Episodes

While the first episode wasn't the greatest, it set up the story of the show and the second episode was great from start to finish. The humour is dry and is a mix of British and US humour, but it's definitely heavier with the British humour. The head of comedy was brilliant. The head of comedy is one of those blonde bimbo's you see on TV that just say "that's so funny" instead of actually laughing.

To the people that say that the main characters have no chemistry, have you ever seen any married couple on UK TV. That's how they act. Married couples have their ups and downs, they act realistically. Do you want them to act like they have just met and they are so in love. Married life contains struggles and compromise. I think they conveyed this perfectly.

After watching the show, I do worry that most Americans will struggle to get the humour, which in reality is what this show is all about. Showcasing the difference in humour and the difficulty in creating a show that is brilliant in one country, but completely lost in another.

I really feel confused. There seems to be an overwhelming sense of animosity toward this show.In a world where HOT IN CLEVELAND is a hit, it makes me sad that so many people don't seem to appreciate the nuance and detail that have gone into this show. There are some reviews here that don't even make much sense.They're just plain angry. (One review actually criticized the hair color of one of the actors!) I say, relax people. If you don't find it to your liking don't watch. But for those of us that do, (it's already a hit in the UK as well as on SHOWTIME) it is a subtle and sophisticated pleasure that doesn't pander to it's audience. This show is about a married couple and their relationship. It's set in the world of television but the TV aspect is secondary. I hadn't seen the two British leads before but I totally love their chemistry. It feels much more honest than most TV relationships. Both actors are subtle and complicated and I can totally buy the fact that they're married. I thought the first episode did exactly what it had to do which is introduce a whole lot of characters plus set up this couple's journey. As for not being funny, I am at a complete loss. John Pankow established "Merc Lapides" in twenty seconds. How could you not laugh at his references to his bigoted New Jersey grandmother, his alcohol addiction, his cancer? And "Carol Rance", the network exec, made me laugh at just about everything she said. Ditto the head of comedy who with just a few grimaces and groans created a hysterical and memorable character. I feel that this is not a show for the masses. It was clearly never meant to be. It's a small gem of a show that respects it's audience and has it's own very unique voice. Thank You SHOWTIME for presenting it.

I was not sure what sort of comedy this was going to be. I have only just seen the first episode and as it turns out it is a little dark, uncomfortable, subtle, at times quirky and pokes fun. I found it amusing, with moments that made me laugh out loud. Some of the characters (particularly the 'Head of Comedy') are well cast and very funny.

There is no canned laughter, the pace is not breakneck, it doesn't feel like the script has been re-written and re-written until people laugh and jokes and gags are not shouted loudly so you cant miss them. This is not spoon-fed comedy TV.

It is very British in style and therefore I suspect it will not be a hit with an American audience. I am, however, looking forward to the next episode.

I don't understand why this show hasn't generated more buzz! It's extremely well-written, the cast is terrific, and, perhaps most importantly, the show is FUNNY! I didn't have much respect for Matt LeBlanc's acting abilities prior to this show, but he is surprisingly excellent here! Granted, he is supposed to be playing "himself", but don't let that fool you. He's playing a character, and he does it well. It's just like any other acting job, except you happen to have a character with your same name. The supporting cast is equally terrific; great collection of characters (and, if you live in Los Angeles, as I do, you've likely met many of these same types of people!) I'm glad the show will be filming a second season, and I can only hope the audience grows. Seriously, one of the best-written comedies on TV right now!

After watching the first 3 shows, I'm impressed, will be a great show if this level of writing can be sustained. "Episodes" is a cross between "Entourage" (minus the glorification of wealth and conspicuous consumption), "Curb your Enthusiasm" (minus bad acting), and "Extras" (minus cameos, and bits that sucked of which there were many).

I don't know why there are so many negative reviews (as of 1/25/2011) - perhaps Americans are having trouble relating to the lead British couple? In any case, seeing the inner workings of Hollywood's entertainment industrial complex through their down-to-earth eyes is a great premise, casting Matt LeBlanc was a genius touch, and I hope this gem continues for a lot more 'episodes'.