Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps

This is a funny show. The young cast are good with some great lines but, as you would expect, lack some of the qualities that come with experience. Overall though, does it matter? This show makes me laugh and I watch it whenever I can. With a better-than-average script overall infused with little spots of genius, this show is one to look out for.

I found the first series unexpectedly funny. The writing is fresh and delightfully obscene! The young writer has had the courage to put lines and topics into a sitcom that have not been used before, but which people make jokes about all the time in real life. The cast, particularly the girls are superb and seem the fit the roles like a glove. So what if the show is a little like Friends, set in Runcorn - so long as it's funny! The show is let down by the laughter track - in an odd reversal of the usual criticism - it is not strong enough. I have been creasing myself with laughter with some lines only to hear silence from the recorded audience. The repeated viewing of the first series was even better - which is always a good sign. I am glad that the Beeb has agreed to a second series despite the criticism.

I have not seen the new series yet but I am looking forward to it coming to terrestrial soon.

The actors aren't too bad, but they're only young and haven't got the best comic timing yet. The direction (especially in the interludes) tries to be just a bit too hip and the writing relies too heavily on making jokes that a) aren't very good and b) are largely based on the sort of in-jokes that seem really funny to you and your friends, but that no-one else understands or appreciates.

'Two Pints' is hardly the show of the century and outside of the UK I doubt anyone would understand or enjoy the humour, but I love it for everything it is. The humour is very hit or miss, and sometimes too childish or exaggerated, but the rest of the time it has me laughing out loud.

What makes 'Two Pints' stand out to me is the fact that it's so honest. It doesn't shy away from anything, no matter how detestable it might be to others. Many of the jokes are filthy, there's open prostitution, alcoholism as a culture, scamming of the benefits system and many more things that other shows refuse to explore but that are very much present all over the UK. The characters are all hugely flawed, underachievers that are lacking in ambition, intelligence and integrity, but they're all endearing and relatable on some level, because they're just trying to do the best with what they have and know.

'Two Pints' needs to be taken and enjoyed for what it is. It's simple, it's flawed but it's funny and authentic and provides some light-hearted comic relief that's perfect for helping you to leave your worries behind for half an hour.

I never watched this on its first airing but have done so on UK Gold re-runs. I found this to be extremely funny with a talented cast.

You either love it or hate it, but its classic, a sort of cross between Men Behaving badly and Coupling. Honestly give it a try, like coupling we can all relate to the storylines.

A realistic comedy