Nevermind the Buzzcocks. There's a fair few more but on the spot I can't remember any of them.

Now on the other foot, I enjoy some American stuff. Some. I agree on House- mainly cus of our Hugh Laurie ]) making it Britishly comedic- but just a damn good show. Family Guy/Simpsons/Futurama/American Dad I enjoy thoroughly.

From what I've seen of their stand-up stuff, of which is barely any, I only seem to like Rich Hall (thanks again to QI!)

 

[Dr.Susse]

In Australia people like Ross Noble, Steven K Amos and many other brit comedians are loved widely and sell out most of their gigs. I think most British comedy is very smart not just dick and fart jokes, I say most. Also take a guess which show's my faveroite.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

Well, Monty Python obviously.

I've also yet to see something with Simon Pegg in it that I didn't like, and say what you will but I do enjoy the occasional episode of Last of the Summer Wine for some reason.[footnote]Being that I'm a 22 year old American I would say I'm pretty damn far outside of that shows target demographic...[/footnote] I've seen some Blackadder but not enough to have an opinion one way or another, but I do plan to watch more. Red Dwarf is always a classic also...

You done read my mind good sir.

 

[DistinctlyBenign]

Eddie Izzard if you want a good British stand up comedian. He wears a dress but don't hold that against him.

 

[Dr.Susse]

Eddie Izzard if you want a good British stand up comedian. He wears a dress but don't hold that against him.

I wouldn't hold anything against him. Cake or DEATH!

 

[kampori]

Eddie Izzard if you want a good British stand up comedian. He wears a dress but don't hold that against him.

I wouldn't hold anything against him. Cake or DEATH!

Do you have a FLAAAG?

 

[The Undoer]

I wouldn't really be able to say first hand how people experience it outside the UK, as I've lived here my entire life, but I have heard people say it's useless tripe (in far more harsh language mind you), so I guess you need to think more than other types.

Personally, I prefer the more classic British comedy, which is more down to earth. And doesn't take the approach of making a drama sideline (which I find annoying about a lot of American comedies).

Never take an american with an underdeveloped sense of humour to watch Life of Brian, tis a real shame when the only part they laugh at is "Biggus Dickus"

badtimes all around ¬¬

As for that. Owhhhh... Biggus Dickus was funny, but it's by no means the best bit. The most memorable always has to be the song, and I like the part at the start with the balm. Kicks off the movie to a good start.

 

[Sjakie]

Black Adder is genius in my book. Im suprised you dont mention fawlty towers or Monty Python. those are true british classics. I also like viewing: Never mind the Buzzcocks

As far as American comedy goes: im not that impressed, most shows are hardly funny, but i do like scrubs and Friends was okay too. Southpark is good. But sitcoms really suck. i also really dislike Family guy, probably because i dont smoke weed anymore. Chris rock, Steve martin... Those guys arent funny to me. I like George Carlin (rip) and Bill Maher, but mostly for how they preach anti-religion in a funny way. As a whole: meh.
I also never found ANY female stand up to be actually any good, nevermind the country (and i do like women a lot) they just have no humor.

 

[Breaker deGodot]

Bottom is one of my all-time favorites. Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson are geniuses.

 

[axle 19]

Some british comedy is a little weird and over the top