Many of the best-known science-fiction comedies are parodies. Such films as “Spaceballs,” “Galaxy Quest” and “Mars Attacks!” work by skewering the genre. They are not really of the genre.
But since at least 1978, when Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” premiered as a BBC radio drama, there has been a separate tradition of comedies in major media that are rooted in character as well as the ideas, language and aesthetics of science fiction — similar to the best sci-fi dramas.
“Great comedy can be about ideas, as well as jokes,” says “Avenue 5” creator Armando Iannucci. “You can have fun with both.”
Set on a passenger starship that ventures hopelessly off course, HBO’s “Avenue 5” premiered this year, part of a wave of television comedies set in science-fiction worlds. Those shows are creatures of the peak TV era, which has seen production values (along with budgets) increase across the board,...
But since at least 1978, when Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” premiered as a BBC radio drama, there has been a separate tradition of comedies in major media that are rooted in character as well as the ideas, language and aesthetics of science fiction — similar to the best sci-fi dramas.
“Great comedy can be about ideas, as well as jokes,” says “Avenue 5” creator Armando Iannucci. “You can have fun with both.”
Set on a passenger starship that ventures hopelessly off course, HBO’s “Avenue 5” premiered this year, part of a wave of television comedies set in science-fiction worlds. Those shows are creatures of the peak TV era, which has seen production values (along with budgets) increase across the board,...
- 6/24/2020
- by Daniel Holloway
- Variety Film + TV
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