What do Americans think of British Comedy?

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Fausto
I'm definitely a fan although it seems the majority of americans don't "get" british comedy.

Current fave: So Graham Norton. I though I was going to piss my pants on the special ep where he visits Dollywood.

Graham Norton is a blast. When we were in Ireland we made sure we were back in every night to catch his show

I also :heart: Red Dwarf

 

[Apathetic]

I've never heard of Fawlty Towers, but I used to love watching Blackadder (I don;t think it's on anymore here).

Does anyone know what day/channel "The Office" plays on here in the states?

Dave

 

[amndouglas]

I've never heard of the shows he mentioned, but I think that Monty Python's Holy Grail was one of the best comedies ever made.

 

[imported_Pablo]

Originally posted by: brigden
As a Brit living in Canada, I think I can legitimately offer my opinion on this. Obviously, some of the humour is lost in translation due to subtle cultural differences. However, with that said, I think British comedy appeals mainly to those with a sophisticated sense of humour; for instance, those with a post-secondary education. Monty Python can be enjoyed on a very superficial level, but is usually several layers deep. American stuff is usually in your face, or physical in nature. British comedy is often wordy and based on subtle witticisms.

Post secondary education? oh come on. sophistication is in the eyes of the beholder. British humor is dry, and just because people are bored with dry humor doesn't mean they aren't "sophisticated."