Why is British comedy brilliant yet often misunderstood?

The British sense of humour can be the source of much confusion for foreigners. Just why is it that people love it so much? And why is it that they might not 'get it'?

The main reason people don't 'get it' is that they don't give British comedies the benefit of the doubt long enough for that sense of humour to start making, er, sense. And, the fact of the matter is, it does make sense, and it's brilliant.

That said, people will gladly accept a bonus code for Ladbrokes, and bet on a Cheltenham festival race that they know nothing about, for example, but when they see a British comedy show or movie, they might go for a hard pass. However, they have no idea what they're missing out on. So with that in mind, let's have a look at why British comedy is brilliant yet oftentimes misunderstood.

How has British comedy evolved over time?

British comedy has evolved over time in many ways. One way it has changed is that it is now more self-referential. This means that British comedies and comedians often make jokes about, and refer to, themselves, in a very 'meta', knowing manner.

This can range from simple satire to outright ridicule. After all, political and economic situations, as well as social aspects give British comedians plenty of material to work with. So why would you laugh regarding something that happens or revolves around UK? Because the same thing is happening everywhere else in the world, which is a common ground for all comedy to prosper.

What are some of the most popular British comedies?

Some of the most popular British comedies include Fawlty Towers, Blackadder, Red Dwarf, Only Fools And Horses, Monty Python and their films, Mr. Bean, and so on and so forth. These, of course, are classics and may not appeal to younger generations. However, once you get older you start to truly understand the humour and the point of the jokes.

Just take the late Sir Terry Pratchett for example. His Discworld book series may appear a simple fantasy world with weird and funny characters. But when you look more closely, you find they are brilliant satires of London and England in general. Still, the situations and characters portrayed in the book are not exclusive to the UK. You can find relatable scenarios and characters in every country in the world.

Why do some people misunderstand British comedy?

There could be a few reasons why some people misunderstand British comedy. One reason could be that they are not used to the sarcasm and dry humour that is often found in British comedy. Another reason could be that they are not familiar with the cultural references that are often made in British comedy. Finally, some people may simply find British comedy to be too subtle or understated for their taste.

Be that as it may, no one can deny the fact that British comedy has a unique style. It's not about cussing or insulting others to force out a laugh. It's about subliminal messages and what lies underneath that makes British comedy and comedians masterminds of their craft.

If you're not convinced, consider how Rowan Atkinson made the entire world laugh portraying Mr Bean barely uttering a word. Whether you were a child or an adult watching his show, you'd laugh out loud. It would be for different reasons, of course, but the comedy was, in fact, designed for all audiences with no parental advisory labels and warning signs.

Why British comedy is brilliant

There are many reasons why British comedy is so brilliant. For one, the British have a great sense of humour. They are able to laugh at themselves and their culture in a way that is both self-deprecating and endearing. Additionally, British comedy often relies on wit and wordplay, rather than physical humour.

This allows for a more sophisticated brand of comedy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Finally, British comedy often has a strong social or political message behind it. This gives the genre an added layer of depth and relevance that can be very insightful. And even though many British comedians don't seem like they're joking, they can convey a message that can knock you off your feet without breaking a sweat.

The British sense of humour is often subtle and dry, and can sometimes be quite sarcastic. If you're not used to it, it can be difficult to understand. But once you do, it will leave you in tears. The good ones, of course.