British TV Comedies to binge for lockdown

As an English lad living in Thailand, it is hard to find television to scratch the itch of a quirky British show. Thank the lord for Netflix. Throughout British television history, there have been some excellent gems that truly deserve to get international attention. And yet, it doesn't happen....unless America pick up the option and make a sub-par remake. This list attempts to shine some light on some shows that truly need to be watched. Let's jump right in.

Shameless

A show that has been remade by America, and to some success too. But it lacks the brilliance of the original show, despite a great performance of Frank, by William H Macy. But the original is far superior. Staring David Threlfall, giving a performance of a lifetime, this show is a stark look of a dysfunctional family living on a English council estate, and their neighbours. Dealing with themes of class, sexuality, drugs and crime, all the while making you laugh with sidesplitting results. Featuring a very young James McAvoy in his breakout role in the early seasons, there is lots to enjoy about this quirky comedy out of Britain.

Highly recommend. 9/10.

Inbetweeners

Also on the list of British shows remade by America, only this time the American version is totally unwatchable. It seems that only the British can be effectively cringe worthy and make you laugh about it, rather than needing to immediately change the channel. Following four teens making their way through school, there are lots of moments that make you want to shout at the screen, yet still compelled to watch. Be prepared to laugh and squirm when Will has digestion issues in the middle of an exam. Great performances and dirty humour. But its truly about friendship, a friendship that the audience feels a part of.

Very fun. 8/10.

Coupling

Bit of an unknown entry here, and one of my personal favourites. If you are a fan of Doctor Who and Steven Moffat, this is a must watch. Moffat created and wrote the show, which is essentially an early 2000s British answer to Friends. It follows a groups of friends who hang out in a bar. Sound familiar? This show has incredibly well crafted jokes, and the dialogue, although slightly dated by now, is crispier than KFC. This show features the breakout of role of Jack Davenport, who later made his mark in Hollywood in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. It also features Richard Coyle's Jeff. This character is a rare treat. All of his lines are the best in the show. You may also recognise him in small roles in Hollywood, like Prince of Persia, and also playing a role in the reboot series of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

I love this one. A biased 9/10.

Blackadder

This one is a classic. And if you're British, you are bound to have heard of this one. This list wants to stay clear of classic British TV, but of all that need a mention, this one is my choice. Staring Rowan Atkinson, this show is pure quality. The first season is smarter than it needed to be, and in turn didn't find its feet, even to this day it is highly debated. But the proceeding three seasons are a staple in the British conscious. We all love Blackadder. You will be forgiven for skipping season 1, but the rest is gold. There is so much talent in this show, it would take an article in its own to highlight it all. Just trust an Englishman, watch this show.

A must watch. 10/10 (unbiased).

Peep Show

This is just amazing. An excellent show that can be enjoyed on many levels. The humour is incredibly intelligent, but doesn't patronise. One can only hope that they pull together a new season, as we haven't had a new season in a few years. David Mitchell and Robert Webb are two friends living in the heart of London's Croyden. Not particularly known as a good area. One is prudish, posh, and nervous, while the other is lazy, incapable of independence, and horny. They have a great dynamic on screen, which is only further displayed in a movie they did together called Magicians (also a recommended watch). Once you finish watching Peep Show, you can also check out a sketch show they did together, That Mitchell and Webb Look, based on a radio sketch show that began their careers. Both shows are fabulous. You absolutely must give them both a watch. And luckily for you, you can find them both on Netflix.

Excellent. 10/10.

Sex Education

Another entry that can be found on Netflix, Sex Education was surprisingly good. Not usually something I like to watch, but this show is excellently written. It's very sweet and features some very memorable performances. In fact, Asa Butterfield's leading character is very well performed, but is sometimes lost amongst all the other peripheral roles which are performed beautifully. I don't think it is Asa's fault, but every other character is better written and more compelling. Not much more to say about this one.

Give it a watch for sure. 7/10.

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

This one is a little older than some of the other entries on this list, and only has a single season to binge. It is an incredible show, with some very unique storytelling and tones. Garth Marenghi is a fictional filmmaker who made a show decades before that never aired on television. But now, its released, with an introduction from Garth at the start of each episode. The show is BAD. Intentionally so of course. Imagine if Tommy Wiseau's The Room, was intentional, and directed by David Lynch. That is the sort of tone to expect, bad, but purposefully funny. It is hard to explain this show, it needs to be seen to be believed. This one has early performances from Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry, who have recently been making moves in America.

A must watch for any who admires weirdness. 9.5/10.

Toast of London

Another Matt Berry entry, and this one is also very weird. There hasn't been a recent season for a few years, but Berry has mentioned that he would get round to it given enough time. What is great about this show is Berry writes and performs the music, which is wonderfully strange. Following the exploits of a struggling actor, living in an alternate version of London, Toast of London is strangely compelling. A very interesting tone runs throughout, one that is difficult to describe. No one talks like normal people. The situations are completely unrealistic. There are not many people capable of kindness..... Certainly sounds like the entertainment industry. Just wait for Berry to say the word, 'Yes'. You will bust a gut laughing. It takes some serious talent to make a single syllable word incredibly funny.

I'm a massive fan of this one. 10/10.

Misfits

This one has been off the air for a few years now. But it will certainly be well loved by those who are fans of the superhero genre. Don't let that fool you, this show is NOT suitable for children. This show follows a group of youths doing community work as punishment for breaking a variety of laws between them. When an ominous storm strikes, they are given powers. What is great about this show is that the people who get powers do not get conventional powers. They are sometimes unstable, but almost always unique. The season two finale features a man who can use telekinesis to control dairy products......amazing, and surprisingly a very formidable villain. It is funny and dark throughout.

This is one to watch. 8/10.

The Mighty Boosh

Of all the strangely weird shows on this list, this might be the strangest. This is a very popular show amongst millennial Brits, and those of us who are a little older. This is a great show, but one that older viewers struggle to get into. Its very wacky. Season One is set in a zoo, Season Two has various sets, and the third takes place in an antique shop. The third season is where the show really finds its feet, but its worth watching it all. Very quotable, and should you visit England, it would be handy to know some of the jokes, as you will likely hear them in your day-to-day. Yet another show that is difficult to describe. Even David Lynch would struggle for words. Staring its creators, Noel Fielding and Julien Barratt, the show is an extension of their comedy troupe, which never really got the credentials they deserved before they made the show.

I challenge you to watch this one. 9.5/10.

Thanks for reading. This should give you some great British comedies to binge watch during the current lockdown. Stay safe, and what better way to do so, than to lock yourself away from the world and delve into the magic that is British humour.