What has happened to television? I appeal to you not as equals, but as the lowest common denominator I can sink to. I see so many proclaiming 'good' TV shows nowadays - and I must admit to you, underlings, that I have dispensed of my TV long, long ago. I have always considered you foolish folks for watching stupid TV shows, and I still do.
this is the great public speaker that I am
A few weeks ago, I saw the TV show How I Met Your Mother recommended by quite a number of unimportant forum-goers in some trivial topic (by pure misfortune had I clicked on this topic, and I was unable to stop by superhuman brain from soaking up all the words instantaneously). Slightly intrigued, I downloaded the first three episodes (that is 01, 02, and 03 for you simpletons) of the fourth season (04) and took a gander at them. Then this happened:
what the fuck is funny? Some amazingly unbalanced, childish characters whose sarcastic un-wit everyone can laugh at because - of course - the general population is smarter than these people.
The dumbass, stereotyped chick-fucker (Ryan?): Who is this douche, and why does he have the emotional intelligence of a ten year-old with no parents? Yes, I get that this show is tongue-in-cheek. No, that does not make it funny (if you think it is ... you know what to do.)
The fat guy: You like hamburgers, you like Star Wars, and you can't say more than ten words without spitting all over yourself. You have lied to your wife all your life about hating New Jersey and get your panties tangled up in explaining yourself.
I was going to describe every single character, but I'll summarize with this: like most character-driven shows, each of them is totally unaware of themselves, has difficulty communicating, which provides for 'comedic scenarios' and 'emotional breakdowns'. The truth is most of them - like most of the population - are unable to delay gratification, bracket their emotions, consider anything rationally, and they all still believe romantic infatuation is the equivalent of 'love'.
South Park used to be funny, but it's an animated series and they have a tendency for the lamest kind of humor:
Factor in shitting on people in every other episode, peeing, ejaculation, and Matt & Trey instantly lose a million points. They have good jokes, and this just makes SP lose all value.
So I ask you, Team Liquid - try to rise up to some standards, and gimme something good to watch. I am sick, I am bed-confined, and I am tired of doing linear algebra and learning Spanish.
Arrested Development It's always sunny in Philadelphia The Office(UK) The IT Crowd The Inbetweeners(maybe) The Big Bang Theory(maybe) The Daily Show Seinfeld
That's the only TV comedy I watch. Most British comedy is usually at least ok though.
If you want a newer show that's pretty cleverly funny and strays away from mostly childish humor, I'd recommend Better Off Ted. Despite its horrible name it's incredibly amusing.
When someone recommends you a show, you should watch it from the beginning.. Not from the point its currently at. Especially character and story driven shows, as you're jumping into the show without knowing the characters or the backstory.
Its also that the previous (or just the first) series was awesome and thats why they were fans of the show. Its well known that the longer a comedy series goes on, the crappier it gets (and thats for people who love the show, its even worse for people who havent seen the previous series).
its hard to judge comedy with a serious sense. In the later episodes when the show is fresh out of idea it gets dumb as fuck. That being said, start from the first season.
I enjoy following The Big Bang Theory, and will run through Arrested Development now and then. Other than that it's just new episodes of Family Guy or The Simpsons on Hulu when I have the time.
Family guy is A+ Seinfeld is also genuine - although it's been off the air for awhile now, but it had a good like 10 year run time.
I agree w/ the OP though, a lot of these "prime time" comedy shows are really just pretty lame and I couldn't see getting in to them and watching them on a regular basis. I'm not sure what type of populace defines their ratings group, but must be a lot of old ppl or soemthing.. Shows like How I met your mother 2 and a 1/2 men big bang theory everyone loves raymond all cheesy and seemingly blatant to exploit the "this is low budget comedy, but we're trying, and hey, its on tv, so just watch it" and south park... o god southpark.. how i hate that show. It was never really funny, just original and very harsh when it 1st came out - being 1 of the only shows that was cartoon related that delved into such profanity and adult situations.. now after like 8 seasons.. it still has such a huge following.. but only because kids think its cool cause they're cussing and doing completely stupid shit all the time.. like if i had a $1 for every 8-14 yr old kid that was in middle school that went to school every day after an episode and acted like every minute of it was the best thing since internet porn.. i'd be pretty content w/ that show ;o
On September 27 2009 04:02 Carnivorous Sheep wrote: I watched The Office with some people a couple days ago and it sucked. I had no idea why it was supposedly to be good/funny.
Gotta start from the first episode. Take 2-3 hours to watch the first season episodes back-to-back and if you're not into it by the end of your session, try a different show.
Watching 5 episodes just to try a show out may sound like a lot, but if you've got it all set up commercial-free, then that's less than 2 hours (for the typical comedy ~22 mins each episode).
I think you're being a bit too cerebral about tv comedies. I have a feeling you won't like the Office too much either, but it's probably the best comedy out there right now. Arrested Development was amazing, but it's gone forever.
I don't watch much tv nowadays but HIMYM is pretty decent. You may not like it coz you put too much expectations in it and are judging and labeling it too early.
It's Always Sunny in Philly is good, but season 4 started to get hit or miss with the quality of the episodes. Seasons 1 & 2 are sheer fucking gold and are highly recommended.
On September 27 2009 03:50 Mah Buckit! wrote: LOL South Park has gotten better every season, I used to hate it but cmon man it´s really so deep stuff when you think about it.
TV comedies really suck in general, they are so predictable. Stargåte was so golden, why did they end it, so funny!
Stargate Universe pilot is coming next week. Let's hope it's as funny as SG1.
On September 27 2009 04:40 niteReloaded wrote: I don't watch much tv nowadays but HIMYM is pretty decent. You may not like it coz you put too much expectations in it and are judging and labeling it too early.
On September 27 2009 04:40 niteReloaded wrote: I don't watch much tv nowadays but HIMYM is pretty decent. You may not like it coz you put too much expectations in it and are judging and labeling it too early.
He also watched some of the worst episodes.
He also started with season 4 and then complained about character development.
God I agree. I used to like SouthPark but it's getting worse and worse every season. Family Guy is better than SouthPark in pretty much every aspect so you could watch that if you haven't already.
I've watched the first 2 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and I couldn't be more content with it. Good quality humour, I recommend it. You coud also try watching Friends, it's a bit old now but it's god some good humour aswell.
The best one ever is Seinfield but I assume you have seen it. Also old and good is 3rd Rock from the Sun, That '70s Show(gets bad after a few seasons) and many others..
Family guy is strong but it's getting weaker and I'm asking myself the same question as you.
I don't understand what's fun with for example 2.5 men or how I meet your mother at all. In fact I hate both those shows pretty bad.
Friends does the Seinfield jokes a little worse and pretty straight up and hetronormative. Every time someone is gay it's a joke in the exact same fashion so predictable. Seinfield is not as bad at all even though older.
A lot of the shows I watch have already been mentioned in this thread. They are all worth watching if you can find the time: The Office (UK and US are both good) 30 Rock (Who knew Alec Baldwin could be so funny?) Parks and Recreation Community (Only 1 episode so far but it wasn't half bad) It's always sunny in Philadelphia (kind of out there, wacky, little bit outrageous but very funny)
2 worth noting that haven't been mentioned: Lucky Louie - HBO series that got cancelled after one season. It stars comedian Louie C.K. It's shot like a sitcom if you like that style.
East Bound and Down - another HBO series, 6 episodes, 3 hours long. It's basically a long movie split into episodes, you can watch it in a day. Danny McBride plays an asshole ex-baseball player. Not the lovable/funny David Brent/Michael Scott type ass, but a real douchebag.
I too have noticed the trend in declining quality of television. Even shows that used to be orgasmic are now extremely hit or miss.
Now that, for the first time in a couple of years, I have cable television, I have tried a number of these shows that people all rave about, and most of them aren't even remotely good. I think I spend most of my TV hours on the Nat Geo channel and PBS.
On September 27 2009 05:10 FirstBorn wrote: God I agree. I used to like SouthPark but it's getting worse and worse every season. Family Guy is better than SouthPark in pretty much every aspect so you could watch that if you haven't already.
I've watched the first 2 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and I couldn't be more content with it. Good quality humour, I recommend it. You coud also try watching Friends, it's a bit old now but it's god some good humour aswell.
familyguy has nothing over south park. every family guy episode is basically made of: An unfunny story. cutaway jokes which have 0 connection to the story and include random characters randomly. random violence HEH HEH being offensive just for the heck of it.
South park is better in every aspect than family guy
yeah i just got into curb your enthusiasm. I was pretty skeptical at first but its pretty much the 1st TV show in a while i actually like. The office is usually good
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! is still the best show on television right now though.
On September 27 2009 05:10 FirstBorn wrote: God I agree. I used to like SouthPark but it's getting worse and worse every season. Family Guy is better than SouthPark in pretty much every aspect so you could watch that if you haven't already.
I've watched the first 2 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and I couldn't be more content with it. Good quality humour, I recommend it. You coud also try watching Friends, it's a bit old now but it's god some good humour aswell.
familyguy has nothing over south park. every family guy episode is basically made of: An unfunny story. cutaway jokes which have 0 connection to the story and include random characters randomly. random violence HEH HEH being offensive just for the heck of it.
South park is better in every aspect than family guy
theres nothing wrong with cutaway jokes. whats wrong with family guy is that even the cutway jokes arent funny any more.
big bang theory ftw the season premiere was kinda dissappointing though, i thought the acting and plot was kinda shallow especially now that + Show Spoiler +
"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is the funniest comedy in the history of television, currently on FX thursday nights at 10 EST. I highly recommend it to anybody who's a fan of laughing uncontrollably.
If I had to describe it, I'd say it's a lot like Seinfeld on PCP. Same character structure, but instead of all of the characters being slightly off, they're complete assholes.
I think you should give HIMYM another chance. Start with Season 1 instead of 4. I also like Scrubs but the later seasons get more silly so if that's not your thing...
On September 27 2009 05:10 FirstBorn wrote: God I agree. I used to like SouthPark but it's getting worse and worse every season. Family Guy is better than SouthPark in pretty much every aspect so you could watch that if you haven't already.
I've watched the first 2 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and I couldn't be more content with it. Good quality humour, I recommend it. You coud also try watching Friends, it's a bit old now but it's god some good humour aswell.
familyguy has nothing over south park. every family guy episode is basically made of: An unfunny story. cutaway jokes which have 0 connection to the story and include random characters randomly. random violence HEH HEH being offensive just for the heck of it.
South park is better in every aspect than family guy
theres nothing wrong with cutaway jokes. whats wrong with family guy is that even the cutway jokes arent funny any more.
to be honest i used to like family guy too.
Its like that they really hit the spot with a few of the cutaway jokes. Then you end up laughing even to the bad ones.
Then when the show progressed, i sort of started to realize that its just shit and not even funny
How I met your mother was pretty funny. It's like a neo friends, friends wasn't Seinfeld funny. As a matter of fact, even Seinfeld is based on stupid and predictable characters.
Neil Patrick Harris man no more information needed.
I've heard great things about Curb Your Enthusiasm though.
Peep Show is the most riveting comedy on tv right now, imo. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace was also brilliant, for its sadly short run.
"I ran the only way I knew how. By placing one leg in front of the other in quick succession. I had to help Reed, trapped in his office by a desk he could no longer trust. I had to help Sanchez, locked in a primal struggle 'twixt man and whisk. And I had to help the Temp, who was probably doing some filing or data entry. I pressed on, chased by a staple that had my name on it. This was unbelievable, Liz was now turning my own stationary against me."
Scrubs was AMAZING for the first few seasons then it was meh kinda, still enjoyed it all so far but there's definitely stronger moments in the first half of the series.
Undeclared was OK. Directed by Paul Rudd and features a lot of actors you see in his movies nowadays, features the same kind of predictable humor but overall it's ok. probably better if you watch it high but I wouldn't know bout that.
It's always sunny in Philadelphia < didn't like it at first because I thought it was just too hysteric, but later on fell in love with the characters.. also de vito is a freaking commedic genius.
On September 27 2009 07:09 Kare wrote: Two and a Half Men is the best series ever made!
To each his own, but the jokes in that show are so childish, lame and used over and over. It's always about Charlie being hungover, Jake acting like a dumber version of Joey, Alan acting like a pathetic little kid and Berta trying to come up with a witty insult (but failing).
Arrested development 30 rock It's always sunny The office US and UK Family guy How I met your mother Californication (maybe more like hilarious drama) Entourage (same as cali)
8-9/10ish imho:
South park 2½ men The big bang theory Curb your enthusiasm Seinfeld American dad
On September 27 2009 07:55 MiniRoman wrote: Wow you linked a picture from the best southpark episode and used it to call Southpark bad. I award you no points and may god have mercy on your soul.
Hahah Love the reference, with TV Shows its all subjective o.o You can't really bash a show because you don't like it, that just makes your a condescending dick Like your taste in things is the standard for everything. For me Scrubs was always very funny while the office just didn't do it for me consistently. How I met your mother I have only seen a couple of episodes but it looked solid from what Ive seen. Family Guy for me has some great episodes but its style becomes repetitive over time. Futurama is also very good, same with South Park as the show has really evolved into more then what it used to be. I admit though that I don't watch a lot of TV tho so I don't know a lot of the newer shows but Its always sunny looks like it has potential.
There are only a few shows that I really won't change the channel if someone asks if it's on. I always get happy when I hear the themes for South Park, Futurama, and The Office. Don't really know why, I don't enjoy those shows much more than a lot of the others listed, but I guess they just feel the most consistantly enjoyable to me. I never really watched an episode of any of them that I didn't enjoy.
Would just like to mention that I also walked into How I Met Your Mother after it had been hyped up a lot by a friend of mine and was disappointed at first. However, after you start getting into it, the show starts becoming very good. The characters become more interesting and more developed as the show progresses, and that includes their relationships with each other. A lot of the good jokes become "running" or "inside" jokes that you will only get if you watch it from the beginning, and it just seems more gratifying when you feel part of a joke that you know only real fans will get.
Bottom line, I'd recommend giving HIMYM another shot and start from the beginning. The show builds momentum and becomes very fun to watch.
Also, your approach to watching comedy is a bit odd. Most people watch comedic shows to relax, take a load off from the stress of the work/school day, and have a good time laughing at stuff. Your overly cerebral and critical approach would appear to be looking at these shows in a way that they were never intended to be watched. If you want deep plotlines and sophisticated character development, maybe you should just try a different genre.
i'm so glad the first response is curb your enthusiasm. man you guys dont even know comedy it's starting its 7th season and the first episode was so goood. but you should start from season 1 :p
arrested development is one of my favorites as well
On September 27 2009 03:35 DrainX wrote: Arrested Development It's always sunny in Philadelphia The Office(UK) The IT Crowd The Inbetweeners(maybe) The Big Bang Theory(maybe) The Daily Show Seinfeld
That's the only TV comedy I watch. Most British comedy is usually at least ok though.
On September 27 2009 09:40 ProbeSaturation wrote: I think OP is a douche.
Like what do you expect from comedies on TV?
How I met your mother is a pretty funny show. And wait, you downloaded the first 3 episodes of the FOURTH season? what the fuck is wrong with you?
God, i really think you are a douche. Who needs help finding comedies to watch on TV. Get off your high horse and use your remote for once.
Yeah, you can pick apart any comedy if you really want to. There are some friends who I'd never go to a comedy club with just because I know they set the bar for "good comedy" so high. I think the OP is also using his "refined" tastes in comedy to make some claim of sophistication. I hardly ever find HIMYM laughing out loud funny either, but it is an enjoyable show that I won't go literary analysis on.
I watched two episodes of It's always sunny in philadelphia, and it was hilarious. Two notes is that it felt a lot slower paced than recent comedies which switch storylines every two minutes, it dwelt more on each scene, and it was less writing driven (as in characters had fewer lines and it played more on reactions and how outrageous each situation was).
If you're interested in politics the british show mock the week is hilarious. It's kind of like the daily show being a blend of politics and comedy, except the daily show sucks 90% of the time. im american but theres only a few references i dont get by not being british. this guy on youtube has all the episodes uploaded check it out http://www.youtube.com/user/mrmoody
I hear good things about It's Sunny. Office is a little overrated imo, but it's still pretty good. I really enjoy Big Bang Theory and I highly recommend it. Only problem is the romance stuff between Penny and Leonard; it kinda ticks me off a little. (shrug) Seinfeld and Friends still make me laugh occasionally.
I never really got into South Park.. Family Guy all my friends watch, so naturally, I do as well. It's rather overrated.
Mebbe I should try some Curb your Enthusiasm. No one around me mentioned it before.
On September 27 2009 09:33 tonight wrote: I actually like how I met your mother. Also loved Arrested Development, but it was ahead of it's time.
The fact that they cancelled the greatest comedy ever made makes me lose faith in humanity. I mean even if half the show goes over your head (which seems to be the case for many people) it's still so funny on so many levels that you simply must enjoy it, even if it's just a fraction of the entire experience. Otherwise you are dead inside
I find that 70's show to be kind of bland... I never really got into it, it just doesn't reach out to me. Curb your enthusiasm I also have trouble with, it seems like every joke is just Larry David getting screwed by bad luck and then reacting in a sarcastically semi-comical manner. The repetitiveness of the process just made me bored.
However, I've very much liked The Office (I watched the US version, which kind of made watching the UK version strange and less interesting since it's the same storyline) and Seinfeld as staples, although I'm one of those who can watch a lot of stuff when I'm eating, even if it's just mildly entertaining (How I met your Mother, Friends, Two and a half men, etc.).
O ya and Extras was good too. Also Peep Show (idk if it was mentioned yet) which is an interesting style of comedy, you should check out just 1 episode, I got hooked - even though it's kind of depressing sometimes.
On September 28 2009 01:27 Manit0u wrote: There's a million people shouting "The Office!" in this thread but not a single mention of Black Adder? Shame on you.
Sounds like you would like Extras. His character is an actual adult, intelligent, and being british they don't fall into all the same pitfalls american comedies do. His friend isn't very self-aware at first but he actually calls her out on it. It's just a great show, and all the guest stars are hilarious caricatures.
Coupling (UK) is the best comedy show ever... I watched the whole 4 seasons (iirc) in 2 days...
S1 is actually nearly completly on Youtube, just be aware the the very first episode isn't that great but after that it just skyrockets (until the last season where a key actor left and is really missing).
On September 27 2009 03:22 Oxygen wrote: No, that does not make it funny (if you think it is ... you know what to do.)
LOOOL
...from the suicide guide:
"Headbutting is probably the manliest thing ever. Not only is it useful for suicide, it's also a great way to break up with your girlfriend. For example, I couldn't find the words to tell my ex that our relationship was over, so one day while we were watching TV I headbutt her in the tits. Then I picked up my jacket and left. No awkward goodbyes, no "still friends" bullshit. Just a couple of bruised titties and a failed relationship. I rule."
Green Wing. I don't know too many people who have watched it, but those that I know have tried it have all loved it, I haven't found anyone who has seen it who doesn't find it hilarious save maybe one or two americans who "didn't get it" cause us Brits are crazy or whatever. Check it out
I guess you could say that Green Wing is kind of like a British version of Scrubs, but it's way funnier. I've watched 6 seasons of Scrubs and just started the 7th, and while it's enjoyable to watch it doesn't really make me laugh much. I may smile or half-heartedly laugh here and there but Green Wing makes me piss myself with laughter and I don't think I can say that about any other comedy I've watched.
I enjoyed Coupling (The UK version), which is basically a British version of Friends but funnier, though some of the characters are a bit annoying I guess, then again so are some of the characters in Friends. It's not gut wrenchingly funny but it's worth watching if you like that kind of thing.
On September 28 2009 15:26 noddyz wrote: 15 Storeys High The Smoking Room Mighty Boosh Peep Show The IT Crowd Coupling Monkey Dust (Cartoon) Father Ted Nighty Night Green Wing Dark Place
What the hell people? Scanned the whole thread and no mention of Chuck! Fantastic show. Not strictly a comedy, but no shortage of it to be had.
Also, Scrubs and Seinfeld are two shows which I used to like, but now hate, because once you realize that the main characters are total narcissistic assholes that the show paints as heroes (especially for JD in Scrubs), it gets a lot less fun to watch.
On September 28 2009 19:32 ToT)MidiaN( wrote: Green Wing. I don't know too many people who have watched it, but those that I know have tried it have all loved it, I haven't found anyone who has seen it who doesn't find it hilarious save maybe one or two americans who "didn't get it" cause us Brits are crazy or whatever. Check it out
Green Wing is insanely funny (and simply insane). Just thinking about Dr. Statham puts a smile on my face :D
Against general trends, Britain's actually producing some great comedy.
Probably the best are the Office (the American version is ok, but lacks the depth and subtlety, as shown by the poor camerawork), The Thick of It, Peep Show (new series just started woop), Spaced, and Gavin and Stacey.
For sketch show stuff I'm a big fan of Brass eye (which you guys seem up on), and Armando Ianucci.
Snuff Box. I believe it to be dark and esoterric enough to hold your interests. It is one of my favorites recently, and best of all it's only one season long with 6 episodes. It doesn't overstay it's welcome.
oh god. nobody listen to this man. corner gas is one of those horrible canadian things where it's just so canadian it can't possibly be real. or funny. it's really really not funny.
I don't think I've seen any mentions of the second best show on TV:
The Venture Brothers
It took me a while to get into this show, you really have to watch it from the beginning. The whole show makes fun of the concept of Super-Heroism and Arch-Villainy. They pick up characters and make fun of almost every show to ever base itself around super-science, solving mysteries, or the hero-villain concept.
It's hard to explain why it's funny or even what it's about. You just have to watch it and give it a shot. I think it has a lot of appeal to a wide range of audiences.
And Brock Samson is the most badass character ever invented
On September 29 2009 10:17 Kennigit wrote: Thanks to the posts in this thread i just watched 2 seasons of It's always sunny in philidelphia. Fucking amazing hahaha.
lol I just watched three. Yay for easy first year in uni.
Only show I really watch from the list of shows on TV is Big Bang Theory. Me and my friends love it cause we go to a tech school and that's pretty much how it is here.
If you are a nerd like me you will love this show. There is some general public lols but there are some pretty epic nerd lols.
I'm surprised there are so many of you who know what Black Books is... that show doesn't get much press at all outside of the UK, I thought. The only reason I know of it is because a friend of mine did an exchange there and watched and loved it.
On September 28 2009 21:09 shadowmarth wrote: What the hell people? Scanned the whole thread and no mention of Chuck! Fantastic show. Not strictly a comedy, but no shortage of it to be had.
Also, Scrubs and Seinfeld are two shows which I used to like, but now hate, because once you realize that the main characters are total narcissistic assholes that the show paints as heroes (especially for JD in Scrubs), it gets a lot less fun to watch.
Probably because Chuck is easily the weakest show on television today.
SoopaScoopa, you must be twelve years old. Also Meta, thank God you mentioned Venture Brothers, I can't believe I forgot it! Takes about half a dozen episodes to really get going and get you into it, but it is WAY worth it.
Anyway I like The Office US a lot. I definitely think it's worth a try see if you like it. I've tried watching Scrubs, Curb your Enthousiasm, HIMYM, 30 Rock but they all didn't really do it for me. Don't mind to watch them when zapping on the TV, but then again same thing goes for CSI and that's not exactly Lost either. Assuming you're talking about shows that you look forward to seeing the new episode of and downloading it when you missed it, those just don't really do it for me.
I'll be trying out Green Wing, It's Always Sunny and The Big Bang theory see if those are more my taste.
What? U say you downloaded the first eposides of season 4? Season 4 is the worst. If you actualy try to watch it from season 1 it is just hillarius. You will relise Barny is much deeper than you think
On September 30 2009 14:20 Chaos- wrote: Maybe you just don't understand the humor?
I am so worried about this, you have no idea.
I think I have to give South Park a second chance. I just watched The List and Fatbears and I laughed my balls off - granted, I was baked, but still.
Can anyone else recommend South Park from season 10-13 ?
For me, shows are more funny if you can relate to them. When The Office first started I thought 'wow this is a pretty funny show.' Then I worked in an office environment for a couple years and now I think it's hilarious. It's all just personal preference really. Everyone has a slightly different sense of humor.
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/05/11/bush_wideweb__430x319,1.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://funboxcomedy.com/uploaded_images/Head-explodes-big-761159.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/Bloodymarysouthpark.png)
Not that I have seen it on TV the last 10 or so years.
