Watch the porridge episode called a 'quiet night in' which is basically just Godber and Fletch locked in their cell talkign for 30 minutes, much of it in the dark, no visual gags just the two actors with their lines and it is brilliant and many British comdey writers quote this episode as being brilliant, there was a bit in the British telegraph about in a few months back.

But everyone has different tastes / things the they find funny just as some peolple like certain people and don't really get on with others very much.......

Arrested Development is shyte.

Saturday Night Live can sometimes be hilarious, other times not so much.

This is obviously some definition of the word 'smart' of which I was not previously aware.

Who knew there was a meaning of "complete and utter tripe"?

I wonder how often you've watched it? I can understand the fact it is on Channel 10 might mean its dismissed very quickly.

But it's much cleverer than it first appears. It makes accute observations. The characters aren't one dimensional. It challenges expectations. It subverts cliches.

yes, it has some slapstick, and some obligatory US cheesy feel-good moments, but it is smart.

I caught the first episode and it was probably the only US comedy show I have liked (apart from Police Squad...) quite possibly the only modern US show I have ever watched...or wanted to keep watching.

I think any comedy where people refer to an episode with "the one where" is a mark of a good show.

Some for me where that is are:

One Foot in the Grave
Only Fools & Horses
Mighty Boosh
League of Gentlemen
The Office

I've traditionally been a UK comedy fan, but in the last few years I have started coming around to some US based comedy. I always found US based comedy as too clean cut, very fearsome of offending anyone. But over recent years I think they are becoming a bit more risque.

I do think Modern Family is a very cleverly written and brilliantly acted comedy series. Eric Stonestreet in particular is a brilliant comic actor

The Kiwis deserve a mention with their brilliant offering. Flight of the Conchords... Takes a while to get into but very watchable once you do..

+1 Porridge is absolute class. Fletcher, Godber, Mr Mackay, Grouty, Mr Barraclough, Jackdaw, Horrible Ives, Lukewarm.

Mad as Hell is the only Aussie one we watch.

Stella street was always good
The goodies
Blake adder
Phoenix nights
Gavin and stacey

Major improvement then from Gliding on, Billy T James, Spot on,

What ever happened to Scotty and the Toyota?

That Gavin and Stacey show had a bit of an impact on me.... Once again it took me a while to get into it, however there was more to it than that, When I did get it, It was a bit like rediscovering the Pom in me, which seemingly is becoming less and less relevant with every year that passes. Not sure why that particular show did that, but it did... Just briefly whilst I watched it.

I dont think many Aussies would get that show, lets put it that way.

The Hollowmen -an Aussie one!

Gimme Gimme Gimme
Alf Garnett.