Mongrels

Used to really enjoy this when I was a teenager. I can still see the appeal: ambitious premise, raunchy humour, parody musical numbers, etc. But wow this hasn't aged very well. As of this review I've reached episode 3. I'm not one to clutch my pearls at edgy jokes but it comes at the cost of making the characters relatable/likeable (Marion dating THAT character). I forgot how many cutaway gags there were. There are way too many. It feels derivative of Scrubs or Family Guy. I think one got a genuine laugh from me and it was a blink and you'll miss it Trainspotting reference. That's another thing; the mileage will vary depending on how familiar you are with british culture. This show expects you to be very well-versed. Some of my favourite shows skew towards universal humour, and while it can be broad it usually hits the target. There are so many politicians, micro celebrities and quirks that went over my head given that I live in North America.

The show also feels a little too mean-spirited. Not in a fun way like It's Always Sunny. Just nihilistic. I don't need sacharin, but a little pathos wouldn't hurt. The show is also very hyperactive and contemporary. So much EDM. I can appreciate the energy but in some instances, the sound mixing can overlap with dialogue to the point of inaudibility. It's not a terrible show, but this could use a soft reboot. I do like the puppets and the craft is very impressive. However, the writing leaves a LOT to be desired.

Well, it seems people who are bright enough to appreciate talent and good humour lost another battle. It seems we have to always obey either to posh comedy shows for the dull intellectual who gets offended by everything or the ones for the stupid and ignorant where every 3 seconds there's a fart. Great humour, nice character blending and dialogue. Anyhow, congratulations to the whole Mongrels team. They put up a brilliant show. Thank you. Is a shame it didn't continue for another season. Great respect for BBC but they were wrong this time. There has to be something to balance out the massive amount of television junk with high rating but little creative and logistical effort.

I just stumbled across this little gem on the BBC iplayer, and boy was I glad I did. I've been a huge fan of things like The mighty boosh, IT crowd, Dark place, and of course, monty python. This show is a definitely part of the same legacy.

The puppets are excellent and full of personality. They are so well controlled, you'd think they really were alive. The writing on this show is really exceptional. Its rare for me these days to look at something and say 'i cant believe they really did (or said) that!', but this show manages to get me every episode. There are some scenes in there which are so well scripted and timed, its simply genius.

The show certainly pushes the limits of good taste, but it does so in a good way. It wont be for everyone (prudes), but if you like humor, and are looking for something fresh, then you HAVE to see mongrels.

I watched this last night for the first time after being told it was set on the isle of dogs (where i live) behind the lord nelson pub (which i frequent). I had no expectations as i thought it was going to be a lame puppet show...how wrong was I.

yes its offensive and crude, which i know people have complained about. ( i actually love it for this reason, i cant believe they get away with some of the comments).

The puppets look great and have some classic one liners, my fave being the pigeon and the cat.

this is not a very constructive review but anyone who is not easily offended and likes gutter humour should check this out, i hope it gets a second series. fingers crossed.

The first time I watched Mongrels I was instantly captivated. I always loved the muppets and other "puppet" TV shows when I was younger, and during my 20's I missed that feeling of inanimate objects projecting an unreal world that is so close to our own in feeling and depth.

I have rarely laughed so much before watching Mongrels, with it's on-the-edge sarcasm and casual use of inappropriate language and scenarios, which most older people might find offensive.

The fact is, the creators and animators and writers have found a pleasant and modern blend of comedy, puppetry and life dilemmas which make this show so addictive. If they don't commision another season then I will be devastated.

This show holds no bars, and is not for the faint hearted but it has certainly given me many, many laughs in it's first season.

Thank you to all who were involved in it's making :-)