I think Blackadder is really overrated. I have watched it many times and tried to see how it might be one of the greatest sitcoms ever written but I still can't see it. I think it is very good, though not that funny and certainly not a classic.
I also think Gavin and Stacey is only so big because there has been very little out there of real quality, it is solidly written and acted but even Jones and Corden admit there is nothing particularly brilliant about it.
It all depends on what you think makes a sitcom good. The characters are very likable in Blackadder, whether you like them or like to hate them. The show is just generally enjoyable to watch and can be enjoyed for many repeat viewings. Something that most sitcoms can't claim and why they aren't considered as good as Blackadder.
I'm a big history boffin so I like that aspect of Blackadder too. Plus (imo) is has aged very well indeed.
Ab Fab
The Office
Yes Minister
I can't think of three sitcoms but I never liked Open All Hours that much.
Quote: bamalamafizzvaj @ September 29 2009, 10:14 PM BSTI can't think of three sitcoms but I never liked Open All Hours that much.
Not everyone can have taste I suppose.
Quote: bigfella @ September 29 2009, 10:23 PM BSTNot everyone can have taste I suppose.
Indeed. It's a shame for you.
Quote: bamalamafizzvaj @ September 29 2009, 10:29 PM BSTIndeed. It's a shame for you.
Quote: Bam! @ September 29 2009, 8:15 PM BSTDefinitely Gavin and Stacey. I watched the first episode and thought it was pretty good but then the rest of the first series was just really boring.
I haven't watched it again since then.
I've nothing against G&S, but I've never found it anywhere near as funny as the reviews seemed to suggest it is. My main gripe is that I just don't count this programme as a sitcom. It's a comedy-drama, it's a comedy-drama, it's comedy-drama. (I know it doesn't matter how many times I say it, it won't change things, but it is a comedy-drama.) And the Christmas special was frankly pointless, so it looks like I have got something against it after all. What a hypocrite I am. 
Quote: bigfella @ September 29 2009, 10:12 PM BSTYes Minister
I seriously question your sanity.
Quote: bamalamafizzvaj @ September 29 2009, 10:14 PM BSTI can't think of three sitcoms
Then what are you doing here ffs ?
Quote: Oldrocker @ September 30 2009, 12:40 AM BSTThen what are you doing here ffs ?
Gavin and Stacey is massively overrated. I can understand why people would want to like it, but it really is threadbare, patronising and humourless stuff.
I despised James Corden for a long time, but he redeemed himself for me with his sketch show, of which I saw a couple of episodes. I understand this got a critical mauling, which only proves what we already know, that critics follow, rather than lead.
Are you saying that people like us here at the BCG have some great influence over what the critics write?
Er dunno. I just mean that critics don't assess the show, they sort of 'conduct the public mood'. Too many great shows have been dismissed by critics when any craven fool who'd considered it dispassionately would have seen it was good. This Life is a case in point. It was obvious from the first few episodes that it was exciting and different. The critics didn't catch on till series two. The same is true of countless shows.
Fair point, though I think Horne & Corden would not be considered the best example of a show receiving a critical panning it didn't deserve. It was pretty much slaughtered on here without any established critic having to point us in the right direction. And the reviews of the first episode of H&C (and I read a good few) were consistent with the poor reception here. Obviously you liked it, which is fair enough.