British humour on a global scale
The key to really big success in the entertainment industry is to come up with a format that can be enjoyed around the world. That way, you're not just getting money for serving the 66 million people living in the UK, but you can potentially get revenue from the nearly 8 billion people who live on this globe.
The richest sports - like Formula 1 - are the ones that are consumed worldwide; the biggest movie franchises are the ones that appear in cinemas everywhere from China to India; and the most lucrative computer games are the ones can be picked up by anyone of any nationality.
For example, if you look at an online casino website operating in the Netherlands, you'll see the same slot games found on UK gaming sites are available... different country, same brands.
What are we getting at? Well, most of the 'brands' we've mentioned above have been homogenised so they appeal to as many people as possible. But British comedy has a very unique flavour. Despite that, many of our TV comedies do still appeal to foreign audiences, despite not having been 'designed' with them in mind. And we love that!
Here's three, of many, British comedies that are enjoyed by audiences the world over.
Keeping Up Appearances
Created by Roy Clarke, Keeping Up Appearances is a sitcom that offers a humorous take on social class and pretension. The show revolves around the eccentric and social-climbing Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet", as she insists), portrayed by the incomparable Patricia Routledge. Hyacinth is determined to climb the social ladder and will go to great lengths to maintain the appearance of upper-middle-class sophistication, despite her humble origins.
We guess what makes Keeping Up Appearances so universally appealing is its relatable portrayal of social dynamics and human foibles. Hyacinth's relentless pursuit of social status often leads to comical situations, whether she's scheming to impress neighbours, hosting disastrous dinner parties, or dragging her long-suffering husband, Richard (Clive Swift), into her elaborate schemes.
That the topic of class is at the centre of this sitcom is also intriguing to many foreign audiences, as not every country has the class system like we do.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
No list of British comedies succeeding in foreign countries would be complete without mentioning Monty Python's Flying Circus. This ground-breaking sketch comedy series starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin pushed the boundaries of humour and absurdity like never before.
With its surreal sketches, irreverent jokes, and iconic catchphrases, Monty Python's Flying Circus became a cultural phenomenon that transcended borders. From the infamous Dead Parrot sketch to the Ministry of Silly Walks, the show's irrepressible wit and offbeat charm have resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it a dedicated fanbase that spans generations.
The Pythons became so beloved in America thanks to this series that they went on to play a packed live show at the Hollywood Bowl in 1982.
Taskmaster
Here's a more recent global success story: Taskmaster, the unique comedy panel game show created by Alex Horne, has been seen around the world... partly because it's so readily available on YouTube outside of this island.
Yes, it's true, Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Canada, Sweden, Spain and the United States have all made their own versions with their own hosts, but it is the UK version with Greg Davies as the Taskmaster that's still going around the world.
The format's universal appeal lies in its ability to showcase the comedic talents of its contestants while providing a fresh and unpredictable take on the traditional panel game format.
The UK hosts recently appeared on American chat shows to talk about the British version, demonstrating in the process what a big fanbase the British version has Stateside now. It's long-outlived the single series US version. We're really happy everyone else can enjoy the exploits of Little Alex Horne too.