Quote: backofthenet @ May 16 2009, 4:43 PM BSTIt's been sold to over 70 countries and syndicated in 8 I don't think there is another British sitcom that can boast that?
Well I'm not certain how many countries it's been sold to (although Wikipedia says just after its first series, 45 channels in 17 countries), but Fawlty Towers is still announcing new adaptations 30 years after it was made. I think that's a tad more successful. 
Quote: Aaron @ May 16 2009, 5:49 PM BSTWell I'm not certain how many countries it's been sold to (although Wikipedia says just after its first series, 45 channels in 17 countries), but Fawlty Towers is still announcing new adaptations 30 years after it was made. I think that's a tad more successful.
None of the Fawlty Tower adaptations have been a success, though. Unlike the pretty succesful American Office. And hasn't the Office been adapted to other countries as well? Like France?
Although they're both great shows, that have brought their creators huge success the world over, so it's a bit of a daft argument.
Cleese or Gervais? Here they are together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkEFCZdANG4
Neither being particularly hilarious. They lack the clever spontaneity of Peter Cook. Gervais is funniest when corpsing, Cleese when flustered, incredulous and angry.
Where's that from?
Apparently it was filmed in California in 2005 for ITV's coverage of the opening of the British 'Avenue of Stars'. The funniest part of the following article is that organizers opted against handprints in concrete for fear that people might trip and sue.
Stars unveil British walk of fame
Saturday September 17, 2005 -- The Guardian
Set in a churchyard and handcrafted by a master blacksmith, it is a typically British version of the Hollywood walk of fame. One hundred and two stars of stage and screen are to be honoured tomorrow when an "avenue of the stars" is opened in the grounds of St Paul's church, Covent Garden.
Actors, comedians, musicians and newsreaders including Dame Judi Dench, Alan Bennett, Michael Caine, Sir Ian McKellen, Robbie Williams, John Cleese and Sir Trevor McDonald will be given a five-pointed silver star set in the pavement.
The ceremonial opening of the walkway will feature on ITV as part of the channel's 50th birthday celebrations, and will include Cleese and Ricky Gervais meeting for the first time to present each other with the award in California, where both are currently working.
Unlike other countries' walks of fame, London's also honours deceased greats, including Cary Grant, Dirk Bogarde, Tony Hancock and Errol Flynn.
But as with any award, the choice is not without controversy. Selected by a panel of experts from the entertainment industry, including Michael Grade, there are only two black recipients of a star: McDonald and Lenny Henry, who pointed out the fact in his acceptance speech.
Organisers promise to add more stars over the coming years - but no wobbly handprints, in case litigious fans trip up.
Ha, oh dear!
I don't think it broke all that much ground and I still don't think it was all that funny. BUT my opinions are solidly opinions and I understand why people adore the series.
And I do like Gervais
