People Like Us

I caught this show on late-night PBS one time and I have made a point to watch several episodes since then. John Morton is a comedic genius! The comedy sort of reminds me of "Spinal Tap" with maybe a hint of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" - sort of subtle, and the more you watch it the funnier it gets.

Part of what makes it funny is the main character give a clinic on how NOT to make a documentary: he narrates at inappropriate times, gets too involved in the lives of his subjects when he should be just an observer, does a lot of bad editing, etc. Also, his subjects are so pathetic it's almost painful to watch. Beyond that, I can't really describe what's so funny about it - just watch one episode if you get the chance and you'll understand.

I really love this sitcom. It´s a breath of fresh air from all those stupid moronic American trash proggies (with exception of Seinfeld, that is). For starters, there is no laugh track. Nobody laughs in the show. I simply love that. It´s great! You don´t hear those damn idiotic laughs that are crammed all over other sitcoms. Second, it´s filmed as a documentary. The basic premise is this guy, Roy Mallard, that walks around interviewing people at work. For example, a headmaster of a nice school, a freelance fotographer, people like that. So, in the beginning, every thing seems quite Unfunny, but then stupid things start to happen. People do mistakes, and funny things, altough they don´t even understand it. For instance, Roy is always saying "Hum" and "Hun hun" in order to advance in the interview. The show is excellent, and I really can´t describe accurately. You have to see it for yourself.

I LOVED this series. Watched once and then went back to stream again and again. Inventive, clever and laugh out loud quality. Wish US audience could enjoy season two. Highly recommend...

To give an example of the texture of People Like Us, here are the only two lines the actress playing a shoe-shop assistant in episode 5 has. All the other characters speak like this as well, only more so.

"You'll find that over time your feet will start to give with wear."

"Most people have at least one foot that's bigger than the other."

In the same episode, the announcer at a train station can be heard in the background droning po-facedly something like "This train stops at Berksley only, Hemperdon only, Staffordsly only, and Blackpool only."

From an episode set in a school; "Mr. Hensley's Problem-Solving club meets at lunchtime on the third floor, but you're not allowed to use the stairs."

These are only short examples from memory. The body of it, Roy Mallard's narration, relies on him going on so long like that that he forgets how he started the sentence.

You can buy some episodes of the radio series if you want a clearer example. Or look at the entry on radiohaha. That summarises it better than I can. Recommended for fans of On The Hour / The Day Today, although you probably know about it already.

You really have to keep your ears open when Roy Mallard is mumbling in the background. He talks quite abit of jiberish jabberish. As on comment said...even Roy saying the word "oh" will break you up. Every episode has the line that folks are truly surprised Roy is married😊 Too bad the creator/"Roy"has been charged with nasty charges. Guess that will be it for awhile.