Little Britain USA

I loved the original Little Britain and was prepared to really like LB:USA since HBO's got a track-record of nurturing good writing. But, here's the thing: the laugh track in the original serves (at least in my opinion) as a bit of double-irony. The jokes are puerile and play on basic stereotype. They're easy to laugh at already. No laugh track required, so its addition works as a counterpoint to the irony. Not so in the American version; it actually feels like a degradation of the jokes. Or maybe I'm overthinking this thing. Tell you what. If you've seen and liked Little Britain, you'll like Little Britain: USA, because it's god-damned funny and Tom Baker still does the narration. If you've never seen it, try it. But don't act like you didn't know it's not American-style. The word Britain's right there in the title.

I have never seen this show or any of this groups' previous shows. I'd never even heard of them, although it seems now that they have been around more than a few years. I'll say in advance that I enjoy British humor, especially Monty Python & Tracey Ullman. I enjoy anything funny & well made, regardless of where it's from. When I found this show listed on HBO OnDemand I popped some popcorn & took over the couch.

I nearly died laughing. That was just the first 5 minutes. I had to stop it a few times because I laughed so hard I missed some of it & had to back it up. Watching this program felt like I was making a new friend, someone that would happily be in my life forever. I want more. I NEED MORE.

To me, this show is Kids In The Hall meets Monty Python with Reno 911 sprinkled on top, but DIRTY funny too. Funny British Comedy! Funny Comedy for any country.

I've watched the Little Britain USA twice more & sat down to write it up here, which I've NEVER done before. I am sure there will be some who disagree with my initial feelings for this show after my first viewing, but that's some people for you! Some people have a sense of humor, some don't. And I stand by my warning...Go to the bathroom before you watch this show. I wish someone had warned me.

It's nice to see some edgy comedy. All the comedy shows on TV are so bland. Other sketch shows like SNL, Mad TV have no had anything good in ages. You have to listen to radio and Howard Stern, for anything even close to original and edgy. I hope the show does well, it deserves to. I wish the other shows before mentioned would watch this and learn a few lessons. They are so scared of offending anyone, their shows have become stale and unwatchable. Anyone who disagrees, see how many people watched SNL after their first sketch. Comedy shows use to push the envelope, now they all attempt to meet the greatest mass. So in the end I hope this show does more then just make it to the next season, I hope it influences comedy programs on this side of the pond!

Let me just preface this post by stating that I fell in love with Little Britain after spending some time in the UK and catching the show. There were a few cultural references that went over my head being that I'm an American, but I still loved the odd and obscene humor that it boasted.

After returning to the US, I wondered and secretly hoped that we would get our own taste of Little Britain with vibrant and familiar references to boot. Sure, watching the original on DVD was entertaining, but I kept thinking of characters they could build with influence from our culture.

Then low and behold, I'm going through the HBO on Demand this morning when I see "Little Britain USA" in the series list. My jaw dropped, and I immediately did my sitting happy dance. So I pressed play on episode 01, sat back with my coffee, and anticipated seeing Carol Beer rudely tell an American "Computer Says No"... as well as what Yankee characters they would bring to the table.

Let me tell you... it HONESTLY did not disappoint. I laughed so hard at one point, I'm sure I woke my roommate up. The things Marjorie says to Rosie O'Donnell are priceless. And Jesus Christ, the gym/bikini guys might even top the obscenity of Bubbles.

I'm sure there will be a lot of elitists and Brits that will despise the idea of their beloved show going American mainstream, but these people just need to get off their high horses and give it a chance. This is a show with two brilliant comedians/actors that needs to be shared and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

And yeah, maybe I'm just a tad bit biased because perhaps now I won't get as many "Who Are you?" responses to my Carol Beer costume I have planned for this Halloween.

Anyway, I really like it. So far, so good. And I really look forward to seeing how far they go with it. You should really see it for yourself before you dismiss it as a bad idea. But I will be honest with you... you need to have a strange and open sense of humor to truly enjoy this show.

The cult duo are back with a new series on a new continent. Little Britain USA could very well surpass the original series, which was fairly hit and miss. Most of the best characters are back and most of the new ones are great too. (The astronaut was a little weak, but I'll give it time.) The couple of 40 years who are completely miserable is probably my favorite. The humor is outrageous if a little gross, but so was the original. It seems like 'USA' has reached a higher quality of comedy. This is a truly hilarious series and a joy for fans of these guys. If you hate them I can't guarantee this show will change your mind, but I think it's very well done.

Unfortunately it's already been cancelled. And Americans think Friends is good comedy...