I've never actually watched it until now! Even though I love Gavin and Stacy, I never knew some of the cast were in this, too. Now, the first 2 series were perfect. Heartfelt. Beautifully written. However, I have to agree with the other reviewer that the 3rd and particularly the 4th series just missed this spark. That being said, they were both very enjoyable to watch and I would happily watch them again. I love this kind of UK drama and Kay Mellow shows here that she is one of the best writers of this genre around!
11 Reviews
Weight is a human issue
ygwerin117 March 2024
I stumbled upon Fat Friends while, trawling through Netflix programmes, and decided to give it a go. Its not a traditional comedy show, in that it blends humour with tragedy.
Fat Friends is really the stories, of totally different people, whose lives are intertwined, by family, friendships, work, and their social lives.
I think that it gives a human perspective of weight, of how it impinges on our lives, and those of our family, friends, colleagues, and the local community.
I think that its both funny and moving, as I laugh with the real people, and feel for and empathise with them, throughout their trials and tribulations, the actors really are their characters, as fully rounded human beings.
Slimming is truly a business a global phenomenon, there are seemingly innumerable Diets, with various dietary and slimming aids, including pills and potions.
'Expert Opinion' proliferates through magazine, newspaper columns, and individual books, all professing to provide "all of the most demanding questions and queries".
Huge fortunes made are by companies, that seek to cash in on the slimming phenomenon, many of whom are not content to rely on, traditional advertising and marketing, to ensure their profit margins. They either get involved in existing Slimming clubs or societies, or else they launch their own, not necessarily directly linked to them, but acting as subsidiaries.
Weight has for far too long been seen, as something of a vexed topic, certainly in western societies, principally this revolves around body image. Of how people see themselves, and of how other people, see or perceive them.
Looks are of prime importance in western societies, with expectations of personal appearance, being foisted on us all, everywhere we look, from the very day we are born.
Much of this is done in more of a subliminal way, and it's not really simply a modern phenomenon, aspects of it are actually quite ancient, in their theories and practices.
The ideas of what women and men, are supposed to be as human beings, of what roles we are supposed to perform in society, is perhaps the oldest consideration of all.
But our appearance follows this intrinsically, within the considerations of body weight, women have born the brunt, of those who seek to be Opinion Makers, and see it as way to ensure a hefty profit. The notion of the 'Body Beautiful' is persistently promoted, through advertising on the telly, and in women's magazines. This is continually emphasised through, the images of the so called 'Ideal Woman' as appearing as, television presenters, news readers, chefs, weather 'Girls'. All of the jobs that the male television executives, imagine that women may be called on to perform, in front of the camera for the viewing populace.
When it comes to advertising, the women who stand a cat in hells, chance of even being considered, are those who fit a narrowly defined, category of what is supposed to be aesthetically pleasing. But to whom are the andvertisers approaching, just who is the target audience?
Men have been the owners, and managers of the businesses, who make and sell the ideas, and the products, as well as the television, film companies, magazines and newspapers, that so assiduously promotes them.
Yes in deed many roles that have, hitherto been male bastions, are now being undertaken by women, but in reality just how much autonomy, are they really allowed to perform? Possibly much more importantly, whose ideas and notions are being pursued, to what extent are women able to decide for themselves, what ideas are promoted?
It's not for nothing that the issues, relating to weight and women, of how they perceive themselves, and of how they are perceived, is a topic of intense debate, as the consideration, that 'Fat is a feminist issue'.
As important and essential is the understanding, of how weight is a weapon aimed at women, it is not an issue that is confined to women, the attitudes towards men though different, also have a detrimental effect, on the people concerned.
The images that pervade of men, where their weight is concerned, largely figure them as objects of fun, and scorn, the typical calls of "tubby" or even of "lard arse" are all to common. Blokes are supposed to consider such terms, as merely being a matter of cheerful banter, and expected to simply laugh it off, that is at the very least, else they be victimised.
From the earliest movies the image, of the bloke with the ample figure, has been presented as the jovial fatty, film stars were made of Rosco Arbuckle, and Oliver Hardy. The film company was unable to, resist emphasising Arbuckle's size, by inserting the word Fatty, between his forename and surname, in all of his promotional advertising.
Laurel and Hardy were really promoted, on the juxtaposition of little and large, a thin Stan Laurel combined with the larger Oliver Hardy, the weight differences between them, was meant by the film company, to emphasise the humour of the situation.
Yes we the viewers were caught, up in the humour, and did we see the big bloke, as a figure of ridicule?
Slimming advertising has often made use of, the before and after scenario, of what the person looks like before, they embark on their slimming quest, and after they have achieved their goal. This device is very much, a double edged sword in its application, it's meant at outset to act as an inducement, to proceed with the slimming process.
But once the person has become a slimmer, it is used as more of personal jibe, to shame and castigate them, into toeing the line.
The carrot and stick approach, is a common aspect, of slimming clubs and courses, slimmers are given Goals, and Rewards, to both encourage them, to continue, and convince them that the whole endeavour, is really worth their time and effort.
The Stick, being the public naming and shaming, before their fellow club members, of any faltering and above all of their failures.
Fat Friends is really the stories, of totally different people, whose lives are intertwined, by family, friendships, work, and their social lives.
I think that it gives a human perspective of weight, of how it impinges on our lives, and those of our family, friends, colleagues, and the local community.
I think that its both funny and moving, as I laugh with the real people, and feel for and empathise with them, throughout their trials and tribulations, the actors really are their characters, as fully rounded human beings.
Slimming is truly a business a global phenomenon, there are seemingly innumerable Diets, with various dietary and slimming aids, including pills and potions.
'Expert Opinion' proliferates through magazine, newspaper columns, and individual books, all professing to provide "all of the most demanding questions and queries".
Huge fortunes made are by companies, that seek to cash in on the slimming phenomenon, many of whom are not content to rely on, traditional advertising and marketing, to ensure their profit margins. They either get involved in existing Slimming clubs or societies, or else they launch their own, not necessarily directly linked to them, but acting as subsidiaries.
Weight has for far too long been seen, as something of a vexed topic, certainly in western societies, principally this revolves around body image. Of how people see themselves, and of how other people, see or perceive them.
Looks are of prime importance in western societies, with expectations of personal appearance, being foisted on us all, everywhere we look, from the very day we are born.
Much of this is done in more of a subliminal way, and it's not really simply a modern phenomenon, aspects of it are actually quite ancient, in their theories and practices.
The ideas of what women and men, are supposed to be as human beings, of what roles we are supposed to perform in society, is perhaps the oldest consideration of all.
But our appearance follows this intrinsically, within the considerations of body weight, women have born the brunt, of those who seek to be Opinion Makers, and see it as way to ensure a hefty profit. The notion of the 'Body Beautiful' is persistently promoted, through advertising on the telly, and in women's magazines. This is continually emphasised through, the images of the so called 'Ideal Woman' as appearing as, television presenters, news readers, chefs, weather 'Girls'. All of the jobs that the male television executives, imagine that women may be called on to perform, in front of the camera for the viewing populace.
When it comes to advertising, the women who stand a cat in hells, chance of even being considered, are those who fit a narrowly defined, category of what is supposed to be aesthetically pleasing. But to whom are the andvertisers approaching, just who is the target audience?
Men have been the owners, and managers of the businesses, who make and sell the ideas, and the products, as well as the television, film companies, magazines and newspapers, that so assiduously promotes them.
Yes in deed many roles that have, hitherto been male bastions, are now being undertaken by women, but in reality just how much autonomy, are they really allowed to perform? Possibly much more importantly, whose ideas and notions are being pursued, to what extent are women able to decide for themselves, what ideas are promoted?
It's not for nothing that the issues, relating to weight and women, of how they perceive themselves, and of how they are perceived, is a topic of intense debate, as the consideration, that 'Fat is a feminist issue'.
As important and essential is the understanding, of how weight is a weapon aimed at women, it is not an issue that is confined to women, the attitudes towards men though different, also have a detrimental effect, on the people concerned.
The images that pervade of men, where their weight is concerned, largely figure them as objects of fun, and scorn, the typical calls of "tubby" or even of "lard arse" are all to common. Blokes are supposed to consider such terms, as merely being a matter of cheerful banter, and expected to simply laugh it off, that is at the very least, else they be victimised.
From the earliest movies the image, of the bloke with the ample figure, has been presented as the jovial fatty, film stars were made of Rosco Arbuckle, and Oliver Hardy. The film company was unable to, resist emphasising Arbuckle's size, by inserting the word Fatty, between his forename and surname, in all of his promotional advertising.
Laurel and Hardy were really promoted, on the juxtaposition of little and large, a thin Stan Laurel combined with the larger Oliver Hardy, the weight differences between them, was meant by the film company, to emphasise the humour of the situation.
Yes we the viewers were caught, up in the humour, and did we see the big bloke, as a figure of ridicule?
Slimming advertising has often made use of, the before and after scenario, of what the person looks like before, they embark on their slimming quest, and after they have achieved their goal. This device is very much, a double edged sword in its application, it's meant at outset to act as an inducement, to proceed with the slimming process.
But once the person has become a slimmer, it is used as more of personal jibe, to shame and castigate them, into toeing the line.
The carrot and stick approach, is a common aspect, of slimming clubs and courses, slimmers are given Goals, and Rewards, to both encourage them, to continue, and convince them that the whole endeavour, is really worth their time and effort.
The Stick, being the public naming and shaming, before their fellow club members, of any faltering and above all of their failures.
And now for something completely different...
botervlieg13 April 2004
As if I didn't hate soap operas enough, I thought that I would utterly detest "Fat Friends" because the main plot is basically about people who are... well, yeah, fat. But what a relieve this was: not only was the subject matter per episode much more interesting than the usual "who slept with whom" in your average drama series, I was surprised to actually see some REAL ACTING on the screen! So they're fat. Who gives a ***. When I watched the show I never had the feeling that I was being forced to take in some kind of moral stance on the "fat issue", but instead I was swept away in the everyday life of the main characters, who go through things and encounter problems that could happen to anyone (divorce, distrust, insecurity, anorexia in the family, being teased etc.). Mostly thanks to the magnificent acting, and the matter-of-factness in style (not a lot of make-up, no overkill in violin-music in dramatic scenes, etc.). A welcome change from the "overdone" melodramas that crowd all TV-channels nowadays (Dutch people like to criticize American TV-series for being too mushy, but Dutch dramas are a lot worse...). I think this "natural thing" in TV and film is something the British are good at. Keep up the good work, guys.
Love it!!
Laura_Ann19 March 2006
I watched this when it was first aired on the TV and really enjoyed it, and i recently just bought the series 1,2 and 3 and i love it just as much! It can make you laugh and cry within the same episode, i like the fact that they all have their own problems to deal with but they still manage come together as they have one thing in common, dieting!! Its so refreshing to watch and i would definitely recommend it. Through out the series' you see all the characters evolve and allows you to see further into their characters, some which may come as a surprise some slightly predictable, but nether the less they are all enjoyable in their own way.
Weight Watchers, Watch Out...
mathmaniac3 May 2017
Weight Watchers does everything to be able to identify the factors that make people overeat. Weight Watchers tries to think of ways to help people watch their habits and the 'triggers' that make them reach for food when caloric intake for the day is already enough.
It would be natural for Weight Watchers to have a presence in Prime Time TV, showing these situations with wit and wisdom, featuring talented actors.
Too late! It's already been done. 'Fat Friends' looks at the lives of characters and spins stories that make food not a villain but understandably comforting when stress has reached a certain level. In short, it's what everyone at a WW meeting can relate to.
Not by accident, every episode seems to have a 'weigh-in' at a group meeting. Ding! Ding! Ding! This familiar ritual is not the WW meeting and weigh-in of the sensitive sympathetic crowd. The leader is a stern taskmaster - that's the British twist to the dieting weekly check- in.
All the actors are good, the writing is funny and insightful. I particularly liked hearing a young James Corden explain that he needs to be 'big.'
Well worth watching if you can see it on amazon instant video. It's probably also available on DVD.
It would be natural for Weight Watchers to have a presence in Prime Time TV, showing these situations with wit and wisdom, featuring talented actors.
Too late! It's already been done. 'Fat Friends' looks at the lives of characters and spins stories that make food not a villain but understandably comforting when stress has reached a certain level. In short, it's what everyone at a WW meeting can relate to.
Not by accident, every episode seems to have a 'weigh-in' at a group meeting. Ding! Ding! Ding! This familiar ritual is not the WW meeting and weigh-in of the sensitive sympathetic crowd. The leader is a stern taskmaster - that's the British twist to the dieting weekly check- in.
All the actors are good, the writing is funny and insightful. I particularly liked hearing a young James Corden explain that he needs to be 'big.'
Well worth watching if you can see it on amazon instant video. It's probably also available on DVD.
Fat Friends
dementednun25 March 2021
What can I say about the show, it started off good and then Coronation Street decided we want to take some of those actors for our show and then those actors just randomly disappeared from Fat friends and they were damn good characters. James Corden's character was terrible and he was the one of the characters that kind of hung around sadley, Actress Gaynor Faye her mother wrote this so it was only inevitable that she was going to stay in the show now credit where credit is due she didn't get all the scenes there was no favouritism each character had it meat and potatoes it was just really annoying how how some of the characters from season 1 disappeared because they were brilliant we invested time in them and then ITV decided they wanted to steal them for Coronation Street and turn them into mopey dopey dull characters that we couldn't wait to die and in fact the whole family was written out after a year or two. Lynda Baron was a great edition because she's a wonderful actress and she needs to star in more TV shows. So is Lisa Rylie.
What a Silly pointless show and waste of Air Time
gracielou963 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I watched the first show of each series just to see and what a waste of time. The girl from Emmerdale she was fat so yeah she should be in fat friend but no one every lost weigh.
Like Itv made a big mistake with this.
Bad Girls is 100times better.
I feel that the whole show was just about large people trying to loose weight but never did then they tried to have love storyline oh my god what a a waste of time and also air time. This show has not been repeated on ITV2/3/4 yeah thats how good it is.
I would say do not by th box sets just a waste of money.
BEWARE
Like Itv made a big mistake with this.
Bad Girls is 100times better.
I feel that the whole show was just about large people trying to loose weight but never did then they tried to have love storyline oh my god what a a waste of time and also air time. This show has not been repeated on ITV2/3/4 yeah thats how good it is.
I would say do not by th box sets just a waste of money.
BEWARE
Hilarious and subversive
tristram-418 May 2002
Great cast make this very funny satire on the obsession to lose weight. The great thing about this series is that it does not present fat people as pathetic trying to mock them but as normal people which one can identify with. If you like good comedies, Don't miss!
Nah
dfsqvgnwx31 March 2024
It's ok but honestly is kinda pointless with characters coming and going with no real feeling it's hard to find any interest or feel anything for them. There is only one that looses any weight and it shows but the rest don't seem to loose anything at all.
The actors are all pretty good bar one the useless James cordon is in it is and a turn off to start with the fact he mocked bullying but then plays a bullied child is ironic.
The guy can't act or even do a decent line in anything I've seen him in. He's not funny and is a turn off for anything he has anything to do with.
I watched it from start to finish and once is more than enough.
It's just nah as I certainly wouldn't say it's great, good or even an alright.
Wouldn't recommend to anyone who has an interest in trying to stay awake but it's better than sleeping tablets.
The actors are all pretty good bar one the useless James cordon is in it is and a turn off to start with the fact he mocked bullying but then plays a bullied child is ironic.
The guy can't act or even do a decent line in anything I've seen him in. He's not funny and is a turn off for anything he has anything to do with.
I watched it from start to finish and once is more than enough.
It's just nah as I certainly wouldn't say it's great, good or even an alright.
Wouldn't recommend to anyone who has an interest in trying to stay awake but it's better than sleeping tablets.
Been there, seen that
alupka2 March 2004
A funny film that shows what it is like to be fat in this world where a lot of things are about looks. Sometimes the films becomes sad, but it is always optimistic.
Everyone who has been on a diet and has tried to lose weight will recognize the problems in one of the characters. It was very easy for me to relate to that.
The film does not mock fat people. But it shows the fact that we all know - you don't have to be slim to be happy.
We all know this, but not everyone really believes it and lives his/her life accordingly.
Everyone who has been on a diet and has tried to lose weight will recognize the problems in one of the characters. It was very easy for me to relate to that.
The film does not mock fat people. But it shows the fact that we all know - you don't have to be slim to be happy.
We all know this, but not everyone really believes it and lives his/her life accordingly.
A disgrace of a show that mocks people with a problem...
matt-69913 September 2003
A comedy about fat people. Trying to lose weight. Well done ITV for commissioning such utter degrading trash.
People who have weight problems seriously don't need this kind of ridicule - there are far too many people in the UK and around the world either trying to lose weight when they don't need to (anorexics), or are a bit too big.
This programme only perpetuates ignorance and greed at the base level. Yet another ITV programme which makes fun of people with problems.
People who have weight problems seriously don't need this kind of ridicule - there are far too many people in the UK and around the world either trying to lose weight when they don't need to (anorexics), or are a bit too big.
This programme only perpetuates ignorance and greed at the base level. Yet another ITV programme which makes fun of people with problems.
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