Here are some comedy shows that are in my mind completely underrated considering the quality of the writing, production and performances in general.
A fresh out of med school New Yorker Jewish doctor is packed to a remote village in Alaska to pay out his scholarship tuition as service, but the residents are a mix of quirky & deep, dwelling peacefully in a bohemian utopia. The philosophical ex felon / turned reverend/ artist/ Radio Dj opens up the series with serious discussions regarding life on air , a tomboyish bush pilot has a curse that kills all her boyfriends and ex Nasa astronaut turned entrepreneur are only a few of the residents that go about life trying to discover true meaning of life with the help of the ancient native wisdom that sets the common underlying tone of the show.
2. Becker
Talented Ted Danson of Cheers portrays the stubborn yet gold hearted doctor in Bronx, NY goes through daily hardships of life, and more so because he creates them. He is accompanied/ tolerated by relatable and interesting characters in a classically charming American 90’s comedy.
3. As Time Goes By
An ex soldier and a nurse is separated when he’s shipped off to Korea and after many decades later they meet again, and explore their rekindled love in their mature ages. Lovely Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer showcase their talents in superb acting and clever, witty and downright funny dialogues.
A classical Wodehouse adaptation, Hugh Laurie as the kind hearted dandy and Stephen Fry as the seasoned valet in the early 1900’s England society deliver dazzling performances, making it one of the greatest comedy work of all time.
5. Moonlighting
The first example of fast paced witty dialogues in a comedy show was also the debut of young Bruce Willis in Hollywood and took off with the glamorous Cybil Shepherd on its cast as a famous model inheriting a detective agency and its bizarre workers inadvertently, after being swindled out of her fortune.
6. Black Books
Bernard Black, a belligerent, misanthropic bookshop owner; Fran, his neurotic next door neighbour and Manny, well meaning but clueless help he had to hire in the shop create comedy gold that will make you laugh out loud as they stumble through daily life. With Dylan Moran, Tamsin Greig and Bill Bailey.
7. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Set in Botswana, based on the book series of Alexander McCall Smith and created by none other than Richard Curtis, this series will steal your heart. We follow the mysterious small town adventures of the soft spoken yet determined and intelligent detective agency owner Mma Precious Ramotswe and her inexperienced, stiff, hardworking secretary Grace Makutsi as they navigate through their personal life struggles on the side in this colourful, awe inspiring, nature abound African country deeply enriched with its unique traditions and ancient wisdom. Finally a refreshing new piece of comedy/drama series that is interesting, soulful, charming and definitely worth watching.
Hope you like them!
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