by Cookie N Screen
It’s really hard, nowadays, to do a comedy television series. In this overtly offended world where people would blow up at the simplest of jokes, it seems that people are trying harder to provoke than deliver sound and rounded amusement. One country that seems to strike a right tone, darkly humours spliced with slapstick and wordplay is Ireland. It seems only fair to share a little bit of history from the Emerald Isle this St. Patrick’s Day!
It’s really hard, nowadays, to do a comedy television series. In this overtly offended world where people would blow up at the simplest of jokes, it seems that people are trying harder to provoke than deliver sound and rounded amusement. One country that seems to strike a right tone, darkly humours spliced with slapstick and wordplay is Ireland. It seems only fair to share a little bit of history from the Emerald Isle this St. Patrick’s Day!
There is a whole hotbed of successful Irish comedies that come over to England, find another home and take off with utter devotion. The most triumphant of these series would arguably be Father Ted. Directed by Graham Linehan, the completely hilarious adventures of Father Ted, Father Dougal and Father Jack as they romp around their small Craggy Island. Beginning in 1995 and finishing in 1998, the series still is riotous today. In fact, if you ask the general public what their funniest comedy scenes is then you’ll likely see a ream of Father Ted ones. Especially the Priests in the lingerie section bit where several bumbling vicars lose themselves in a land of knickers and bras. It continues to be comedy gold!
Director Graham Linehan has a lot to do with the success of Irish comedies over here. His ventures with, not just Father Ted, but with shows such as Big Train, Black Books and The IT Crowd really hammers home the variety and hilarity of Irish writing. Promoting actors such as Dylan Moran and Chris O’Dowd, Linehan has proved that he can change settings, countries and more yet still gift us with jokes. Both droll, some dry and definitely with the surrealist edge, Linehan’s work has proved to profusely tickle us every time we watch!
Now there seems to be a resurgence again. However you view the show, or indeed the ill-advised movie spin off, Mrs Brown’s Boys is a triumph of comedies to come over from one of our neighbouring countries. Actor Brendan O’Carroll brought life Agnes Brown. Though panned by critics (like Guinness, it is an acquired taste,) Mrs. Brown’s Boys found an enormous achievement in Ireland and overseas with a large audience despite its “worst comedy ever made” dubs.
Director Graham Linehan has a lot to do with the success of Irish comedies over here. His ventures with, not just Father Ted, but with shows such as Big Train, Black Books and The IT Crowd really hammers home the variety and hilarity of Irish writing. Promoting actors such as Dylan Moran and Chris O’Dowd, Linehan has proved that he can change settings, countries and more yet still gift us with jokes. Both droll, some dry and definitely with the surrealist edge, Linehan’s work has proved to profusely tickle us every time we watch!
Now there seems to be a resurgence again. However you view the show, or indeed the ill-advised movie spin off, Mrs Brown’s Boys is a triumph of comedies to come over from one of our neighbouring countries. Actor Brendan O’Carroll brought life Agnes Brown. Though panned by critics (like Guinness, it is an acquired taste,) Mrs. Brown’s Boys found an enormous achievement in Ireland and overseas with a large audience despite its “worst comedy ever made” dubs.
On the better side of things, universally loved and critically admired Irish and American mash-up Catastrophe was definitely the funniest show of the year so far. Whilst only producing six episode, writers Sharon Hogan and Rob Delaney sandwiched in cultural differences in the hot bed of London, an unwanted pregnancy and possibly the best and most realistic couple to grace our screens. This was all thanks to their comedic timing and lavish amounts of chemistry that swam with this almost surreal glee. (And, if we were being petty, we could say that this largely down to Graham Linehan too.)
Catastrophe ended and the excellent Irish comedy Moone Boy came back, keeping us in a constant supply of Ireland’s finest writers, actors and directors. Winner of the coveted Comedy Award at last years, Moone Boy tells the story of Martin and his imaginary friend Sean who lives in the small town of Boyle. Starring and written by Chris O’Dowd (he plays Sean) this really works at capturing the heart of innocence and boyish rambunctiousness. With jokes ranging from the sublime to the weird, Moone Boy is all kinds of brilliant.
Although this is a little contentious. After all, though written, directed and starring Irish actors, a lot of comedies from the country come from British production house. If you search, you’ll be able to find a tonne of shows that are commissioned by Ireland themselves and they should be just as celebrated as the aforementioned series in this articles.
That being said, these shows continue to be the funniest comedies this side of the Atlantic (because we’ve been obsessing over Community and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it’s a difficult pill to say “global”). With Moone Boy being as cleverly surreal as ever and Mrs. Browns Boys still on screen, our love for these shows will continue to grow.
Why not settle down this St. Patrick’s Day and watch one of these incredible series?
You won’t be disappointed!
Catastrophe ended and the excellent Irish comedy Moone Boy came back, keeping us in a constant supply of Ireland’s finest writers, actors and directors. Winner of the coveted Comedy Award at last years, Moone Boy tells the story of Martin and his imaginary friend Sean who lives in the small town of Boyle. Starring and written by Chris O’Dowd (he plays Sean) this really works at capturing the heart of innocence and boyish rambunctiousness. With jokes ranging from the sublime to the weird, Moone Boy is all kinds of brilliant.
Although this is a little contentious. After all, though written, directed and starring Irish actors, a lot of comedies from the country come from British production house. If you search, you’ll be able to find a tonne of shows that are commissioned by Ireland themselves and they should be just as celebrated as the aforementioned series in this articles.
That being said, these shows continue to be the funniest comedies this side of the Atlantic (because we’ve been obsessing over Community and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, it’s a difficult pill to say “global”). With Moone Boy being as cleverly surreal as ever and Mrs. Browns Boys still on screen, our love for these shows will continue to grow.
Why not settle down this St. Patrick’s Day and watch one of these incredible series?
You won’t be disappointed!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Will you be enjoying one of these comedies with a Guinness tonight?
Which is your favourite series?
Let us know in the comments!
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