Episodes

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.

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'.

I watched the first episode of Episodes and was not knocked out but saw that it had some potential. Matt Le Blanc really makes this show with a satirical take on himself and "stars" generally. I am now on the fourth episode and it has just gotten better and better. Most sitcoms are like this - they rarely hit their stride right out of the traps - though Frasier and Friends manage to buck that trend. I have never been a fan of Tamsin Greig or Stephen Mangan but I am beginning to appreciate their talents in this. Episodes is a great concept and is well written and performed. It benefits from having no laugh track or studio audience. Lots of reviewers here have written this off after the pilot episode but it is their loss - I really like this show and hope it works in the US as well as the UK. Added 22/02/11 Just watched the final episode of series 1 and I have grown to love this series-I just hope they recommission it. Matt Le Blanc should be lauded for the kind of bravery in acting that US stars usually forgo. He was terrific in this. Almost the end of December 2012 and I have just gotten around to watching series 2 in it's entirety in one afternoon! Series 1 was good but this is even better - the situation did not seem like a second series was on but how wrong I was. Matt warmed to his portrayal of himself and Tamsin and Stephen were terrific in it. I look forward to series 3.

How did I miss this first time round??! Thank god for being able to watch 5 seasons in 2 days on Netflix!!

I've never seen Matt Le Blanc in anything other than friends so I didn't know what to expect from this comedy series, but I loved it.

Subtle humour throughout, but some great one liners that really made me laugh out loud.

This show is very clever doing what it does. The only reason some people don't like it is because their sense of humor is skewed. I never expected the humor to be like friends because of Matt or David Crane. I expected the same commitment from Matt though. He pours his self in the character, since he is playing an extravagant fictional version of himself and creates excellent scenes between the two British writers. Sure it is dark and very hard to get into in the first episode, but after episode 2 I was sold. Episode 3 was even better as there was more Matt to go around!! His interactions with Beverly, their sniping at each other and fighting felt genuine and was extremely funny! Give the show a chance and try to expand your comical vocabulary!