Most talented ensemble?

Over the years there have been quite a lot of shows that seemed to pull together some extraordinarily talented people. The Goons. The Fast Show. Who dares Wins. Not The Nine O'Clock News. Absolutely. Etc...

What do people think the show is that has combined the most talented people? My vote would go to Monty Python, who's achievements seperate from each other are almost as great as what they did together.

Honoury mention must also go to On The Hour/The Day Today, which brought together Patrick Marber, Steve Coogan, Armando Ianucci and Chris Morris to name but a few.

I'll have to think about this one, on the top of my head, possibly The Young Ones.

The Frost Report.

Quote: Aaron @ July 22 2008, 12:16 PM BST

The Frost Report.

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Whose the beaky scientist guy in The Frost Report? I like him.

I'm with Griff, but it's only a rumour.

John Thompson was a lucky bastard, the way he got to work with Whitehouse's gang, and Coogan's gang.

As for the question of who is best, I think Coogan's gang came up with the funniest shows. I don't think they've been bettered, and prpobably won't be, for a long time.

Quote: catskillz @ July 22 2008, 4:04 PM BST

John Thompson was a lucky bastard, the way he got to work with Whitehouse's gang, and Coogan's gang.

As for the question of who is best, I think Coogan's gang came up with the funniest shows. I don't think they've been bettered, and prpobably won't be, for a long time.

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Great as The Fast Show team were, none of their solo projects - with the exception of Caroline Aherne - never managed to repeat that success. Happiness didn't really work, nor did Swiss Toni or Grass.

Quote: chipolata @ July 23 2008, 9:59 AM BST

Great as The Fast Show team were, none of their solo projects - with the exception of Caroline Aherne - never managed to repeat that success. Happiness didn't really work, nor did Swiss Toni or Grass.

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Happiness was ace, and under appreciated.

I have to agree with Python and Day Today. The lads from Auf Wiedersehen Pet haven't done too badly either.

Also, I'm not sure that 2 counts as an ensemble but Chance in a Million had Brenda Blethyn and Simon Callow - surely two of the most respected actors.

I remember loving Chance in a Million, although I fear if I watched it now it would look stilted and dated. Also, Simon Callow is rumoured to have a very small penis.

Every generation seems to produce a gang (of sorts).

80s:

Blackadder lot, Red Dwarf gang, Rik and Ade, French and Saunders. They all cross-polinate to great effect.

90s:

Morris's gang, Coogan, Linehan and Mathews, Lee and Herring, Pegg, Heap, Eldon.

00s:

Boosh, Ayoade and Holness, Gervais and Merchant, League of Gents, Matt Berry.

And there's some cross over between each set.

And they'll be more 'sets' from the 70s and 60s too (my comedy knowledge doesn't really go back that far)

I wonder who'll be in the 10's set?

I think Victoria Wood's team As seen on TV was pretty good.

The Comic Strip Presents! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083402/fullcredits#cast