TV Shows We're Hooked On

One of the first things I was concerned about getting when we moved here was a tv, because I love watching "telly."  In fact, I've grown up watching Britcoms like Keeping Up Appearances, Are You Being Served, and As Time Goes By, not to mention that long-running British soap opera Coronation Street.  We just didn't know much about current British tv.  Here's a couple to watch out for on cable or YouTube:

Gavin and Stacey

This very sweet, very funny show consists of a series of half hour episodes documenting the growing romantic relationship of Gavin from London and Stacey from Wales, beginning with their first meeting after months of speaking on the phone for work.  We're quickly introduced to their scene-stealing overweight best friends and ridiculous, high-strung parental figures who are brought together by the title characters' roller-coaster relationship.  Excellent viewing that makes you laugh really hard and feel very happy.  We don't know how it ends yet, so no spoilers!

Peep Show

The title of this sitcom is rather misleading; it refers to the visual style of the show, not something risque.  Then again, the first season is rated 18+...  Our neighbour recommended it after finding out that we're fans of Ricky Gervais (he has said this is his favourite show on tv right now).  We were hooked after the first episode, and when we found out that the first 5 seasons were on sale at HMV, we bought them having only watched 5 episodes.  A great investment!

The show centres on two roommates and polar opposites, Jeremy and Mark.  Very smart dialogue and fast moving, surprising plots keep you hooked.  Very, very funny stuff, including some great WWII references.  Plus, as I alluded to before, the entire show is filmed through the eyes of the characters.  And it works!

QI

Hosted by the excellent Stephen Fry with a panel of comedian contestants and a live audience, QI (Quite Interesting) is by far the funniest quiz show I've ever seen.  Fry asks a series of questions, each is discussed comically and seriously, and some dare the contestants to say the obvious (and therefore glaringly incorrect) choice.  Points are awarded and a winner is crowned at the end of each episode.  Plus you learn something!  So far I've learned that banana trees walk and the world's smallest dog was 2.5 inches tall.  This BBC show is in its 6th season and no wonder its a hit.