This is one of those series where you can watch at any time and enjoy it! On a side note in one of the episodes "Highclere Castle" makes an appearance, which as you may now know, as "Downton Abbey"!
Bit of Fry & Laurie (1989-1995) - which was created, written and starred that dynamic comedic duo - Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie! This series has a similar feel to Monty Python and the Flying Circus in the way that it’s presented - "sketch" comedy - total "off-the-cuff," (even though you know it isn't but the actors do it so effortlessly that is what you assume) "laugh-out-loud" comedic episodes. Also several British actors guest starred on the show, such as Rowan Atkinson (Black Adder) and Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire).
As Time Goes By (1992-2005) - stars one of my favorite actresses whom all she has to do is stand there and she is brilliant, Judi Dench. The premise of this (as they labeled it) “situation comedy” is this: A Second Lieutenant, Lionel Hardcastle (played by the equally gifted, talented and over-looked actor Geoffrey Palmer) meets and falls in love with a Nurse, Jean Pargetter during the Korean War. Their romance ends when a letter is never received and the two part. However their paths cross again 38 years later through Jean’s grown daughter Judith, in the most awkward and hilarious way! I leave the rest up to you to watch because it is well worth it!
A Fine Romance (1981-1984) – yet again starring the great Judi Dench and her real life husband Michael Williams. Laura Dalton (Judi Dench) middle-aged and single is “fixed-up” by her “good-intentioned” younger sister Helen (but also brings her husband Phil in to the mix) to Mike Selway (Michael Williams) a middle-aged, single and owner of his own landscape gardening business. Not only is it a joy to watch a cute and talented real life couple act together but also to see them play socially/romantically awkward people (which seems completely out of character for both of them)!
Vicar of Dibley (1994-2007) – starring a hilariously talented actress Dawn French (also in the series “French and Saunders”). When the old vicar dies the villagers (played by James Fleet, Gary Waldhorn, Emma Chambers, Trevor Peacock, just to name a few) request a new vicar for the church in the small, conservative and truly bizarre English Village. And who do they send? A woman vicar Geraldine Granger (Dawn French) who is the complete opposite of what the villagers expected! This is worth watching just for the lines (hysterical and sarcastic – my favorite combination) and incredible situations they get themselves in, even the vicar!
Waiting for God (1990-1994) – Tom Ballard (Graham Crowden), a “new” jolly, enthusiastic person moves into the Bayview Retirement Home. He meets is opposite in Diana Trent (Stephanie Cole), a feisty, complaining, upstart longer-term resident of Bayview. Their relationship develops through the “shenanigans” Diana starts in order to get rid of and endlessly irritate the Manager Harvey Bains (Daniel Hill). Also Tom’s witless son and sister-in-law visit which of course adds to the “comedy situation”. Watching the episodes they get themselves in is pure joy!
Monty Python and the Flying Circus (1969-1974) (also cannot forget to mention the classic movies such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail,"(1975) "Life of Brian," (1979) and "Meaning of Life" (1983)) – when you put the genius of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Graham Chapman in one show, what else could you call it! Need I say more? Who hasn’t grown-up watching this?
Blackadder (1983-1989), also had a Christmas special titled “Blackadder’s Christmas Carol”) – Just watching Rowan Atkinson’s (brilliant!) facial expressions are comical! His demeanor in this series is hysterical—he delivers his “putdowns” in such a droll sarcastic manner that the characters they are aimed at go right over their heads! Of course when you have a supporting cast such as Tony Robinson (who usually plays his servant), Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane and Jim Broadbent—just to name a few! And when you place them in different time periods, well, can you just imagine it!
Each series takes place in a different era—the 1st series is set in the end of the Middle Ages
2nd Series—during the reign of Queen Elizabeth
3rd Series—during the Regency Period (late 18th century to early 19th century)
4th Series—during the 1st World War
*This series was ranked 16th on the "100 Greatest British Television Programmes" and 20th on the Best TV Show of All Time by Empire magazine.
Are You Being Served (1972-1985) – Anyone that has worked in retail and/or customer service or of course anyone who loves British humor, will totally enjoy this series! It stars Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock—Floor Walker), Mollie Sugden (Mrs. Slocombe—Head of the Ladies Dept.), John Inman (Mr. Humphries—Senior Salesman in the Gentleman’s Dept.) Wendy Richard (Miss Brahms—Junior Saleswoman in the Ladies Dept.), Trevor Bannister (Mr. Lucas—Junior Salesman in the Gentleman’s Dept.), Nicholas Smith (Mr. Rumbold—Floor Manager), Arthur Brough (Mr. Grainger—Head of the Gentleman’s Dept.) and Harold Bennett (Young Mr. Grace—The owner of the store). The interactions and scenarios that they all get themselves is, as usual, entertaining! Even if you watch it just to hear how Mrs. Slocombe refers to her “cat” (uses quite a different description!), its well worth the watch!
Miranda (2009-2015) – Created and stars Miranda Hart which I am sure you probably recognize from “Call the Midwife” as one of my favorite characters “Chummy.” I have to admit when I first watched “Miranda” it was a bit of a shock, however I found myself literally “laughing-out-loud” 5 minutes in! It also stars Patricia Hodge as her Mother, Sarah Hadland as her friend, Sally Phillips as another friend and Tom Ellis as her “love” interest. My favorite lines are “Bear with…bear with” and “Such Fun!” Now of course you will need to watch it in order to find out what I mean.
Fawlty Towers (1975 & 1979) – Yet again the genius of John Cleese and Connie Booth (whom of course starred in it as well as writing it!) John Cleese plays the over-reactive, curt, insensitive Owner of a seaside hotel with his overbearing wife (Prunella Scales). His staff consists of the Housekeeper (Connie Booth), and a Spanish speaking Bellhop and Waiter (Andrew Sachs). As I am sure that you have guessed by now, this is a “must-see” especially since the British Film Institute in 2000 voted “Fawlty Towers” as the “Best British TV Series of ALL Time”
Vicious (2013 & 2015) – Two brilliant actors Derek Jacobi (playing a retired Bar Manager) and Ian McKellen (playing a “has-been” Actor) play a gay couple, going through their ups and downs like anyone would when they have been together for half a century! Just mentioning these two brilliant actors, need I really say more!
Other Watch Worthy Comedic Series:
Keeping Up Appearances
Absolutely Fabulous
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
No comments:
Post a Comment