Just saw this clip on Youtube. We on this rock are stuck between Britain and the States and get a fair bit of both types of comedy. I thought this was pretty good and to a "non British and non American" eye, was pretty accurate
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I'll view the video later but the first, immediate difference I've personally noticed between US and UK humor is the use of historical events and refences by many UK comedians. You simply don't see that in US comedy. That was actually the first thing that endeared me to Monty Python. I absolutely loved how some of their sketches would make references to the Elizabethan or Victorian era or make references to famous philosophers (for example their soccer match sketch).
This is not to say that I think all US humor is trite but it definitely lacks a certain level of intellectualism to it.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
I think on the whole British humor is far more clever and memorable, while American humor is always about familiarity and is trite by design "... and what's the deal with TV dinners..." Comedians in the USA are always trying to "connect" to the audience with familiarity, always catering to the lowest common denominator ( with some exceptions of course )
British humor, on the other hand, almost dares the audience to keep up and is far more nimble and unpredictable.
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Originally Posted By: Clydewinder
I think on the whole British humor is far more clever and memorable, while American humor is always about familiarity and is trite by design "... and what's the deal with TV dinners..." Comedians in the USA are always trying to "connect" to the audience with familiarity, always catering to the lowest common denominator ( with some exceptions of course )
British humor, on the other hand, almost dares the audience to keep up and is far more nimble and unpredictable.
+1
Are there any UK equivalents for Larry the Cable Guy? God I sure hope you guys in the UK don't have one!
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
I'll view the video later but the first, immediate difference I've personally noticed between US and UK humor is the use of historical events and refences by many UK comedians. You simply don't see that in US comedy. That was actually the first thing that endeared me to Monty Python. I absolutely loved how some of their sketches would make references to the Elizabethan or Victorian era or make references to famous philosophers (for example their soccer match sketch).
This is not to say that I think all US humor is trite but it definitely lacks a certain level of intellectualism to it.
I grew up with Monty Python and watched it when it was shown on the telly, a lot is very clever but an equal amount is forgettable.
I was recently looking to add some stuff to my watch list.I'm now working through 'Married with Children'. I don't usually watch American sit-coms but this is good stuff (so far) but I've only done Season 1 ep 1 and 2 so far
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Originally Posted By: Chucky
I was recently looking to add some stuff to my watch list.I'm now working through 'Married with Children'. I don't usually watch American sit-coms but this is good stuff (so far) but I've only done Season 1 ep 1 and 2 so far
Oh dear, that is the epitome of "bad" American sitcoms, so much so that it was actually a parody. Funny stuff, great cast.
Forgot to mention, I loved The Young Ones .
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The only thing that made "Married with Children" somewhat, barely watchable for me was Christina Applegate.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
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Originally Posted By: Chucky
What home-grown stuff do you guys watch,or consider 'watchable'?
Depends on what genre you like but if you are talking about comedies the only ones I really like are Family Guy, South Park and Mystery Science Theatre 3000. I can't stand the standard sit-coms.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
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Originally Posted By: Peally
I can't stand watching it, it's like watching Roseanne
Now way. MwC seemed self-aware, they knew it was crap. Roseanne tried to get all serious sometimes. No thanks.
Originally Posted By: PanzerMeyer
Originally Posted By: Chucky
What home-grown stuff do you guys watch,or consider 'watchable'?
Depends on what genre you like but if you are talking about comedies the only ones I really like are Family Guy, South Park and Mystery Science Theatre 3000. I can't stand the standard sit-coms.
Yeah, I have been watching more animated stuff. I revisited Futurama, started the 4th season of Archer, and have really gotten into Adventure Time, and to a lesser degree, The Regular Show.
i never paid much attention to british vs american sense of humor until i saw "coupling". even with the same lines/script, the american version never measured up to the original. after watching the vid i understand why.
