Importance of watching comedies.

I'm giving comedy writing a go. (One script rejected by all and sundry. A much better one about to be sent off). I came on this site for tips, motivation, inspiration, and stuff like that, but I sometimes I come away feeling not very well read. I've not seen Peep Show, The Office, Extras, Sinfeld, Friends, or anything 'starring' Will Mellor.

How important do you think watching the big comedy shows is? Do I need to keep abreast of all the comedy shows or would it stifle my own creativity and curb my enthusiasm? Are there any absolute must watches?

Vital.
Start with the ones you know you haven't watched, then move onto other highly regarded programmes.
And remember, you can also learn from bad comedy.
And I don't mean in the usual "I could do better than that" whine you get from wannabes - but work out why it's shit.

Quote: Lazzard @ 3rd August 2014, 10:47 AM BST

Vital.

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Really? Interesting. I'm more of the view to get on with it, the writing that is, and watch what you like rather than watching comedies you have no interest in as an exercise, that just seems tedious.

I think I've seen enough clips of them to get the gist. Maybe I should force myself to watch one episode of each.

I think it would be easier to avoid getting influenced too much by them if I didn't watch them. Easier to be myself and to be more original.

Quote: Tiggy @ 3rd August 2014, 9:31 AM BST

I've not seen Peep Show, The Office, Extras, Sinfeld, Friends, or anything 'starring' Will Mellor.

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Quote: Tiggy @ 3rd August 2014, 9:31 AM BST

How important do you think watching the big comedy shows is? Do I need to keep abreast of all the comedy shows

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There are two questions there. There is a difference between watching absolutely everything and keeping on top of different styles of comedy - if only to see what works and what doesn't. Ironically, with the exception of "anything 'starring' Will Mellor" I think all the shows you list are must sees. They are all different, all brilliantly crafted and all worth a view. Just don't become one of those people who watch Seinfeld then decide they never need a plot.

Quote: Tiggy @ 3rd August 2014, 9:31 AM BST

curb my enthusiasm?

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Another one you should watch, in my view.

I met a surgeon once who never read a textbook in his life. He wasn't a pro but he did like to think of himself as a gifted amateur. The wife said she would never let him near her bush again and insists on trimming it herself or gets a working gardener in who knows what he is doing,

Quote: Jennie @ 3rd August 2014, 8:47 PM BST

Just don't become one of those people who watch Seinfeld then decide they never need a plot.

Another one you should watch, in my view.

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Seinfeld Always has a plot!

What kind of shows do you like, Tiggy? What are your favourites?

The Tales of Beatrix Potter. Just my guess. He can't blame a cold snap at this time of year after all.

You only have to watch Mrs Brown or Miranda because these are popular.

Yes but what is popular in two years time? That's what you have to get right

Quote: George Kaplan @ 3rd August 2014, 9:37 PM BST

What kind of shows do you like, Tiggy? What are your favourites?

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I worship Graham Lin...the Father Ted and IT Crowd writer. The Goodies, Are You Being Served, Young Ones, pantomimes, basically I'm a big fan of silly/family/anarchic/surreal shows.

Quote: Marc P @ 3rd August 2014, 9:14 PM BST

Seinfeld Always has a plot!

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I know - but it is always trotted out as the reason writers fail to include one!

Failing to plot is plotting to fail.

Quote: Tiggy @ 3rd August 2014, 9:31 AM BST

How important do you think watching the big comedy shows is? Do I need to keep abreast of all the comedy shows or would it stifle my own creativity

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I don't think it would stifle your creativity but neither do I think it's that necessary or important.
The rise of decent sitcom's (in my opinion) started in the 70's, 'Some Mothers', 'Are You Being...', 'Rising Damp', 'Reginald Perrin' etc, what were the writers of those watching?? There wasn't a great deal around, not that I know of anyway...maybe someone can enlighten?