British TV

[Dan_N]

I've always considered British TV series the best out there, but then again, I haven't been exposed to the mass grosse of it. My ideea of good British TV is Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, and Faulty Towers. I've always loved British humour. I was just wondering what other people consider good British TV. Recommend some series, if you will, please.

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

Keeping Up Appearances and The Good Life are two that stand out to me.  Spaced also.

[Ubel]

I like the kind of British TV that stays off my television screen.

[Haddas]

You can't mention British television without mentioning Monty Pythons Flying Circus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ZnGprplKU

[scotch]

I don't think there's as much of a distinct "british humour" as people make out, but there is at least a large number of comedy tv shows made, which means there are lots of different kinds, and some of them are watchable! (most are shit)

Right now I'm watching Peep Show (currently on series 4), which I've watched since the start, and like a lot. It's about a pair of flatmates lives... simple enough premise, but it's filmed from character's point of view (often with head mounted cams), with lots of internal commentary making their inability to do anything right all the more tragic.

Not as highly recommended but still surprisingly fun is Ideal. I've only caught this current series. A bit more of a typical sitcom, it is about a small time drug dealer and all the people that visit his flat. I don't think it's as consistent or clever but there so many characters coming and going that there's usually something to like.

As for stuff that has been and gone: Spaced if you like slightly unusual characters, Shaun of the Dead, or appreciate pop culture references; Brass Eye if you want some often bizarre but effective satire and by the same person, Jam if you want the most macabre, perverted sketch show; Black Books for fun drunken bookshop adventures; Garth Marenghi's Dark Place if the idea of a comedy based on terrible, cheap horror novels appeals in the slightest; Father Ted if you like jokes about priests that don't involve little boys; The League of Gentlemen, if you want character based sketches.

There are lots more I am leaving out, especially older things that people will no doubt mention, but I guess I am mostly fond of the more recent stuff that aired since I've been watching TV.

You can watch most of these and probably a lot more shows that people might mention on http://www.tv-links.co.uk which is of course of dubious legality and I probably shouldn't link to it, but I did.

Preempting people arguing over if certain programmes are funny or not... please don't bother. It's to be expected that only a minority of people that check out a given show will like it. Tastes in comedy are quite particular.

[Timosity]

My Favourite British TV series is Shameless If you haven't seen it, you're really missing out, One of the best shows of the last few years. It's about a messed up family living in community housing in Manchester. It just gets better with each episode. They've only showed up to series 3 in Aus, but thanks to the internet I've spoiled myself and seen all of series 4

Here's a teaser off youtube

There's also Coupling and The Office UK versions, there's a bit lost in the translation in the US versions

Cold Feet was pretty good

Faulty Towers will always be an old favourite

[Ali]

A lot of what is though of as great Biritish Television is the output of the BBC, particularly in terms of comedy. A lot of people complain about paying a license fee, but the advantage of being a public service broadcaster is that the BBC doesn't have to be popular to stay in business it can take risks with new ideas.

Sadly, at the moment, the BBC seems to have forgotten this. It's a while since we've seen anything particularly new on BBC1 or 2. Exciting stuff like The Mighty Boosh is buried on late night BBC3. That's a good one if you're looking for new comedy. Start with the TV series, or if you can the radio series. I wouldn't watch the live DVD first, it's too stadium rock for my taste.

[charliechuck]

I agree with most so far, Father Ted's probably my favourite.

Also any of the Comic Strip programs from the late eighties (I think) are worth watching, especially "Mr Jolly lives next door".

[Boney]

The smell of Reeves and Mortimer is my all time favorite (the show not the smell)
And who could forget Alan Partridge. "DAAAAN!"

[Redwall]

Garth Marenghi's Dark Place if the idea of a comedy based on terrible, cheap horror novels appeals in the slightest

You sound as if it shouldn't! I love Dark Place.

[Fee]

Some of the old British Comedy is pretty good. I used to love Allo Allo, classic show

I dont think much of Modern British TV, especially the crappy murder mysteries. I dont mind Dr Who, even the new ones are ok. Theres also a pretty funny show called Shameless.

[evenwolf]

I'd like to add:

Black Adder
Extras
Brass Eye

[Nostradamus]

I'm not fond of British humor but do I like 3 British series:

1) The BBC Walking With... Series
2) Primeval
3) the new Doctor Who series

I recommend those to everyone

[Privateer Puddin']

Extras

I loved The Office, but I think this is one of the few times I liked Extras.

[veryweirdguy]

I loved The Office, but I think I might actually prefer Extras. My girlfriend hates The Office and likes Extras also. Different Strokes for different folks.

Although "Different Strokes" isn't British.

Also: Black Books and Father Ted are two of the greatest things ever. Making fun of the Irish is always fun!

[markbilly]

Life On Mars - was amazing!
Hustle - Always brilliant.
Spooks - another favourite.
New Tricks - is surprisingly funny!

[woodz]

The Young Ones
Bottom
only fools and horses
open all hours
porridge

then classic channel four movies
trainspotting
lock, stock and two smoking barrels

[Neil Dnuma]

Brass Eye

Chris Morris fan here!
Would like to add The Day Today, and his masterpiece (IMO); JAM

[Rincewind]

All things Monty Python
Fawlty Towers
The Young Ones
Bottom
Black Books
Big Train
Coupling
The IT Crowd

Brilliant shows, all of 'em.

[Tuomas]

how can it be that no-one mentioned Fast Show yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCe11wiNknI&mode=related&search=