Can anyone recommend me a good TV show? (preferably comedy)

Hey all,

Over the past while I've watched a lot of TV shows to pass time. I prefer TV shows over films. However, I can't seem to think of any other TV show to watch. I've just finished with the last episode of Arrested Development (which I'd highly recommend to anyone who hasnt seen it. The first season is a bit dull, but the second and third really make up for it) and now I'm completely stumped on what to watch next.

A friend gave me a lend of season 1 of Two And A Half Men, but i only watched the first episode. The acting seemed really cheesy and obvious or something, and some of the lines which could have been funny just seemed to be delivered without a care as to how they were presented. So I went off that pretty quickly.


Here's a list of a few of the TV shows I've watched, to see if anyone out there in Boards land has similar taste and can recommend something I might not have seen yet:


Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Only Fools And Horses, Men Behaving Badly, Father Ted, The A-Team, Teachers, Early Doors, Extras, The Office, Hustle, Porridge, Minder, My Name Is Earl, Rising Damp, Open All Hours, Scrubs, That '70s Show.


There are many others I've watched of course, but those are ones that I can think of off the top of my head and I'd recommend them all (except the last series of Teachers, which was terrible).


I've also watched a few episodes of Everybody Hates Chris, Still Game and The Royle Family but I couldn't really get into them.



So just looking to see if anyone has come across any other good, funny TV Shows at all I could try out?


Sorry for the odd request, and thanks to anyone able to help.


Cheers

Firewalkwithme

Flight of The Conchords, Ideal and Trailer Park Boys are worth a look if you've never seen them.

I watched the first three or four episodes of Trailer Park Boys, but didn't really care for it. I never heard of the others, but I'll definitely check them out. Thanks.

Basq

'How I Met Your Mother' is superb..

.. didn't like it at first. And gave up on it after 2 - 3 episodes when it first aired.

But caught up last Christmas and it's great!

Firewalkwithme

Deleted User wrote: »

I watched the first three or four episodes of Trailer Park Boys, but didn't really care for it. I never heard of the others, but I'll definitely check them out. Thanks.

It's not great at the start that's for sure but it does improve in later seasons if you can tough it out long enough!

Omeceron

Entourage

Timistry

My favourite show is Boston Legal. Acting is top class and story lines are amusing yet compelling. Would highly recommend it

livindadream

King of Queens, The Big Bang Theroy and oh, of course Peep Show!

Meller

Black Books? I say that because it does remind me a lot of Father Ted (think they shared a writer), just not as good. Funny at times though.

Will be interested in reading this thread though, I'm looking for the same sort of thing - I haven't seen much up to now.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

The Inbetweeners, Black Books, The IT Crowd, Party Down, How I Met Your Mother, Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Game On, The Big Bang Theory, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared

Mental Mickey

Fawlty Towers, Blackadder are great, but my all time fave has to be Only Fools & Horses. Nobody does comedy like the Brits.

Basq

CaptainNegative wrote: »

The Inbetweeners, Black Books, The IT Crowd, Party Down, How I Met Your Mother, Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, Game On, The Big Bang Theory, Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared

+1!

CN has some damn good taste.. well, bar 'The Big Bang Theory'!

Miguel_Sanchez

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

khennessy86

big bang theory is very good, another good show is the new adventures of old christine, julie louis dreyfuss (she was in seinfeld) is in it, very good show.

they would be 2 of my faves if your looking for comedy

Magic Eight Ball

basquille wrote: »

+1!

CN has some damn good taste.. well, bar 'The Big Bang Theory'!

The Big Bang Theory is class!! I didn't like it at first myself, give it a chance.

Firewalkwithme

I know its been mentioned in an another thread but don't forget that the new series of Shooting Stars starts tonight at 10 on BBC2

mink_man

two and a half men ftw!

leincar

Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister, Frasier.

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

tommyboy2222

The Inbetweeners, Peep Show, The Office (US)

Auvers

"Weeds" the first season is okay but from the second onwards its comedy gold

"Entourage" worth watching for Ari Gold alone

and have you seen Seinfeld or Frasier?

K4t

+1 to Fraizer and I would highly recommend

M*A*S*H

Basq

Trevor Coulahan wrote: »

The Big Bang Theory is class!! I didn't like it at first myself, give it a chance.

I watched the entire first season.. and thought it was largely a by-the-numbers comedy with very little substance to it.

But each to their own.

Dman001

I didn't see Chuck mentioned which is a good comedy. It's on Virgin 1 every Tuesday.

I'd also recommend Fawlty Towers, It's Always Funny In Philadelphia, How I Met Your Mother and Fraiser too as already mentioned.

Edit: I see you listed The Office but if that is the English version I'd also recommend The US Office.

branners69

Jeff_Lebowski wrote: »

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

+1

The Inbetweeners made me cry with laughter!

Red Sleeping Beauty

Dylan Moran's first TV show "How Do You Want Me". It's short at 6 episodes per series and only 2 series' (the lead actress died) . It's about 27mins long I think. It's worth seeking out though. It's a slightly saner Bernard Black in the English countrside.

dobsdave

King of Queens and Everybody Loves Raymond.

Julesie

Outnumbered..... A BBC family comedy. Now generally the words family and comedy together are a recipe for disaster. I think that was the reason it took me so long to actually get my act together and watch this show. In fact the show was a bit of a slow burner all round. The beeb have repeated it a couple of times and each time the audience figures jump as word of mouth catches on.

Hugh Dennis from Mock the Week is in it along with some of the best child actors I've ever seen. It's got a slight Curb Your Enthusiasm feel to it as to make the comedy less stilted they just give the kids the general gist of the scenes in advance to make the dialogue more natural. They come out with some absolute classics.

I would seriously recommend it to anyone. Do not let the thoughts of some ITV "family based sitcom" standard rubbish put you off what is a great show.

Thanks a lot for the ideas so far guys. Definitely lots of stuff I've never even heard of that I must look into.


I've seen all of Fawlty Towers, King Of Queens (wasn't mad about King Of Queens, a lot of the jokes seemed very forced-on or something, like the show thought it was funnier than it actually was, but it was still enjoyable). Seen bits and pieces of Entourage, but not much. I didn't know it was a comedy.

00112984

Kath and Kim. The original Australian version, not the American remake muck.

ben bedlam

Look into "Eastbound and Down". Its a new US show, only 6 episodes in the first series, but it is pure comic genius!. Cant wait for it to catch on more over here and talk to people about it

lala stone

The US Office is the best show ever its has up to 5 seasons now so plenty of viewing!!!
also check out www.rte.ie/storyland for Hardy Bucks!! Its brill!!

IT Crowd, Undeclared and Inbetweeners also deserve a mention!

lala stone

ben bedlam wrote: »

Look into "Eastbound and Down". Its a new US show, only 6 episodes in the first series, but it is pure comic genius!. Cant wait for it to catch on more over here and talk to people about it

where can u watch that

JP Liz

I recommend Eastbound and Down (Danny McBride ) and also Rules of Engagement

pickarooney

"Pulling" and "How Not To live your Life" are two that I enjoyed but which never get mentioned in these threads.
The first one is by and starring Irish comedy actress Sharon Horgan (they do exist!) who also featured in "Annually Retentive" with Rob Brydon. She breaks up with her boyfriend on the eve of her wedding and moves in with her two mates. Hilarity ensues.
The second is about a complete tosser who inherits a big house and takes in a hot female lodger to help with the mortgage.

After a recommendation in my same thread on the same subject last week, I watched the first series of "The life And Times Of Tim" which was hilarious. It's a bit like a cartoon version of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

lala stone

pickarooney wrote: »

"Pulling" .

+1
cringingly good!!

icdg

Not strictly a comedy, but having missed it the first time, I'm watching Bravo's reruns of Life on Mars and finding it hillariously funny - Phillip Glenister's charcter in particular.

In fact, its starting right about now...

Hey guys.

Thanks a lot again. I've decided to go with Seinfeld for the time being. I've never seen it, but I've yet to hear anything bad about it. About to watch the 4th episode of season 1 now, and so far it seems OK. Not amazing, but definitely watchable with a few laughs in it. Hoping it'll reach Arrested Development's laugh-a-minute ratio. That truly was an amazingly funny show.


I'd love to hear more suggestions if anyone has them though. I've bookmarked the thread and when I'm done with Seinfeld I'll check back for some more stuff.


By the way, I've seen all of the I.T Crowd. Didn't think it was great. The guy with the afro (can't remember the name) puts me off it. They wrote him to be a little bit too dumbed down, I thought. I think that some 'dumb' comedy can be great when done right (Randy from season 2 of My Name Is Earl, for example) but the other guy in the I.T. Crowd was the only person that I actually thought came across as funny.



Always heard people saying the US Office was terrible, so I never bothered with it, but now that I've heard good things I'll probably give it a shot soon.

amacachi

Deleted User wrote: »

Always heard people saying the US Office was terrible, so I never bothered with it, but now that I've heard good things I'll probably give it a shot soon.

I thought most of the first season was poor, after that it's excellent. Also the first season was only 6 episodes, the rest about 20, so there's a lot more good than bad. Would definitely recommend it.

Red Sleeping Beauty

Deleted User wrote: »

Hey guys.

Thanks a lot again.

If you like Black Books or even just like Dylan Moran then seek out How Do you Want Me. You might be able to acquire it through unofficial channels but it's out on a double disc DVD for a few bob online anyways.

Kiith

Sunny or Chuck. Sunny or Chuck. Sunny or Chuck.

Chuck.

branners69

Deleted User wrote: »

I've decided to go with Seinfeld for the time being.

I have just watched all 9 Seasons and would be interested to hear what you think! I felt that it hasnt aged well at all, some very good characters like George and Kramer but to me Jerry Seinfeld is a woeful actor, I dont think he knows how to keep a straight face!

ashyle

KKV, Entourage is actually very good. It can be dramatic but its evenly balanced with a lot of comedy, you will *love* Kevin Dillon's character.
The US Office is great, I ignored it when it first came out (bit of a purist hah) but once you get past the first season (six episodes, they tried to just keep same plots and lines from the UK one, didn't work. They tried to make an American David Brent, didn't translate. Too much of a bastard for US tastes haha) it is a brilliant comedy in its own right. The characters are engaging and every episode is just spot on, belly laughs
recently gotten back into King of the Hill too. Its so smart.

lala stone

ashyle wrote: »

KKV, Entourage is actually very good. It can be dramatic but its evenly balanced with a lot of comedy, you will *love* Kevin Dillon's character.
The US Office is great, I ignored it when it first came out (bit of a purist hah) but once you get past the first season (six episodes, they tried to just keep same plots and lines from the UK one, didn't work. They tried to make an American David Brent, didn't translate. Too much of a bastard for US tastes haha) it is a brilliant comedy in its own right. The characters are engaging and every episode is just spot on, belly laughs
recently gotten back into King of the Hill too. Its so smart.

+1 u cant really compare the us office to the English one anymore.. the plot is soo much more developed and has a different humour!

so dismiss your preconceived notions OP! I cant recommend it enough!!!

00112984

lala stone wrote: »

+1 u cant really compare the us office to the English one anymore.. the plot is soo much more developed and has a different humour!

so dismiss your preconceived notions OP! I cant recommend it enough!!!

Agree with this.

The original UK Office was really just a vehicle for Gervais. I got veyr tired of it when I realised that Gervais isn't acting as David Brent, Gervais IS Brent- obnoxious, sweaty, w*anker.

The US version is much more developed. There are far more characters. The first 6 episodes or so are very similar to the UK storylines but, after that, it becomes a great comedy in its own right.

Borneo Fnctn

00112984 wrote: »

Gervais isn't acting as David Brent, Gervais IS Brent- obnoxious, sweaty, w*anker.

He's the best comic actor working today. Possibly the best of all time. He's obnoxious in real life alright but if you want to see a guy who really is the character he plays, look no further than Steve Carrell. He's a loudmouth who thinks he's quirky,random and unpredictably funny. I enjoyed the US Office in spite of him.

WesternNight

It's not strictly comedy - but The West Wing is my absolute favourite show. The last couple of seasons could have been better, but the first 3 or 4 are superb.

Dr.Slurm

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is pretty hilarious. It's a parody of low budget 80s tv shows. The editing alone had me in stitches.

Deeper Blue

Deleted User wrote: »

I've decided to go with Seinfeld for the time being. I've never seen it, but I've yet to hear anything bad about it. About to watch the 4th episode of season 1 now, and so far it seems OK. Not amazing, but definitely watchable with a few laughs in it.

Stick with it, you won't be disappointed

branners69

branners69 wrote: »

I have just watched all 9 Seasons and would be interested to hear what you think! I felt that it hasnt aged well at all, some very good characters like George and Kramer but to me Jerry Seinfeld is a woeful actor, I dont think he knows how to keep a straight face!

Well I haven't seen any of it before, so it's materlial is still new to me.

I'm just about to watch the first episode of season 3. So far, from the first two seasons, it seems good, though I wouldn't say it's anywhere near 'great' just yet.


I actually think the main character (Seinfeld) isn't that great. I think the other guy's acting (George I think his name is? Guy with the glasses, balding) is superb. I love how he reacts to things and find the way he breaks out shouting at people hilarious, plus he always has a really annoyed facial expression. He's great.

I like the Kramer (Dunno if I spelt that right) character, too. He's a real dimwit character, but he portrays is excellently, and he's not overly simple or plain-out stupid like a lot of other similar characters in other TV shows.

Can't think of the woman's name off hand, but I'm not mad about her. She seems very cheesy or something.


Overall I find it enjoyable though. Only had a few 'laugh out loud' moments so far, and have only had to rewind it to watch a certain part again twice or three times (when i think something is really funny I tend to watch it over again) and most of those times were George's reactions to things.


Hopefully it'll get a bit better, but I'm not disappointed with it by any means.

Basq

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm just about to watch the first episode of season 3. So far, from the first two seasons, it seems good, though I wouldn't say it's anywhere near 'great' just yet.

Seinfeld really hits in stride in it's third season IMO.

Deleted User wrote: »

I actually think the main character (Seinfeld) isn't that great.

Said it once.. and I'll say it again - Jerry Seinfeld is an absolutely woeful actor. He has an inability to keep a straight face when "acting!".

Deleted User wrote: »

I think the other guy's acting (George I think his name is? Guy with the glasses, balding) is superb. I love how he reacts to things and find the way he breaks out shouting at people hilarious, plus he always has a really annoyed facial expression. He's great.

Ahhh.. the legend of George Costanza ("Can't Stands Ya!", for the Seinfeld fans! ). Jason Alexander is superb alright. Has a real natural comic ability. If you're an 'Entourage' fan, wait til you see who plays him in 'The Pilot' (not til the end of Season 4).

Deleted User wrote: »

I like the Kramer (Dunno if I spelt that right) character, too. He's a real dimwit character, but he portrays is excellently, and he's not overly simple or plain-out stupid like a lot of other similar characters in other TV shows.

Kramer was always considered the finest character in the show... and was a real favourite with fans (hence the applause in later seasons every time he enters the room) but he always played second fiddle to Costanzo in my eyes.

Deleted User wrote: »

Can't think of the woman's name off hand, but I'm not mad about her. She seems very cheesy or something.

Not trying to be sexist or anything.. but for a female comic character, she's actually quite funny. She certainly can hold her own against her co-stars.

Deleted User wrote: »

Overall I find it enjoyable though. Only had a few 'laugh out loud' moments so far, and have only had to rewind it to watch a certain part again twice or three times (when i think something is really funny I tend to watch it over again) and most of those times were George's reactions to things.

Hopefully it'll get a bit better, but I'm not disappointed with it by any means.

Just looking back at the episodes on EpGuides.com - Season 3 has some superb episodes.