Quote: Marc P @ August 10 2009, 3:17 PM BSTThey are like a mirror of society. They can only reflect what is already there.
They are more a warped mirror of society, really. The best comedy characters are usually untypically reactionary to perceived changes in society and its attitudes.
They are like a house of mirrors in the fun house.
Highly-polished mirrors, such as the ones used in telescopes, are not funny due to their lack of imperfections.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 10 2009, 2:42 PM BSTIs this cryptic?
No, I don't think so.
Quote: Nil Putters @ August 10 2009, 3:33 PM BSTNo, I don't think so.
Oh. 
Maybe the two biggest aspects of Britishness that British sitcoms demonstrate are the class system and embarrassment.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 10 2009, 3:34 PM BSTOh.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 10 2009, 2:33 PM BSTHancock was in black and white. Most British things are in colour now.
Except opinions. (Most peoples opinions are still black or white)
Accept opinions. (People should be willing to listen to others with an open mind)
Sorry, I was being a hippy. I'll stick to nob gags. 
Quote: Nil Putters @ August 10 2009, 3:40 PM BSTExcept opinions. (Most peoples opinions are still black or white)
Accept opinions. (People should be willing to listen to others with an open mind)
Sorry, I was being a hippy. I'll stick to nob gags.
Are you being cryptic now?
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 10 2009, 3:37 PM BSTMaybe the two biggest aspects of Britishness that British sitcoms demonstrate are the class system and embarrassment.
What would you say are some of the best examples of this?
Quote: gardenshed @ August 10 2009, 4:11 PM BSTWhat would you say are some of the best examples of this?
Class system. Look at Please Sir.
Embarassment. Look at Sorry.
Quote: gardenshed @ August 10 2009, 4:11 PM BSTWhat would you say are some of the best examples of this?
Apart from Marc's excellent suggestions...?
It could be argued nearly all British sitcoms are about class in some way; Fawlty Towers, To The Manor Born, Steptoe, Dad's Army, The Royle Family.
Ricky Gervais does a lot of comedy of embarressment, but it can be found in everything from Fawlty Towers to Lead Balloon.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 10 2009, 2:39 PM BSTYeah, Napoleon's sitcom was cancelled after just one series.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ August 10 2009, 4:21 PM BSTApart from Marc's excellent suggestions...?
It could be argued nearly all British sitcoms are about class in some way;
Yes but not all of them are set in one!
Hancock's Half Hour is great, by the way. 