Many of my friends simply don't understand British comedy. Greats such as "Monty Python's Flying Circus", "Black Adder", and "Are You Being Served?" are mis-understood by many North Americans, although they are some of the funniest shows on television.
With the introduction of the original "Who's Line Is It Anyway?", improv was brought into the home by the people who could do it the best... and the result is spectacular. The only regular appearance throughout the life of this show was the host, Clive Anderson. He does an excellent job at pulling the show together, introducing the skits, and bantering back and forth with the contestants. In particular, his on-screen disagreements and arguments with Greg Proops in the latter years of this show provide raw and unrehearsed comedic entertainment, often at the expense of Clive's balding head.
Overall, the performers on this show know their comedy. Skits are done at the drop of a hat, with no advance knowledge by the contestants of what sort of antics will be required to pull them off. Games such as 'Scenes From A Hat', 'Film Dub', 'Questions Only', and the infamous 'Hoe Down', only serve to display the comedic talents of the contestants, allowing them to amaze and surprise the viewer with their seemingly endless quips, jabs, and one-liners.
From the witty John Sessions in the early years, to the comedic improv super-duo of Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles in the later years, and who can forget the hyper-but-fantastic Tony Slattery, this show has entertained me for many years, and will continue to do so for a long time to come, as I just can't seem to stop watching the re-runs on cable.
My Rating: 10/10
With the introduction of the original "Who's Line Is It Anyway?", improv was brought into the home by the people who could do it the best... and the result is spectacular. The only regular appearance throughout the life of this show was the host, Clive Anderson. He does an excellent job at pulling the show together, introducing the skits, and bantering back and forth with the contestants. In particular, his on-screen disagreements and arguments with Greg Proops in the latter years of this show provide raw and unrehearsed comedic entertainment, often at the expense of Clive's balding head.
Overall, the performers on this show know their comedy. Skits are done at the drop of a hat, with no advance knowledge by the contestants of what sort of antics will be required to pull them off. Games such as 'Scenes From A Hat', 'Film Dub', 'Questions Only', and the infamous 'Hoe Down', only serve to display the comedic talents of the contestants, allowing them to amaze and surprise the viewer with their seemingly endless quips, jabs, and one-liners.
From the witty John Sessions in the early years, to the comedic improv super-duo of Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles in the later years, and who can forget the hyper-but-fantastic Tony Slattery, this show has entertained me for many years, and will continue to do so for a long time to come, as I just can't seem to stop watching the re-runs on cable.
My Rating: 10/10