British Comedy Guide

Sitcoms that peaked in series 1 Page 5

Quote: Curt @ December 17 2008, 11:34 PM GMT

Both seasons of Partridge were equally good. I don't know why anyone who liked season 1 would dislike season 2.

Series two was a lot more wacky with over the top performances. Alan is a bit more confident in series 2 which makes him less funny because in series one it was his on-the-verge-of-a-mental-breakdown-ness that made it so funny.

In series one he is neurotic and paranoid where as in series 2 he was loud and bombastic.

My Family does not count in this because series one started with them already at the very bottom of the hill meaning that instead of sliding downwards they are just repeatedly smashing their head against the floor.

I agree with what people have said about Nighty Night and Look Around You-- with both the first series was like a completely different show!! same with Monkey Dust. But I disagree about League of Gentlemen, I think LOG definitely peaked in series two.

Though Big Train went decidedly downhill in series two aswell, pretty much unwatchable in fact
:)

Yea I didn't care for what I saw of the 2nd series of Big Train

I'm Alan Partridge (2nd series was very good too, but a step down from his other work as Partridge).

Fawlty Towers (though both series are pure gold).

Spaced (Series 1 was good and the strongest of an overrated sitcom).

Black Books (I enjoy all of the series. 2 and 3 were very good also, but the 1st was the strongest in terms of the writing and episodes).

Green Wing (the 2nd series had its moments, but in truth was disappointing overall).

15 Storeys High (though all of it was great).

Quote: Spagett @ December 19 2008, 3:04 PM BST

Series two was a lot more wacky with over the top performances. Alan is a bit more confident in series 2 which makes him less funny because in series one it was his on-the-verge-of-a-mental-breakdown-ness that made it so funny.

In series one he is neurotic and paranoid where as in series 2 he was loud and bombastic.

Yes, good reasoning too. You summed my thoughts up up exactly. I don't think I could take anyone seriously if they thought the 2nd series was better, or even on a par. Even some of the best episodes grew a little tiresome towards the end of the half hour. It's clearly inferior to the hotel series (and the KMKY stuff for that matter).

Quote: Jackson Neil @ July 8 2009, 12:07 PM BST

I don't think I could take anyone seriously if they thought the 2nd series was better, or even on a par.

I think it's on a par, it's brilliant stuff. Some of my favourite Partridge is in that second series.

Quote: Jackson Neil @ July 8 2009, 12:07 PM BST

Spaced (Series 1 was good and the strongest of an overrated sitcom).

I don't think I could take anyone seriously who thinks Spaced is overrated-so there! (sticks tongue out and blows raspberry)

Quote: chipolata @ June 11 2008, 9:46 AM BST

The Mighty Boosh - First series was great, and I loved the framing device of Vince and Howard addressing the camera. After Series 1, despite the odd classic episode, it did tend to disappear up itself.

The Office - Technically the second series is better and shows writers and actors growing in confidence, but I love the first series more because in it David Brent is unassailable. And, despite his many flaws, I love him. In the second series a zsense of doom hangs over him and you just know he's going to end up sacked.

Great choices. Especailly Boosh, the first series of the show is easily their best. 2 very good in parts, whilst 3 is very spotty (except for the excellent 'Crimps' episode)

Yes, first Boosh series is the best.

Quote: Jack Massey @ June 12 2008, 12:18 PM BST

Please Sir peaked in series 1.

Having watched the series again, I'd say series 3 was probably the show's peak, though series 1 is better than series 2 in my opinion.

The Royle Family probably peaked in its first series, though it would run a very strong competition with series 2.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ July 8 2009, 12:11 PM BST

I think it's on a par, it's brilliant stuff. Some of my favourite Partridge is in that second series.

To be fair despite being inferior series two still had some great moments ("Dan", "Shitty zombies", "stop getting Bond wrong" etc) - including some of the best quotes of the show. Got to say I prefer it now to back in the day, but whilst being very good it just doesn't hold an candle to 1 which was simply flat out genius throughout. I never liked Alan's girlfriend, I though she was a very average character.

I don't think I could take anyone seriously who thinks Spaced is overrated-so there! (sticks tongue out and blows raspberry)

One of those shows I probably should love, even really like, but certain things that I can't put my finger on prevents me from doing so. I mean the cast is quality. I respect it a deal more than admire it, I'm afraid. I'm just baffled as to how highly regarded it is by alot of people. I know some people who rate it higher than The Office, I mean? C'mon. :S

Quote: Jackson Neil @ July 8 2009, 12:23 PM BST

Better than The Office, I mean? C'mon. :S

I'd put it above The Office myself; Spaced slots with ease into my top five favourite sitcoms. I really like the original Brit version of The Office, it's a brilliant show, but it wouldn't even make my personal top ten.

Quote: Jack Massey @ July 8 2009, 12:19 PM BST

The Royle Family probably peaked in its first series, though it would run a very strong competition with series 2.

Yeah, series 2 was probably my fave. The "gay boy" episode in particular is halarious. :D

Quote: chipolata @ June 12 2008, 4:05 PM BST

I think the people who believe this are big Graham Linehan fans.

I'm a big Linehan fan, but have to confess that I can't see the apparent dip in quality after he left either.

Quote: Spagett @ December 19 2008, 3:04 PM BST

My Family's series one started with them already at the very bottom of the hill meaning that instead of sliding downwards they are just repeatedly smashing their head against the floor.

I disagree. Series one to five were great. Series six was utter crap. Series seven was reasonable. Series eight was bad but watchable and this year's series was good.

Same with The Green Green Grass - some good; many bad.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ July 8 2009, 12:11 PM BST

I don't think I could take anyone seriously who thinks Spaced is overrated-so there! (sticks tongue out and blows raspberry)

Spaced's mere commission has ensured its permanent over-rating.

Quote: Aaron @ July 8 2009, 3:09 PM BST

Spaced's mere commission has ensured its permanent over-rating.

Phooey to you!

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