The new world of streaming
It's probably apparent to everyone: for many viewers, the way to consume filmed comedy has dramatically changed. For a start, the word 'television' doesn't entirely fit what is going on in many households: people are increasingly watching programmes on tablets and phones, not a screen in the corner of a room.
But even more than that, viewers no longer have to tune in at a specific time or remember to set a recording. Sky viewers have been enjoying the catch-up revolution for more than a decade, but increasingly you can just press a button on a smart TV or device, app or website and the show you missed starts playing almost instantly.
With coronavirus lockdown keeping people inside, the demand for watching shows has shot up, and - with many having exhausted their DVD collections and not finding enough appealing new shows schedules - more and more of us are turning to catch-up and streaming services. UKTV, which runs channels including Dave and Gold, recently revealed that since lockdown started its own service, UKTV Play, has seen a 27% increase in views, with people opting for a mix of new programming like panel show Hypothetical, and classic shows like Birds Of A Feather.
The demand for HD-quality TV means broadband companies have had demand on them like never before. If you're curious as to how fast your internet is, or in the market to swap broadband suppliers, it's worth having a look at the website https://www.speedcheck.org/.
Although UK television broadcasts numerous new comedy shows every week, for quite a number of viewers it seems to be not enough, or not the kind of comedy they want. Streaming services are trying to fill this gap, with platforms commissioning new formats differently to broadcast television, sometimes with drastically increased budgets as they aim for multi-multi-million global rather than national audiences. For example, the comic film Love Wedding Repeat (pictured) has been made with a worldwide audience in mind.
Apple TV+ has recently entered the game with its first British comedy, Trying; and Amazon Prime has published some great original series and stand-up specials, but the most prominent player making new British comedy must surely be Netflix.
The US-based company is also one of a number spreading recent, acclaimed but low-audience British comedy around the world: shows that're too distinct and authored for regular regional broadcasters to buy and attempt to attract a mass audience, but are perfect as the esoteric exclusives to attract audiences to the platforms.
It's worth noting that if you subscribe to Netflix you don't necessarily get to see everything in its catalogue. Local rights mean Netflix can't show certain programmes in some territories. If you've found yourself frustrated by this, it may well be worth exploring a Netflix VPN. Such services help you to, for example, stream from Netflix's US offerings. They circumvent geo-blocking technology and thus expand the catalogue of any streaming platform. Some even offer a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Interest piqued? Here are three British comedy creations that you can only watch on Netflix.
After Life
Ricky Gervais's hit comedy returned earlier this year for its second series, and has already been renewed for a third run. Gervais stars, writes and directs the sitcom about an early-middle-aged man struggling to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Lisa, and to carry on living without her. Initially it's only dog Brandy that gets him through, but a small network of newfound friends soon help him to see, if not the positives in life, then at least the reasons not to end it all.
With Roisin Conaty, Joe Wilkinson, Ashley Jensen and Tom Basden also in the cast, the 12 episodes released to date are packed with laugh-out-loud lines and emotion. It'll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Could it be the best thing that Gervais has ever done, including The Office? Quite possibly.
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father
Comedians fronting travelogues have been popular television staples for decades. The likes of Michael Palin in particular have made the serious travelogue more entertaining and accessible, whilst comic actors such as Joanna Lumley have also taken viewers around the globe; but comedians actively showing themselves up, being comic on far-flung shores, are a relatively new invention.
One of the best of the bunch has to be Netflix's Travels With My Father, fronted by Jack Whitehall and his irretrievably grumpy father, former theatrical agent Michael. Initially completing Jack's "aborted gap year" in south east Asia, the format has since taken the duo to the US and across Europe, with a fourth instalment around Australia now expected to be published later in 2020.
Both genuinely culturally interesting and outrageously funny, we can't wait for the show's return.
Sex Education
Acclaimed, award-winning comedy drama Sex Education is another hit format due to come back for a third series - expected early in 2021. Set in a fictional British town and filmed on location in Wales, it's a coming-of-age comedy focused around a secondary school and the social circle of student Otis Milburn, whose mother - played by Gillian Anderson - is a sex therapist.
Despite its peculiar style - most notably a completely unrecognisable, American-style school that puts off some Brits - the array of warm characters, wonderful stories and outrageous situations have won fans the world over. Netflix doesn't publish regular viewing figures, but it does say that more than 40 million user accounts accessed just one episode in the first series. If such figures are true and keep up through Series 2 and 3, we think it may be around for a while to come.