The Cafe

Perhaps it is that US programming spends its dollars chasing the spending powers of 20 to 35 year-olds that we miss the excellence of actors over a certain age. These young writers understand that older actors have impact. The program explores the subtleties of everyday life, examining character rather than product placement. The young writers are wise beyond their age. Having been raised in a small town, where everyone knew everyone's business, i can relate to the "smallneaa" of the milieu. It may be my age, 58, which draws me into the program, but my own child finds the program compelling without being able to articulate the reason, other than it makes him smile. I cannot think of a better recommendation.

When 2 of my old favorites were removed from OETA's Sunday night lineup, I was so discouraged...they were like old friends. But, wow, I am crazy about the quiet, sweet, everyday and everyman comedy of The Cafe and One Foot in the Grave. I was hooked the first time I saw these shows and have them recorded every week so there is no way I can miss seeing them. The characters quickly become people you know and care about and feel at home with. I have always been a BBC fan but had gotten stuck in a routine of the same shows over and over without branching out! Now I can watch new shows on the TV as well as search for others on Crackle or Netflix. Thanks BBC for providing intelligent and warm comedy.

This show is a very understated comedy gem. Brilliant writing and acting make the ordinary seem hillarious as only the British can do.

The more episodes I watched, the more I enjoyed this series in a quaint seaside resort. There were an unbelievable number of quirky characters wandering around, but the real local characters shone through. It's not for everyone, but if you're the type that likes to sit back and people watch, this is for you. Simply lovely.

Appreciating The Cafe requires the watcher to slow to the pace of an English Seaside, what a delightful escape. The characters are gentle no hacked off limbs, no tawdry affairs. I love the subtle development of each character, no the jokes are not always belly laughs but then that's what makes it real - bad jokes bind the characters just as they do in real life. There is the same conspiratorial feel to that shared knowledge and that creates a bond. There is also an unspoken acceptance of each person's quirky behaviour that shows us, the viewer, that these people care about each other and that it's a privilege for us to be sharing it. I thought the series charming and absolutely addictive. I only hope more people 'get it' so that we can have series 2 - otherwise l will be left watching this series over and over - and l will !