Which one would get your vote?

Sorry, I voted for none of the above, as my favorite is not up there. Keeping up Appearances is my absolute favorite, Patricia Routledge is hilarious!!! :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

Not a bad choice at all!

However, I put the list together to include those generally regarded as "classic" Britcoms. I don't think 'Keeping Up Appearances' quite makes the list.

Are You Being Served got my vote,I think the Class distinctions
add to the humor of the show,that and Mr.Humphries is
hilarious to watch!!!!:)

Originally posted by japfles
Not a bad choice at all!

However, I put the list together to include those generally regarded as "classic" Britcoms. I don't think 'Keeping Up Appearances' quite makes the list.
Well then, since you are forcing me ;) (kidding) to choose one of the above, it has to be The Good Life.
:D After that would be Fawlty Towers. :D

Originally posted by wren

Well then, since you are forcing me ;) (kidding) to choose one of the above, it has to be The Good Life.
:D After that would be Fawlty Towers. :D

:D A good choice wren! :crazy:

I voted for Fawlty Towers.....but I've never seen it. I really like "The Good Life" instead. I just watched it on PBS last night and thought it was quite good.

I picked AYBS but its really too hard to pick one, and there are more id add to the list...perhaps i watch uk gold too much!! I used to like keeping up appearances but its all a bit samey to me, prob just not my thing any more.

The Only one i've ever seen, "Man About The House" FUNNY! :happyface :happyface :happyface

Cordially,
Nathan Bush
"The Rain Man"

Only Fools & Horses
for sure :)


Fawlty Towers is way overrated imho, just because it's the only show that was shown in US, not that I don't like it.

There are also
Allo Allo
Mr. Bean

Wren, I agree !!!!

Plus where is "As Time Goes By" ?

Originally posted by wren
Sorry, I voted for none of the above, as my favorite is not up there. Keeping up Appearances is my absolute favorite, Patricia Routledge is hilarious!!! :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

Keeping Up Appearances would also get my vote as best BritCom ever!!! Patricia Routledge is the UK's version of Lucille Ball!!! :)

I've never seen it but where the HELL is Coupling?

Then how do you know if it's any good? LOL

I didn't include COUPLING in the original poll as I had to draw the line somewhere and, to be honest, it can hardly be labelled a "classic" yet.

I voted for Mr. Bean. That show is so hilarious! I also like the show Last Of The Summer Wine, too. There was one episode I saw where these cops were sitting in their car and those four guys ran by with a bathtub over their heads with a moose head sticking out. It was so funny! :lol:

It HAS to be "Fawlty Towers"!!!! John Cleese is beyond brilliant as Basil. The only show to come close is "Mr. Bean". Rowan Atkinson is on another level all together and just as brilliant. Of course "Are You Being Served" is a close third (its cheesy "wink-wink" ribaldry is addictive - like the best of Rodney Dangerfield or Henny Youngman).

I'm still amazed at "Are You Being Served" being the most popular among Americans.

*bump*

I voted for Ab Fab, I loved that show so much. Then I would have to go with "The Vicar Of Dibley", Dawn French is one of my fave actresses.

Agreed....Dawn French is a wonderful actress.

Love that avatar pic of Bebe by the way :)

:rotflmao:

Are You Being Served? is a great show but my absolute favorites are :

Waiting For God

Keeping Up Appearances

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin is an absolute classic. I recommend you all watch it.

I voted for The Young Ones because of the ones on this list that I've seen, that one's my favorite. I've never seen Are You Being Served?

Hey what about The Benny Hill show or The Goodies? :banana:

Curt

Originally posted by curtis
Hey what about The Benny Hill show or The Goodies? :banana:

Curt

My husband likes Benny Hill. I don't think his show should be categorized with the comedies since it was more of a vaudevillian- (sp?) type format.



Would rather be watching Waiting For God

I voted for Absolutely Fabulous, I love Jennifer Saunders and her work!

None of the above! In reverse order...

5. Ever Decreasing Circles (http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0086708)
1984-89

4. Drop The Dead Donkey (http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0098781)
1990-98

3. Red Dwarf (http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0094535) (except for Ss 7+8, which were rubbish)
1988-?

2. The High Life (http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0108803)
1994-95

1. Joking Apart (http://uk.imdb.com/Title?0106041)
1991-95

I voted for "The Young Ones" since Coupling isnt on here. Just had to vote for my boys : )
Father Ted makes me laugh the hardest anymore. Some of these I've never seen though.

I voted for Only Fools And Horses it is a comedy you can watch over and over again. It is very funny and my favourite OFAH charachter is Del Boy {Real Name David Jason}

Its hard to choose one . When there are so many good shows.
Older britcoms Monty Python Flying Circus &
Benny Hill

now
still python takes the cake.
Black ADDER ( Rowan atkinson)
RED Dwarf
Blue line ( Rowan Atkinson)
Mr.Bean
allo allo ( good moning)
waiting for God ( I love Dianna & Tom)
Are you being served

what about the tracy ullman show with dan castenella & sam mcmurry . Great show. Anyone have?

I voted Mr. Bean

Originally posted by Larry Paul
I voted for Fawlty Towers.....but I've never seen it. I really like "The Good Life" instead. I just watched it on PBS last night and thought it was quite good.

Well then Larry you've got a treat in store, I honestly believe that Fawlty Towers is THE funniest TV show ever made...

I've seen a lot of great comedy shows, both American and British but that is the one show where even the most miserable person would be laughing out loud...:) ...

Of the new crop of British comedies "The Office" is hilarious, Gareth is a really funny character, the office nerd, but what's REALLY funny is that he doesn't seem to realize it...:D ...

Father Ted

Originally posted by japfles
I'm still amazed at "Are You Being Served" being the most popular among Americans.
Why does that surprize you? It's a good show, and it is my pick!:)

Originally posted by cp32
Its hard to choose one . When there are so many good shows.
Older britcoms Monty Python Flying Circus &
Benny Hill

I voted for Fawlty Towers, but Monty Python's Flying Circus and Benny Hill are definately top-notch.

I voted for Mr. Bean :) I also like Absolutely Fabulous and I'm dying to check out Monty Python.

I voted for fawlty towers. keeping up appearances is all right and mr. bean has its moments. john cleese is just too funny im pis*ed that there were only like 12 episodes. as time goes by is that the one with judi dench?

Fawlty Towers

As you can guess from my avatar, I voted for Absolutely Fabulous. But Fawlty Towers and Monty Python are great, too.

The Goodies

"Father Ted" Feck off

On the List My Vote goes to Father Ted but if On The Buses or Doctor In The House was on the list I would vote for one for them.

Originally posted by StarLite
On the List My Vote goes to Father Ted but if On The Buses or Doctor In The House was on the list I would vote for one for them.

Bloody 'ell StarLite, each to his own eh...;)...

When I was a kid, On The Buses and Doctor in the House were on and I enjoyed them but as a pre pubescent teenager my favourite was Bless this House with Syd James...

At the age of thirteen or fourteen I had the biggest crush on Sally Geeson who played the daughter, I thought the show was pretty funny as well but in the seventies we had Fawlty Towers and George and Mildred...

Even The Good Life was very good back then, as a growing up teenager I had a crush on Felicity Kendal, what is it with me and women in the seventies?...;)...

I know what it was.....................All them raging hormones...:D ...

Ahhhh Felicity Kendall!

Good god, that woman was one hell of a fox! :D

Originally posted by brooky
My husband likes Benny Hill. I don't think his show should be categorized with the comedies since it was more of a vaudevillian- (sp?) type format.



Would rather be watching Waiting For God



Actually, according to a poster on the "Jump the Shark" web site, the "Benny Hill Show" actually NEVER EXISTED in England... apparently, Benny Hill would periodically (3 or 4 times a year) produce hour long specials for British TV...it is these specials which have been repackaged as the Half Hour Benny Hill show that we know here in the U.S.

But Benny Hill was GREAT!

Keeping Up Appearances would be my favorite Britcom, easily...Patricia Routledge is indeed, Britian's answer to the great Lucille Ball...

Actually, I think that the scenes of Hyacynth and Elizabeth having coffee in Hyacynth's kitchen rival anything Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance ever did in I Love Lucy, and I LOVE I Love Lucy...

Keeping Up Appearances is the best!!!! Too bad it wasn't included in this poll...

Hi De Hi, Brittas Empire, Chef, and the one about the May to September romance are my favorites -- alas, none are eligible for the vote.

Much as I love Are You Being Served, Fawty Tower's' 12 episodes is worth AYBS's entire output in my opinion. My favorites in relative order.

Fawlty Towers
Red Dwarf
On the Buses
Butterflies
Are You Being Served
Black Adder
Mr. Bean
Waiting For God
One Foot In The Grave
Rising Damp
Man About The House

Two Ronnies and Benny Hill aren't really sitcoms or i'd throw them in.

Hello from way down under in New Zealand.

I know this is a little bit late as a reply, but I'm fairly new to this site. I would just like to reply to Tweety's comments on The Benny Hill Show in the UK. The comments are only partly correct.

The Benny Hill Show DID EXIST in the UK. In fact, there was exactly 100 editions of the show. The show began on the BBC in 1955 and was last screened on BBC1 in 1968. He made 8 series' (seasons in the U.S) plus 2 specials for the Beep (BBC). However as a series is somewhat shorter in the UK, these only amounted to 32 editions (16 x 60 mins and 16 x 45 mins). Each edition in a series would usually be shown monthly, every three weeks or fortnightly rather than weekly.

While with the BBC, he also made 9 editions (6 x 60 mins and 3 x 55 mins) for ATV, 8 between 1957-60 and the ninth in 1967.

He then made 58 editions (all 60 mins in length) of The Benny Hill Show for Thames television. These would come out 2-5 times a year between 1969-89.

Finally there was 1 other edition (60 mins) of The Benny Hill Show co-produced by Thames television with Channel 10 of Australia (aka Benny Hill In Australia and Benny Hill Down Under) screened in 1977 in Australia and 1978 in the UK.

While it is correct to say that The Benny Hill Show was not shown on a weekly basis in the UK, it is incorrect to say that the show never existed.

The 1967 ATV edition was also shown on CBS in the States but it wasn't until 1979 when his Thames televison shows were repackaged as half hour compilations, that Americans got to see Benny on a regular basis. These were also screened here in New Zealand as Benny Hill In The USA. A misleading title, as these of course were his UK shows repackaged for the US, and we had previously seen the shows in their original format.

His other major UK television work includes:- Hi There, a one off (45 mins) sketch show from the BBC in 1951. Also three series of sitcoms, simply titled Benny Hill (BBC 1962-63, 19 x 25 mins) and a one off 'silent' sitcom titled Eddie In August (Thames television 1970, 30 mins). He also appeared as Bottom in a 1964 production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night Dream (Rediffusion television). He also appeared in Paris By Night (ATV/ABC 1956, 1 x 60 mins) with another much loved British comedian, Tommy Cooper. In 1991, he started filming a series to be called Benny Hill's World Tour, sadly his death meant the series was never completed. The New York leg of the tour was finally shown in the UK by ITV in 1994 as Benny Hill - Unseen (2 x 30 mins).

He made his television debut in the BBC series, Music-Hall, back in 1949. And appeared in the 29 Feb 1952 edition of Kaleidoscope (BBC). He performed a short edition of The Benny Hill Show for Christmas Night with The Stars (BBC1 1964). He also appeared in dozens of variety shows in the 1950s and 1960s.

Fawlty Towers
AbFabolous
As Time Goes by

Definitely Absolutely Fabulous. That show is incredible!

KUA (That Bucket woman) www.britcoms.com/bb/

AYBS (Like everything about it)

Waiting For God (Diane and Tom are great together)

As Time Goes By (Jean and Lionel are wonderful)

Vicar of Dibley (The entire cast is superb)

Fawlty Towers (Basil and Sybil, WOW what a pair)

Barbara (Sam Kelly is one of a kind)

Allo, Allo (I shall type this only once)

Since the poll question asked for the "Greatest Ever" Britcom, I felt compelled to vote for Fawlty Towers (with Are You Being Served? being a close second, in my opinion), but if asked to name a favorite I'd have to say The Vicar of Dibley. The tag scenes on every episode, in which Geraldine attempts to tell Alice a joke, are just priceless. :)

Fawlty Towers is the best/funniest sitcom, British or otherwise.
I tend to classify Mr.Bean as a series of skits like Monty Python, The Two Ronnies, Benny Hill, Ab Fab. Not a Sitcom. I know there are some full episode skits and it is a continuing character, so maybe.

Mr. Bean is my favorite one it is so funny.

Faulty Towers is definetly the funniest and then Absoultley Fabulous.

Mr Bean gets my vote,but The Brittas Empire and Some Mothers Do Have Em weren't included and they are my all time favourite british comedies.

My vote went to Absolutely Fabulous. I don't think any show has ever made me laugh even nearly as much. If I were to compare them all based only on the first viewings, I could name several other shows that have had me in stitches just as much, but what is peculiar about AbFab for me, is that it still makes me laugh after several viewings when other shows would already have started to bore me.

I guess Keeping up Appearances would be a good opposite example. I loved it the first time around, the second viewing was still somewhat amusing, but the third time was already aa bit too much. In the case of AbFab, the third viewing is sometimes the one when I'm just starting to "get" some of the episodes that I didn't really find that amusing on the first viewing.

I gave Bottom it's lone vote, I'm surprised, It's so damn funny and extremely well crafted, but the competition is stiff, what a great list of shows. I would have put 'Keeping Up Appearances' in there, it is a great one too, me thinks. Hyacinth is one of the really great characters, and who else could play her except Patricia R.? Just great. I think Are You Being Served is ok, but a level below some of the best ones, still a good show, though, one that gets you attached to the characters.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers and Father Ted

Vicar of Dibley

I voted for "I'm Alan Partridge"... hilarious stuff... though it's a bit new to be called a classic. And it only ran for two seasons.

My second choice would've gone to Are You Being Served... it catered for a worldwide audience.

And if we're talking "classic"... where's "Mind Your Language" and "Only When I Laugh"??? Two great shows well worthy of being on that list.

"Doctor in the House" is missing.

It's up there in Blackadder territory.

League of Gentlemen is simply the best, a must have for any collection.

Fawlty Towers
Some Mothers Do Have Em
Mr Bean

Toss up between "Blackadder" and "One Foot in the Grave" for their unique subject matters. But I voted for "Blackadder" cuz it was the more ambitious--covering several generations of a family and many interesting eras in history while still being completely, fall-on-the-floor hysterically funny!

"One Foot in The Grave" is a priceless show.

I've seen one episode of "Spaced" and that was very good.
Of course, "Red Dwarf" is awesome and "Father Ted" is very funny.

I also like what little I saw of a show called, "Goodnight Sweetheart."

I didn't like Black Adder at first.I caught a stupid episode,but the other day while watching UKTV,I caught another episode and i thought it was hilarious.

Steptoe & Son

There are a few GREAT ones missing so I couldn't vote for what was listed:

Some Mothers Do Have Em - (Michael Crawford was so hilarious on this that I couldn't picture him as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera - he even ad-libbed opening night when the gondala got stuck on stage - he picked it up and carried it off showing his comic background)!

Keep Up Appearances - Hyacinth is exactly like an aunt of mine!

Doctor In The House - another great one I haven't seen since the 70s!

Bless Me Father and On The Buses were two other great Britcoms.

Why doesn't the BBC Amercia or BBC Canada air these classics again - I have Faulty Towers memorized!!

I agree re "Keeping Up Appearances"--soooo outrageous in her quest to be cultured and respectable, and her relatives are soooo ridiculously lowbrow!

I also vaguely remember "Doctor in the House" being on the local PBS station when I was in college, and I caught a few episodes of "Some Mothers Do Have Em" at some point on there as well. (Probably after "Phantom" debuted, cuz I couldn't believe that was the theatrical singer/actor Michael Crawford either!)

But could someone explain that title to me? Some mothers do have what? LOL!

I think the title "Some Mothers Do Have Em" is a reference to the exasperation of a mother having to deal with a goofy son (although the premise focused more on his marriage).
I'll never forget an episode of him trying to get a piano either into or out of their flat and having it roll downhill in the street. He's almost better than Dick Van Dyke for physical comedy and I remember him saying in an interview onced how often he was injured doing the goofy stunts.
I saw a boxed set of DVDs in a downtown Toronto store once and wished I had picked them up since it doesn't seem to be shown in repeats anywhere for the past several years. Can't find it at the regular chain outlets so it's hard to come by.
:lol:

Thanx for the info! I thought maybe that might be it--but yes, the focus on his marriage did make me wonder. Was there a character of his mother on the show? I only saw a few episodes, not including the one with the piano--but I can just imagine LOL!

I think there might have been Marisposal - but I'm like you, only saw a few episodes on PBS (early 80s or so) before they yanked it. Haven't seen it back on since so memories are fading.
Now you've really tweaked my curiosity and want to run back to that store to grab the DVD collection and watch again!
Oh yeah - the piano was a riot - its amazing to watch this lanky guy hanging on for dear life - and the strength it would have taken to get into the wacky positions he did on it - all the while its moving.....faster and faster.....
And that high-pitched school girl voice he would put on. An amazing talent!

He was living proof that some mothers really DO have 'em!!! LOL!

I saw a boxed set of DVDs in a downtown Toronto store once and wished I had picked them up since it doesn't seem to be shown in repeats anywhere for the past several years. Can't find it at the regular chain outlets so it's hard to come by.
:lol:

I got the boxed dvd set for Christmas,all episodes including the christmas specials on 4 dvds.I was so excited because I hadn't seen the show in so long and I love it! And to answer the question,Yes Some Mothers Do Have Em refers to idiots like Frank.There are no eps with Franks mother in them,but he always talks about her.
"As my mother always said...." :rotflmao:

I got the boxed dvd set for Christmas,all episodes including the christmas specials on 4 dvds.I was so excited because I hadn't seen the show in so long and I love it! And to answer the question,Yes Some Mothers Do Have Em refers to idiots like Frank.There are no eps with Franks mother in them,but he always talks about her.
"As my mother always said...." :rotflmao:

Aaaaah yeah - now I remember the line.......hahahahahaha! LOL!

You lucky dawg getting the set. I keep cracking off for it, but my hubby isn't into "that stuff" (whatever that means - laughing???) but whatever...I think cuz it doesn't have any car chases or explosions....although, come to think I it now...... lmao 2!!! :lol:

:rofl: Actually,I have to say I was surprised by alot of the things Frank Spencer did,I thought alot of it was real dramatic,but absolutely hilarious!

If Britcom="British comedy" then...
Monty Python is my first choice.
Second is Red Dwarf.

So I'll just vote RD in the poll even though it will always be bested by MP even if they release a series of films and more shows. ;)

Young Ones & Black Adder are also high on my list. Classic stuff! And I love all the series from each of these shows. Even the vastly underrated Series 7 & 8 from RD. I can see why people like them less but that doesn't mean they are total crap.

*continues standing alone on his point*

Oh yes, Monty Python! My 12-year-old daughter's cousin (also 12) introduced her to them by way of the movie "Holy Grail" on DVD a couple weeks ago, and also told her about the show being broadcast on BBC America. As a result, we finally have something in common LOL--sitting in front of the TV laughing our butts off for an hour and a half on Thursday nights!

So I agree with radioman970--I woulda voted for the Flying Circus in a heartbeat if we had the option!

I picked up the complete tv series on dvd a while back, just great, so much bizarre brilliant humor to wade through, I'm still searching for a bit in which the Greek and German philosophers have a soccer match....I love the Scottish poet McTeagle's verses based upon borrowing money in promise of rapid repayment.

The Good Life, of course. The best cast ever!

UMMMM I voted for Blackadder but....all those choices and you left out AS TIME GOES BY??????? The very BEST Britcom ever, unlike the others, the characters were REAL and the writing was intelligent, not totally over the top unbelieveable!!!

I think "To the Manner Born" should be included (although I still would have voted for Fawlty Towers)

Tres

Open All Hours is one of my favorites that did not get mentioned. With Ronnie Barker, David Jason, Sheila Brennan a Britcom from 1973 was hilarious. I wish this was available on DVD here in the US. I think I have about 15 minutes of an episode on vhs somewhere in the collection wish I had the whole series.

And just because its convenient, I'll post this line here as well. Great British kid show still needing to be released on DVD is The Double Deckers.

Also Grace & Favor aka Are You Being Served Again!(title for US release)has to be mentioned. The Moleterds (spelling?) were great.

David

Hello from way down under in New Zealand.

I know this is a little bit late as a reply, but I'm fairly new to this site. I would just like to reply to Tweety's comments on The Benny Hill Show in the UK. The comments are only partly correct.

The Benny Hill Show DID EXIST in the UK. In fact, there was exactly 100 editions of the show. The show began on the BBC in 1955 and was last screened on BBC1 in 1968. He made 8 series' (seasons in the U.S) plus 2 specials for the Beep (BBC). However as a series is somewhat shorter in the UK, these only amounted to 32 editions (16 x 60 mins and 16 x 45 mins). Each edition in a series would usually be shown monthly, every three weeks or fortnightly rather than weekly.

While with the BBC, he also made 9 editions (6 x 60 mins and 3 x 55 mins) for ATV, 8 between 1957-60 and the ninth in 1967.

He then made 58 editions (all 60 mins in length) of The Benny Hill Show for Thames television. These would come out 2-5 times a year between 1969-89.

Finally there was 1 other edition (60 mins) of The Benny Hill Show co-produced by Thames television with Channel 10 of Australia (aka Benny Hill In Australia and Benny Hill Down Under) screened in 1977 in Australia and 1978 in the UK.

While it is correct to say that The Benny Hill Show was not shown on a weekly basis in the UK, it is incorrect to say that the show never existed.

The 1967 ATV edition was also shown on CBS in the States but it wasn't until 1979 when his Thames televison shows were repackaged as half hour compilations, that Americans got to see Benny on a regular basis. These were also screened here in New Zealand as Benny Hill In The USA. A misleading title, as these of course were his UK shows repackaged for the US, and we had previously seen the shows in their original format.

His other major UK television work includes:- Hi There, a one off (45 mins) sketch show from the BBC in 1951. Also three series of sitcoms, simply titled Benny Hill (BBC 1962-63, 19 x 25 mins) and a one off 'silent' sitcom titled Eddie In August (Thames television 1970, 30 mins). He also appeared as Bottom in a 1964 production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night Dream (Rediffusion television). He also appeared in Paris By Night (ATV/ABC 1956, 1 x 60 mins) with another much loved British comedian, Tommy Cooper. In 1991, he started filming a series to be called Benny Hill's World Tour, sadly his death meant the series was never completed. The New York leg of the tour was finally shown in the UK by ITV in 1994 as Benny Hill - Unseen (2 x 30 mins).

He made his television debut in the BBC series, Music-Hall, back in 1949. And appeared in the 29 Feb 1952 edition of Kaleidoscope (BBC). He performed a short edition of The Benny Hill Show for Christmas Night with The Stars (BBC1 1964). He also appeared in dozens of variety shows in the 1950s and 1960s.
Actually, I'm not sure if the 1967 ATV-produced TBHS was shown in the States - maybe on a local station in New York or Philadelphia or L.A. Mr. Hill hosted two other shows produced by ATV that same year, that were shown on CBS in the States, episodes of a program called Spotlight that aired in the summer of 1967 as a summer-replacement for The Red Skelton Hour, and which aired once every three weeks (I believe) in Britain in 1967-68 alternating with (I.I.N.M.) Sunday Night at the London Palladium. Mr. Hill, according to various biographies, absolutely hated doing the shows, not the least of which because he had no control over the circumstances of production (among other things, he was forced to duet with Paul Anka on a song called "The Party's Over"). This all soured him permanently over ATV, to such an extent that when he was successfully tempted to move from the BBC to ITV (Independent Television) in 1969, it was via Thames.

And as for his Australian Down Under special: The cast was not credited to my knowledge, but I've been apprised that besides Ron Shand (who was listed in various guides as being on this show), it also included Barry Otto (father of actress Miranda Otto), Max Phipps, Victoria Quilter and Lorna Lesley. None of whom were ever credited on any of the syndicated credits of the shows that featured sketches from Down Under.

Red Dwarf is the bomb.Now, if they could just get the movie made.....

In reply to W.B., in the first edition of 'Radio Times Guide To TV Comedy', Mark Lewisohn wrote that the 1967 ATV show was 'generated for the CBS network', however this is not mentioned in the second edition, only the two Spotlight shows. Sorry, I used the first edition of the book for information as part of my answer. According to the same book, the main cast for the Australian show was Benny Hill, Ron Shand, Victoria Quitter, Lorna Lesley and Max Phipps. The IMDb only list Hill and Shand, as does the BBC website. Memorable TV only mentions Benny, himself.

The main point of my post, that The Benny Hill Show, did in fact exist in the UK, still stands!!!

In reply to W.B., in the first edition of 'Radio Times Guide To TV Comedy', Mark Lewisohn wrote that the 1967 ATV show was 'generated for the CBS network', however this is not mentioned in the second edition, only the two Spotlight shows. Sorry, I used the first edition of the book for information as part of my answer. According to the same book, the main cast for the Australian show was Benny Hill, Ron Shand, Victoria Quitter, Lorna Lesley and Max Phipps. The IMDb only list Hill and Shand, as does the BBC website. Memorable TV only mentions Benny, himself.

The main point of my post, that The Benny Hill Show, did in fact exist in the UK, still stands!!!
Oh, I've no doubt TBHS existed in England. No doubt at all.

As for the Aussie special: I'd been apprised of the other supporting cast (aside from Mr. Shand) on another board. The book apparently forgot to mention Barry Otto. And was there a typo in the book, because I seem to recall the third-named person in that list was Victoria Quilter, as I'd noted. TV.com's entry for TBHS now mentions all of them, and IMDb is to follow any day now (at least, I hope they do - I submitted 'em all myself!).

Sorry, that was my spelling mistake, it did say Quilter. I usually proof read my answers, but was in a bit of hurry yesterday!!! Well, that's my excuse! As good as any...

Barry Otto wasn't mentioned in the book, but as the book covers over 3000 shows, this may have been to save room. Can't list everyone to have appeared in all those shows!!!

A previous person posted comments on this board to say that 'The Benny Hill Show' did not exist in the UK! But to be fair, they were quoting from another website.

I have to mention The Brittas Empire.
Some of the episodes were hilarious.

I have to mention The Brittas Empire.
Some of the episodes were hilarious.

Thanks for mentioning that! I could not remember the name of that show since I saw it in the '90s. I enjoyed the episodes I did manage to see.

flagman

My favorite would have to be Doctor in the house or Fawlty towers. I would love to get more episodes of Doctor.

Aww, nobody likes Men Behaving Badly :( It's definitely my favourite on the list. Though my favourite British show of all time is Teachers, which I would class as a comedy too, but which seems to get the genre of Drama more...

Anyhoo, go Tony and Gary!

I got the boxed dvd set for Christmas,all episodes including the christmas specials on 4 dvds.I was so excited because I hadn't seen the show in so long and I love it!


I have the DVD set too. I was dying for this show to come back on tv, but when it did, it didn't last long, and I think its such a funny show. I just had to get the DVDs, now i can watch it when i want.:)

If you've never seen it - YOU MUST! It is the funniest thing to come out of the UK! Second season just aired on BBC America - Third is being worked on! IT's HILARIOUS!

I voted for Faulty Towers. Best by far. John Cleese is unmatchable. Though I also love "the Office". I know its not exactly in the same realm, but figured it deserved a mention.

I voted fawlty towers, but this poll almost seems unfair:lol: There are just too many great ones on there!

Well, I se my lone vote for Bottom is still up there ;) It really is too little known, I was floored when i discovered it, but yes, there's a bunch that are all so special in their own way.

...To the Manor Born!

Are You Being Served?. This was the first Britcom aside Keeping Up Appearances that I saw and really, really enjoyed.

I voted for Red Dwarf. I love that show. The only other Britcom I've ever watched is Men Behaving Badly. That was a funny show too, but I think Red Dwarf is hilarious.

My favourite Britcom of all time is most probably 'Open All Hours' - the northern cornershop comedy starring Ronnie Barker, David Jason and Lynda Baron. Being from nothern England myself, I relate to the humour used in the show and thoroughly enjoy each and every episode. I've just bought Series 4 on DVD, thus completing my collection.

A very close second favourite is 'Keeping Up Appearances'. I watched that during its original run on BBC1 between 1990 and 1995. I still watch them over and over and never stop laughing. It's such a shame that the BBC has treated KUA so badly in terms of DVD releases. Series 1-4 were released in 2004 with no bonus features and there's absolutely no sign of Series 5 or the Christmas specials being released in the UK. I've become so fed up of waiting that I've ordered them from Australia, where they have been released in their entirety.

However, if I had to choose one from that list, I'd say 'Dad's Army'. Another favourite of mine when I was growing up, and it still amuses me.

I voted for Absolutely Fabulous, I love Jennifer Saunders and her work!
Hi there! I just saw your post. Ab Fab is what I voted for too. Jennifer is the best, isn't she? It's nice to meet a fellow JS fan. :)

JC
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/jacinta

Too many to choose. I like almost all of them. :P

I picked The Young Ones

"Hands up, who likes me."

I got the boxed dvd set for Christmas,all episodes including the christmas specials on 4 dvds.I was so excited because I hadn't seen the show in so long and I love it! And to answer the question,Yes Some Mothers Do Have Em refers to idiots like Frank.There are no eps with Franks mother in them,but he always talks about her.
"As my mother always said...." :rotflmao:


I have the dvd set too! It was the last one in the store as well. It wasn't that they sold out quick (hardly anyone really knows about the show here) they only had 1 or 2 ordered in. So I was lucky. Thing is, before I got the dvds, I used to watch the show on UKTV but then they took it off, and I really missed it. So I was really happy to get the dvd's, only I dont really watch them at all now! Just goes to show... I would have fought tooth and nail in the shop if someone else wanted them.;)


I also love Mr Bean, Fawlty Towers (although it CAN get abit much sometimes) and the Brittas Empire. British humour just cannot be beaten in my opinion.:lol:

i enjoyed the good life, butterflies (not on your list), and rising damp very much. also why isnt Yes, Minister not on your polling list???? that was a classic show for sure.

UMMMM I voted for Blackadder but....all those choices and you left out AS TIME GOES BY??????? The very BEST Britcom ever, unlike the others, the characters were REAL and the writing was intelligent, not totally over the top unbelieveable!!!
^^^I agree with THIS guy!!! ;)^^^:rolleyes:

i dont know but harry enfield is sooo hilarious!

:lol:

I love Keeping Up Appearences and think it should definitly be on the list, fantastivc show, gets me in tears everytime.

I don't know! That's a pretty tough one to answer. I love Ab Fab, The Young Ones, Are You Being Served?, Dad's Army, Mr. Bean, Men Behaving Badly, My Family, My Hero - the list just goes on and on. I do think Ab Fab is one that's permanently etched in my mind because I've been watching it since I was pretty young. It was probably my first real exposure to Brit TV.

Fawlty Towers


Ab-Fab: second

Keeping Up Appearances is my #1 fav! Doesn't everyone have family members like these people?!!! (you don't have to admit it out loud, but it makes you wonder which one they think you are!!) LOL :) :lol:

I'm pretty amazed that "Are You Being Served?" got so many votes- it was bad back when it was first on and has definitely not got better with age. And then I'm the only person to vote for "Porridge", in my humble opinion the finest sitcom ever and a top ten contender for best TV program ever. Bizarre, but there you go.

My favourite is Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

I like- My Family

My Favorites are Fawlty Towers, My Family and Absolutely Fabulous

Fawlty towers.

i think the office is the best, beats your american version hands down. but i am a big fan of stuff by peter kay, like max and paddys road to nowhere and phoenix nights. i don't suppose you have those in america

Wow, only one vote for Rising Damp? It's such a great show that it gets one from me, despite there being tons of shows I love on that list.

The last time I ever saw Rising Damp on television was in New York in the 80s on PBS, sometime around 5:30 or 6am. What a hilarious show it was!

I didn't vote as owing to the fact that the best wasn't on the list.

On The Buses is THE best in my opinion.Superb cast,script,innuendo and fantastic one-liners and the great Michael Robbins to boot.

where is keeping up appearances?

where is keeping up appearances?


Back on page one of this thread, japfles, the thread's originator, stated that "Keeping Up Appearances" was not included in the list, giving the following reason:

QUOTE: "However, I put the list together to include those generally regarded as "classic" Britcoms. I don't think 'Keeping Up Appearances' quite makes the list."


KUA is also my favorite, although I admit to seeing only a fraction of the listed choices.

I've heard somewhere (but maybe not in this thread) that the British themselves don't quite put KUA on the same level as a lot of the other shows listed in the given choices. It might be because of all the running gags that the show has and uses in almost every episode, that might have something to do with it.

The only listed series of which I've seen ANY episodes are:

Absolutely Fabulous
Are You Being Served?
Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin
Fawlty Towers
Last of the Summer Wine
Mr. Bean

Of those I've seen, I liked Fawlty Towers the best. I'd like to see some of the other shows, but I haven't had the opportunity yet. I also liked "Are You Being Served?".

There's also a show, I think it's called "My Hero", which I've seen a couple of times in the afternoon on BBC America, and I thought that one was funny, but I haven't seen it on any kind of a regular basis. I'm sure I've seen fewer than 5 episodes of that one, but it was funny.

Would love to see the others listed, but the only one I have seen is AbFab which is the one I voted for. :wave:

Is Steptoe and Son, the one with Wilfred Brimmel? That is one I would like to see since it was based on Sanford and Son. I thought Wilfred was so funny in A Hard Day's Night. :wave:

Back on page one of this thread, japfles, the thread's originator, stated that "Keeping Up Appearances" was not included in the list, giving the following reason:

"However, I put the list together to include those generally regarded as "classic" Britcoms. I don't think 'Keeping Up Appearances' quite makes the list."
KUA is also my favorite, although I admit to seeing only a fraction of the listed choices.

I've heard somewhere (but maybe not in this thread) that the British themselves don't quite put KUA on the same level as a lot of the other shows listed in the given choices. It might be because of all the running gags that the show has and uses in almost every episode, that might have something to do with it.
A few years ago, BBC Prime came out with a top ten sitcoms list and KUA was #2, second only to Fawlty Towers.


There's also a show, I think it's called "My Hero", which I've seen a couple of times in the afternoon on BBC America, and I thought that one was funny, but I haven't seen it on any kind of a regular basis. I'm sure I've seen fewer than 5 episodes of that one, but it was funny.
My Hero, especially the first two seasons, is really a riot, all the main cast members are excellent.

I am not a big fan of KUA, liked it at first but got tired pretty quickly. The characters are funny but I think what bothers me most about the show is that everyone (other than Daisy, Onslow and Rose) is so disempowered by Hyacinth - they all know she is off the wall but will never call her on it, and act as if they must go along with her ridiculous stuff - it's like they are super afraid of hurting her feelings or something. I realize it is a comedy premise, and Hyacinth is certainly a unique character, but it was hard to watch for me after the same thing happens over and over again.

My favorite on the list is Red Dwarf (but I haven't seen the bad seasons of it). I also like The Good Life, and Ever Decreasing Circles, a very gentle, laid-back sitcom.
Is Steptoe and Son, the one with Wilfred Brimmel?
Yes (Brambell).

(hi, i'm new, putting my view in this thread seemed a decent place to start being as im a UK noob)

I'm surprised to see Partridge has picked up so few votes. I voted for it, and my surprise isn't cos i think my opinion is infallible, just thought it was way more popular than voting indicates, i'm amazed :s

Is Steptoe and Son, the one with Wilfred Brimmel? That is one I would like to see since it was based on Sanford and Son.
actually, you have that backwards...Steptoe and Son came FIRST and Sanford and Son was based on the Brit show

other examples:

Man about the House...... became Threes Company
Til Death Do us part..... became All in the Family
Faulty Towers......became Newhart ( Albeit a very different show, in the end )
i know there's a few more, but, thats all I can think of atm.

Oh its a close call for me between Keeping Up Appearences and Are You being served?THEY BOTH R HILARIOUS! i absoloutely love mr Humphries, but hyacinth is in a league of her own! they both get my vote:D

I definitely had to vote for Blackadder. IMO, it's the best Britcom EVER! I'm a huge Rowan Atkinson fan and I think he's an absolute comic genius. And although I love Mr. Bean (another great creation by Rowan) and I do like Fawlty Towers, Absolutely Fabulous and Bottom... my all time favorite is Blackadder... Long live Edmund Blackadder!

Too bad Monty Python wasn't on there.

Only Fools & Horses and Blackadder Goes Fourth are the best for me

For me the BEST Brit tv series ever is Mr. Bean...:D

My vote goes to Are You Being Served?

:notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy Mr Bean

little late getting in here but I just voted for AYBS.... it was hard to pick. I think I chose this one because this was my introduction to British Sitcoms....

Actually I agree with Britcoms = British Comedy. If that is the case, Flying Circus would be at the top (not on the list). This was my first introduction to British humor. But I guess you all were going for situational comedy (sitcom) instead of sketch comedy (Flying Circus and Benny Hill style).

Faulty Towers and Black Adder come in a close second and third to AYBS, but I do like the newer crop of Britcoms too.... Keeping Up Appearances, Coupling and the newest one: Not Going Out. Vicar of Dibley was always a fav... but I still have a place in my heart for those wacky employees of Grace Brothers!

Blackadder series 2-4.

The Regency (series 3) is my favourite, Edmund as a superior butler and at his bitter, most spiteful best. Hugh Laurie as Prince Regent is utter genius.

2 and 4 are almost as great, whilst 1 was vastly underrated, although still a notch behind all the rest.

http://whatculture.com/tv/15-british-sitcoms-that-americans-loved-the-most.php

While not all of the American populace purports to always understand British humor, it’s been an indelible part of the cultural landscape for decades. Whether the sophisticated stylings of Noel Coward or the outrageous offerings of French & Saunders, British television comedies (aka Britcoms) have provided countless hours of entertainment to legions of fans, and have even occasionally been adapted into historic mega-smashes (without ‘Til Death Us Do Part and Man About the House, we’d never have seen the likes of All in the Family and Three’s Company, after all). Fifteen of those shows will always immediately spring to mind and provide copious memories of cherished moments in front of the tube (or the telly, as it were).

Read more at http://whatculture.com/tv/15-british-sitcoms-that-americans-loved-the-most.php#7KOEZ6iCyrQUI8Om.99

these are some that I have that are brilliant:

This is David Lander/Harper
Hot Metal
Rutland Weekend Television
Alas Smith & Jones
Black Books
A Bit of Fry & Laurie
Dave Allen at Large
Frontline (Australia)

I like The Vicar of Dibley a lot. That is about the only ine one the list I am familiar with. I agree Keeping Up Appearances should have been included Hyacinth is hilarious! I also loved I think they were called Waiting on God - it was at an old age home I think and the other which is my favorite of all time Two's company. An american writer living in England and has an English butler. I would love to own that but I cannot find it any where. Used to watch both on PBS in the 90's.

:bluesbros


That show is easily obtainable on Amazon.com

http://whatculture.com/tv/15-best-british-sitcoms-of-all-time.php

"If you were to ask me to name three geniuses, I probably wouldn't say Einstein, Newton... you know. I'd go Milligan, Cleese, Everatt. Sessions." - David Brent

just goes to show that the classics still reign

The Flying Circus should be locked in at #1...it was the springboard that started it all for Britcoms being spread at least in North America (ty KERA in Dallas)

sorry folks, Ricky Gervais is overrated

the best ever for me is ''This is David Lander'' incredibly funny

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I was surprised to see that Keeping Up Appearances and Waiting for God were not on the list. Those two shows are just excellent.

I picked Absolutely Fabulous as the Greatest Ever Britcom because Joanna Lumley's character always look beautiful in every outfit

I picked Are You Being Served? Between Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe's "*****", that was one hilarious show.

I voted for Fawlty Towers. The only other Britcom that comes close on my list is Yes, Minister/Yes, Prime Minister which was not on the poll. Can tell this has been around over 15 years with 200+ votes. :eek:
I have not seen Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em but have a strong feeling I would like it as Michael Crawford is my favorite singer.

I picked Are You Being Served? Between Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe's "*****", that was one hilarious show.
Yes there were a handful of episodes which could be classed as the best of British comedy.

I like The Vicar of Dibley a lot. That is about the only ine one the list I am familiar with. I agree Keeping Up Appearances should have been included Hyacinth is hilarious! I also loved I think they were called Waiting on God - it was at an old age home I think and the other which is my favorite of all time Two's company. An american writer living in England and has an English butler. I would love to own that but I cannot find it any where. Used to watch both on PBS in the 90's.

Two's Company is readily available on DVD there is both a UK and US release (although the US release is about $30 more expensive)

Waiting For God is available on DVD in the UK as well. (Theres a long OOP US release but the cheapest set on amazon is $245, where as the UK release can be had for $15)

If you do not have an all region dvd player you should pick one up (only about $20 on ebay nowadays)

Who made this list of Britcom “classics” and mysteriously forgot to add “Keeping Up Appearances”? Who in their right mind would find that show unworthy to be listed as a classic. The only show on this list that I find remotely worthy of being a classic is is Mr Bean. I am American and I’ve been watching patricia Routledge since childhood. As an adult,I’ve become insanely obsessed with her monologues and of course “Hetty Wainthrop Investigates”. She is up there in age and still kicking (;

Blackadder is the best Britcom I seen.

Wow … hard to pick just one. Keeping Up Appearances, Vicar of Dibley, As Time Goes By and Waiting For God are all favorites. Top pick has to split … they’re so different … but would go to Fawlty Towers and Last of the Summer Wine.

Don’t know whether these would fit in this category, but if you extend it to full hour comedy-dramas, I have to give the nod to William and Mary and Doc Martin.

Fawlty Towers and Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em are neck and neck for my top Britcom. I so wish Some Mothers was more accessible to the US, saw what I could of it online but my PBS affiliate said it was not available to them. Yes, Minister/Yes, Prime Minister is a strong #3. There is a big gap after the top three, then Are You Being Served? is #4.

I would vote for Miranda and Keeping Up Appearances if they were on the list. They should start a new poll and add those two.

Absolutely Fabulous.

I voted Absolutely Fabulous but number two would be Keeping Up Appearances.

Are You Being Served?
One Foot in the Grave