I never thought that I would say this, but I think that TV comedy is actually having a comeback (of sorts). The Office (ok, so it’s still not as funny as the BBC version, but still…), Ugly Betty (based on a Spanish telenovela that, yes, is probably funnier than the American version, but still….), 30 Rock (not always reliable, but I think that we can all agree that Alec Baldwin is HI-larious), Extras (another BBC comedy, but still…) and, perhaps most surprisingly, How I Met Your Mother are all far and away the best TV comedies that I’ve seen in a while (I’m deliberately not including ironically funny shows, like Laguna Beach or Sweet 16 here). This is a good thing, because we all know that writing comedy is HARD. Like, REALLY, REALLY hard, so I can see why it’s not done well very often.
Anyways, the (American) show that I’m most excited about is How I Met Your Mother. Because both shows air on CBS and feature a main character who resembles Charlie Sheen (or in fact IS Charlie Sheen), I initially discarded this show because I thought that it was going to be funny in that Two and a Half Men sort of way (ie, not funny at all). Thankfully, I have recognized my error. The success of the show lies, in large part, with Neil Patrick Harris, and with Jason Segel. Here are some clips with NPH:
LEGENDARY!
SUIT UP!
And as a bonus video, here’s NPH and Jason Segel singing “Confrontation”…
Oh my lord. Thank you for the NPH injection. He’s F’n adorable! (Don’t tell Dennis). Even if he won’t respond to my emails in english.
However, I still really hate that show. He’s carrying the whole production. Although Charlie is coming into his own.
Glad to know that t.v. won’t suck when I get back.
Les,
These are all my favourite shows.
We should watch these together – come to Vancouver!