The Comedy Cellar

Taste in television shows can be extremely eclectic and a point of serious debate between friends and strangers alike. With the hundreds of options provided by satellite TV and the mammoth entertainment industry, there are shows to satisfy the tastes of almost anyone. Situational comedies, better known as “sitcoms”, are a staple of American television and go all the way back to when radio shows served as the main form of home entertainment. While sitcoms have had an illustrious career throughout the 20th century there are quite a few gems here in the 21st worth mentioning and satellite TV brings these cultural beauties to viewers with ease and convenience.

1. The number one sitcom has to be “The Simpsons”. This animated comedy holds a special and prominent part in the childhoods of many people who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s. The beauty of the intelligent writing and talented voice acting of the show is that it appeals to nearly all audience demographics, from children to adults and people from all walks of life. The show satirizes the lives of a working class American family and manages to sprinkle each episode with a healthy amount of cultural allusions that increase the hilarity of the show for those who catch them and pass by unnoticed for those who do not.

2. “The Simpsons” is on its 20th season and going strong, the show remains a prime time hit and does not appear to be losing any steam as the years progress. The second best sitcom on air right now is the offbeat show “30 Rock” created by and starring former SNL writer and actress Tina Fey. Incorporating great actors like Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan, the show possesses odd plots poking fun at the behind the scenes world of a major television network. The plotline of each episode is not quite as linear and focused as most sitcoms, but this quality adds to the quirkiness and entertainment value of the show.

3. The third best sitcom available through satellite TV is the American version of “The Office”. Derived from the popular British sitcom, the show provides a scathing glimpse into the mind numbing monotony of the 9 to 5 rat race found in everyday office life. Steve Carell beautifully embodies the awkward boss trying to strike a balance between pal and authoritative figure with his employees and failing miserably. The motley crew of employees makes the parody of office life a touch more realistic and intensely funny, especially if their human imperfections are made even sharper with high definition.

4. The fourth hottest sitcom available through satellite TV is “How I Met Your Mother”. Bob Saget narrates from the future, telling his kids the odd life experiences he and his best friends had in their late 20s, all leading up to how exactly he met their mother. Filled with jokes at Canada’s expense and Doogie Howser, actor Neil Patrick Harris, as a sleazy womanizer, the show displays a unique sense of humor and almost feels as if it picks up where “Friends” left off.

5. The fifth best sitcom that everyone should set their DVR to record is “The Big Bang Theory”. Though initially an underdog, this show is building more and more support as viewers fall in love with the group of geeky physicists who befriend the beautiful and nerd friendly girl across the hall. Perfectly cast with a cripplingly awkward band of nerdy guys, the show allows the often overlooked social outcasts a chance at the spotlight. The glaring idiosyncrasies of each character delight the viewer while endearing them to the social incompetence of the young scientists. Thus concludes the list of the top 5 must see sitcoms of our current day and age, may they continue to bring joy to all those who watch.

By: Tom Macintosh

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Catherine Tate (nee. Catherine Ford) was born in Bloosmbury, London on 12th May 1968. She was brought up in London attending a Catholic primary and secondary school. During her secondary school time period she became something of a rebel, developing a keen sense of humour, which made her a natural ringleader. In her most famous character Laureen there may be an element of autobiography.

Catherine Tate is in many ways a reluctant star. She doesn’t revel in the limelight like some stars and sometimes prefers to slip into events through the back door unnoticed. She also sometimes suffers from panic attacks and after the birth of her baby Erin, suffered from post natal trauma. Catherine is a firm believer in astrology and frequently consults her star signs.

After taking her A levels in the sixth form of Salesian college Battersea she went to study art and drama at a local drama school, The Central School of speech and drama. Catherine Tate began her acting career by appearing in a variety of tv dramas such as Casualty and the Bill. She also appeared in minor roles for comedy programmes such as The Harry Hill show and the Wild West. It was during her acting in “Wild West ” that she was spotted by the casting director, this led to her own show the very popular “Catherine Tate” show. She had recently being developing a stand up comedy role. This series enabled her to develop a range of characters, some of which have passed into popular folklore for their comic repertoire.

The first series of 6 episodes was shown in February 2004, they quickly attracted a dedicated following and has grown into one of BBC2 top shows for viewing figures. The second series did even better, although it was helped by being shown straight after the series Extras. Some of the most popular characters in the show include

Characters from Catherine Tate Show

Laureen. – Laureen is a disaffected teenager, a rebel without her cause. Frequently arguing with authority figures she tries to look as cool as she can to her friends. Much of her comic effect comes through the repetition of her stock phrases such as “Am I bovered” “Do I look bovered”, “Are you disrespecting me and my family?” Each phrase is repeated with a sarcastic glare. Whatever the situation, the dialogue usually ends up along these lines.

One of Catherine Tate’s greatest comic moments was at a Royal Variety Performance when she went to the Royal Box and said. “Is one bovered”. Allegedly one of the people in the box was asleep. Remarking to the Queen she said.

” she is bing, but the old fella next to her is asleep!” -

By: R J A Pettinger

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