cneidel Reviews

Great Night Out (2013– )

Great Comedy with Nothing Too Heavy.

[8/10 · 30 August 2015]

First off I'm an American who loves British comedies. So I fully understand that there are going to be parts of the show I may have a hard time understanding (both because of accents and references to places or things in England). For me that is one of the reasons I love watching British sitcoms. I learn a little and laugh a lot. This sitcom is about 4 friends (not 3) who have known each other from school and have grown up in the same neighborhood in England (I think Manchester, but not too important where it is in this show). They all have their issues with girlfriends or jobs and are simple people with strong friendships. While the show is really about men being men and trying to get a rise out of each other it is also about the strong bond friends have when they have been friends since childhood. Trust me, this show isn't breaking any boundaries or is not a deep thought provoking watch but is worth the time. It's the kind of show you watch when you are a little down and you want something to make you laugh and forget about your job or obligations for an hour. It does the trick for sure and it is actually funny how men are the same not matter where they come from. Even with England being 3500 miles away from the US the things friends do are so similar. So save this for a weekend and crack open a beer because this show is simple, funny, and about all kinds of trouble that 4 friends get into when they forget they aren't 15 any more. It's hard to follow at points with the British accent (of course not if you are from there), but if you are a man you can put the pieces together and figure out just about everything because you most likely did something similar. I am sad it appears they are not making any more episodes because you really start bonding with the characters and want to find out what trouble they will find next weekend. So if you like deep shows this may not be for you but if you like to keep your sitcoms simple because your life is complex then give it a try. 4 men being men and friends. I think that is all this review needs and most will know what to expect.

Luther (2010–2019)

Idris Elba Shines Bright In Very Dark Crime Series

[10/10 · 28 July 2013]

Let me start off by saying I don't usually watch crime series or hour long cop/drams shows. This show is not your mother's Law and Order. The series seems to lack some direction and reality at the start until you learn the characters. After watching the first 5 episodes everything falls into its place and it leaves you wanting more. I planned on watching 1 show the first night and was up until 3 am because I couldn't stop watching. Idris Elba is somebody I didn't know much about before watching this series. Now I find myself researching his projects to ensure I don't miss any of his TV or movie performances. He plays a stressed out cop who cannot rest until he solves violent crimes in the city of London. He will do anything to make sure he puts the criminals away (anything). His performance is so real that it makes you wonder if he is this stressed out in real life or the best actor in the world. The series paints London as a very dark city. You may be changing your travel plans if you are planning a trip there soon. My guess is the London tourism agency may not be the biggest fan of the show. This is the first crime series in 20 years and really takes a unique direction. The show is very dark and violent but I feel it doesn't go too far. I cannot easily explain why because I tend to give this series more slack than others. In fact the beauty of the show is through all the collateral damage each week I find myself rooting for Idris Elba who has so many problems. Beyond my short description the show must be watched to understand why people like it. I can see that it might be too much for some people, but if you like a roller coaster thrillers with great acting this series if for you. I just recommend putting the children to sleep before hitting play or you will be hard pressed to get them to go with you on your summer trip to Big Ben.

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Best Comedy Show Ever - Period

[10/10 · 15 January 2011]

Let me start out by saying I wasn't sure about this show after watching the first episode. As the show progressed it became my favorite show very quickly. In fact after the second season I planned a trip to London just to watch the filming of the show but we didn't get tickets. I'm an American from Chicago and cannot pick another comedy that makes me feel better than the IT Crowd. Simply amazing is all I can say. This is the type of show you can watch a hundred times because it is easy to like, and lets you forget about the stresses of everyday life when you watch it. Each line from Roy or Moss is an instant classic. If you claim you don't like this show then you don't understand this type of comedy. I simply cannot say enough about how funny Roy and Moss are. If you have worked anywhere around the IT field you can truly enjoy the humor these two bring to the screen. It's hard to describe the feeling you get when watching this sitcom. It really does take you to another place where you can just sit back and laugh the night away - all stresses in life are gone. Douglas is over the top but a true gem on the screen. I could go on and on but do yourself a huge favor and embrace this show. Make sure you keep up the pressure for a 5th and 6th season because the story has not been fully told yet.

Gavin & Stacey (2007–2024)

American loving British Comedy

[10/10 · 15 January 2011]

I must say that I have really started to like British Comedy. Gavin and Stacey has become my second favorite show behind the IT Crowd. I love some American shows like Seinfeld and All in the Family, but love watching and learning about the different cultures of British television. I just don't understand the 6 episodes per year for 3 years thing. I really need more of Gavin and Stacey as I'm just starting to really love it and it is already over. So much talent, character development, and plot only to be cut short by about 100 episodes. The show is really one of those shows that you just can forget about life for a while and have fun watching on the weekends. I find myself saying Lush, Cracking, and Hiya more times than I really want to say them. On the off chance that the stars of the show ever read these reviews please do everybody a favor and make more episodes. I see so many talented people think they can create something better, when the best thing they have ever done is right under their noses. I'm not sure the actors know what this show means to the true fans. We work hard each week and wait to watch the next episode. 20 is not enough and the story has not been told but only just started! This is a cannot miss for almost any fan of sitcoms. Do yourself a favor and spend about 8 hours watching all 20 episodes and you will be craving a 4th, 5th, and 6th season like the rest of us.