One British woman, Catherine Tate, is multi-talented enough to play several roles in her titled show including the woman is not drunk enough to find her date attractive enough, or the woman who screams at anything because she is easily scared, then there is the couple of new parents with a sleeping baby who won't get out of the car for the mother's birthday party because the baby has finally fallen asleep and don't want to risk the sound of waking her up. Also, there is the couple of women who work in an office cubicle where she keeps asking her to guess how much whether it's weight or money. Catherine Tate might be a new face but she is somebody to watch out for in the future. She's very talented and capable of maintaining a sense of humor throughout the program even being unrecognizable. She does a fabulous job at showing off her craft of British comedy. Now if we can only get it in America.
39 Reviews
Did you ever see a drawing of a muchness?
galensaysyes28 October 2008
Catherine Tate's comedy ranges from amusing to hilarious. She can be brilliantly inventive, and is almost always highly likable. I regard her less as a comedian than as a comic actress, as indicated by her parody soap-opera characters on this show and her serious performances in other shows. For someone with such a wide range of characterizations, worked in such a broadly satirical vein, she isn't as physical as I would have expected. She seldom goes in for slapstick or pantomime, and evidences little interest in working out the details of her characters' movements. Indeed, she seems to look for occasions _not_ to use her body, so that most of her characters tend to lounge or slump. Her expressiveness lies almost wholly in her face and voice. But her versatility in using these is prodigious.
Her show is less enjoyable to me than she is. I first ran across segments of it as clips on YouTube, and I think that kind of venue offers the best way to see them--one at a time, or at least with a brief pause between each routine and the next. In parade one after another, as they are on the show, they don't seem nearly as funny.
The likeliest reason is that they're all much of a muchness, all pitched to the same key and played, as it were, on the same instrument; like the same sketch replayed over and over. (Some of the recurring routines aren't far from being that.) And most of Tate's characters, despite the diversity of faces and accents, are alike in haranguing people to the point of distraction. A show full of such characters, I find wearing.
This is the more true that few of the sketches on the show can properly be called sketches. Almost all of them are extended bits by Tate, with little dramatic structure to support them. They also have little humorous dialogue. The best of it comes with Tate's awful schoolgirl in her arguments with various adversaries. It's funny in part because in regional teen speech it finds a rhythm and a patois that are either inherently funny or lend themselves to being made funny by exaggeration. Regional speech gives the character a vehicle for progressing from tireless repetitions of her point ("But am oi bovvered, dough?") to ever more aggravated exchanges which she manages to blow to bits and, by continual interruption, to reduce to mere fragments of sentences, sometimes to one word ("Face! Bovvered!"). It's verbal terrorism (she might almost be Groucho Marx reincarnated as a puddingheaded teen). But in the end, it, too, is just a very long bit.
Comparing this show with the old Carol Burnett Show, I recognized for the first time the value of the interludes between sketches on that show, and others in the traditional variety format. I was always impatient of the monologues, musical numbers, and so forth: I always wanted to be getting back to the sketches. I see now that the interludes set those off to best advantage. And anyhow they were more varied in tone than those on Tate's show, and the best of them were better developed. Burnett was a great clown; Tate, as a real actress, would have benefited all the more from greater attention to workmanship in her scripts. Her talent is a live wire that needs grounding.
Her show is less enjoyable to me than she is. I first ran across segments of it as clips on YouTube, and I think that kind of venue offers the best way to see them--one at a time, or at least with a brief pause between each routine and the next. In parade one after another, as they are on the show, they don't seem nearly as funny.
The likeliest reason is that they're all much of a muchness, all pitched to the same key and played, as it were, on the same instrument; like the same sketch replayed over and over. (Some of the recurring routines aren't far from being that.) And most of Tate's characters, despite the diversity of faces and accents, are alike in haranguing people to the point of distraction. A show full of such characters, I find wearing.
This is the more true that few of the sketches on the show can properly be called sketches. Almost all of them are extended bits by Tate, with little dramatic structure to support them. They also have little humorous dialogue. The best of it comes with Tate's awful schoolgirl in her arguments with various adversaries. It's funny in part because in regional teen speech it finds a rhythm and a patois that are either inherently funny or lend themselves to being made funny by exaggeration. Regional speech gives the character a vehicle for progressing from tireless repetitions of her point ("But am oi bovvered, dough?") to ever more aggravated exchanges which she manages to blow to bits and, by continual interruption, to reduce to mere fragments of sentences, sometimes to one word ("Face! Bovvered!"). It's verbal terrorism (she might almost be Groucho Marx reincarnated as a puddingheaded teen). But in the end, it, too, is just a very long bit.
Comparing this show with the old Carol Burnett Show, I recognized for the first time the value of the interludes between sketches on that show, and others in the traditional variety format. I was always impatient of the monologues, musical numbers, and so forth: I always wanted to be getting back to the sketches. I see now that the interludes set those off to best advantage. And anyhow they were more varied in tone than those on Tate's show, and the best of them were better developed. Burnett was a great clown; Tate, as a real actress, would have benefited all the more from greater attention to workmanship in her scripts. Her talent is a live wire that needs grounding.
Easy watch
paudieconnolly19 January 2021
A really fun sketch show featuring Grandma sketches "what a liberty" Lauren "I'm I bovvered"and last hit tag game. The ginger protection group. Two people working in a office " Just have a Guess" some great characters over the series.
Am I bovvered....??
jstallick26 August 2005
I totally disagree with the previous reviewer's comments, although obviously it all comes down to taste in the end.
Catherine Tate is a brilliant comedian. Some of the characters are so spot on it's spooky. Who can believe that the elderly character Nan is being portrayed by the same actress who portrays the sullen schoolgirl Lauren? OK, not all the sketches are as funny but it is worth watching for the absolutely hysterical moments that punctuate this show. Timing is brilliant and some of the characters will I am sure become classics. In the new series the hit rate is even better!
I think Catherine Tate deserves to be called the new Queen of Comedy!
Catherine Tate is a brilliant comedian. Some of the characters are so spot on it's spooky. Who can believe that the elderly character Nan is being portrayed by the same actress who portrays the sullen schoolgirl Lauren? OK, not all the sketches are as funny but it is worth watching for the absolutely hysterical moments that punctuate this show. Timing is brilliant and some of the characters will I am sure become classics. In the new series the hit rate is even better!
I think Catherine Tate deserves to be called the new Queen of Comedy!
Despite the bad feedback....
ellieloves11 March 2009
Catherine Tate is a comedy genius!
You may think that a girl, at the ripe old age of 15, may have no taste in comedy or movies ... or well... anything. But Catherine Tate has a sparkle in her that is different to all the other comediennes out there. I mean: COME ON! SHE HAS RED HAIR! :D
Sure, her dialogue is repetitive and sometimes predictable, but remember: this is just comedy. I could say the same about: Black Books (which is the greatest show on earth) I mean what, man owns a bookshop, gets drunk - whats more to the story?
You must remember that everyone has different tastes, just because it doesn't suit your taste doesn't mean you need to "shoot miss Tate" (as one charming IMDb user so kindly put it), she's a human being and she's doing what she loves, making people laugh. And most of this is Catherine's own humour. so DUDE. SRSLY. I'm 15 years old and I'm talking like a friggin' adult here all mature and stuff!
But seriously, I'm not saying "WATCH IT! OMG YOU'LL LUV IT SUUU MUCH YOU'LL CUM!!!" because most likely, you wont. I'm saying "Try it out - you might like it. You might not."
Thanks.
You may think that a girl, at the ripe old age of 15, may have no taste in comedy or movies ... or well... anything. But Catherine Tate has a sparkle in her that is different to all the other comediennes out there. I mean: COME ON! SHE HAS RED HAIR! :D
Sure, her dialogue is repetitive and sometimes predictable, but remember: this is just comedy. I could say the same about: Black Books (which is the greatest show on earth) I mean what, man owns a bookshop, gets drunk - whats more to the story?
You must remember that everyone has different tastes, just because it doesn't suit your taste doesn't mean you need to "shoot miss Tate" (as one charming IMDb user so kindly put it), she's a human being and she's doing what she loves, making people laugh. And most of this is Catherine's own humour. so DUDE. SRSLY. I'm 15 years old and I'm talking like a friggin' adult here all mature and stuff!
But seriously, I'm not saying "WATCH IT! OMG YOU'LL LUV IT SUUU MUCH YOU'LL CUM!!!" because most likely, you wont. I'm saying "Try it out - you might like it. You might not."
Thanks.
Grows on you
cpthollywood16 October 2008
Though I'll admit and agree with some of the negative comments that some of the skits are a little repetitive and not as funny as others (like the grandmother skit who curses on everyone after they leave the room), there are many funny or at least classic characters.
The excitable couple who tell boring stories but get excited about them is good...not so much in the content of what they say, but in there execution of it. The same with "Gingers" and a few others.
Though the show might not have the funniest dialogue, it is presented with such confidence and brilliance that that in itself makes many of the skits funnier than they should be.
It is definitely an acquired taste. I do enjoy the show, though I'll admit its not drop dead funny or anything, but does have an endearing quality that makes it fun to watch. It grows on you if you give a few episodes a chance...but don't expect to be rolling on the floor trying to keep your gut intact.
The excitable couple who tell boring stories but get excited about them is good...not so much in the content of what they say, but in there execution of it. The same with "Gingers" and a few others.
Though the show might not have the funniest dialogue, it is presented with such confidence and brilliance that that in itself makes many of the skits funnier than they should be.
It is definitely an acquired taste. I do enjoy the show, though I'll admit its not drop dead funny or anything, but does have an endearing quality that makes it fun to watch. It grows on you if you give a few episodes a chance...but don't expect to be rolling on the floor trying to keep your gut intact.
Comedy Genius
triumph_of_the_bugle16 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Many people don't find Catherine Tate funny. They can't see what is funny about her sketches, but the humour really comes from how absolutely spot on real they are. Lauren Cooper is a classic example- so many people find seeing a girl say 'Am I Bovvered?' a lot boring, but it is a classic representation of the chav subculture and it is dead on.
I read one comment that said offense was taken in a sketch where there was a 'ginger retreat' for redheads who were being outcast by society. As a redhead herself, I'm sure Catherine Tate didn't mean to offend anybody in this sketch- and indeed involve an ending where the redheads protested about their rejection from society.
The real humour in Catherine Tate is to be able to laugh at yourself, something a lot of people can't do.
The CTS is often compared to Little Britain- something that strikes me by surprise as I find them very different. Little Britain relies on rude, unbelievable jokes to make things work- The Catherine Tate Show's funniest sketches are often her tamest, such as the Aga Saga Woman who stops an egg-and-spoon race in disgust because "The Eggs aren't organic"- hilarious.
The Catherine Tate Show is one of the funniest shows on TV, and Catherine Tate is very talented.
I read one comment that said offense was taken in a sketch where there was a 'ginger retreat' for redheads who were being outcast by society. As a redhead herself, I'm sure Catherine Tate didn't mean to offend anybody in this sketch- and indeed involve an ending where the redheads protested about their rejection from society.
The real humour in Catherine Tate is to be able to laugh at yourself, something a lot of people can't do.
The CTS is often compared to Little Britain- something that strikes me by surprise as I find them very different. Little Britain relies on rude, unbelievable jokes to make things work- The Catherine Tate Show's funniest sketches are often her tamest, such as the Aga Saga Woman who stops an egg-and-spoon race in disgust because "The Eggs aren't organic"- hilarious.
The Catherine Tate Show is one of the funniest shows on TV, and Catherine Tate is very talented.
Classy, Witty, UN-PC & Hilarious, Especially for Mid-00's !
alleywayambush9 July 2022
Considering British TV basically all turned to crap in the late 90's - when highly UNfunny comedy like Father Ted + Gimme... became the norm, or otherwise just vulgar All-American trash like Friends was all the rage, THIS IS ACTUALLY REALLY FUNNY & CLASSY !
I only came across this for the 1st time a few months ago (2022); I didn't even know about it back in the mid-00's ! (Perhaps Little Britain overshadowed its potential success)
I instantly took a liking to its (rightly UN-PC and unaffectionate !) parody of the less desirable sectors of British society. Gay-in-denial Derek Faye is the epitomal slutty gay send-up, 'chav' Lauren is a eulogy of 00's underclass teens, the pompous upper-middle-class neurotic mother confirms the real (working-class) privileged sector, and racist vindictive 'Nan' is just an archaic side-splitting monstrosity in her own right !
All-in-all, it's reassuring to know that not ALL British TV has gone down the toilet in the 00's; classy UN-PC parody persisted !
Just one negative note however, you do have to endure the disgusting vulgar 00's cultural style - bright lurid interiors, tacky polyester clothes, etc - itself all part of the suburban/oik/millennial parody !
I only came across this for the 1st time a few months ago (2022); I didn't even know about it back in the mid-00's ! (Perhaps Little Britain overshadowed its potential success)
I instantly took a liking to its (rightly UN-PC and unaffectionate !) parody of the less desirable sectors of British society. Gay-in-denial Derek Faye is the epitomal slutty gay send-up, 'chav' Lauren is a eulogy of 00's underclass teens, the pompous upper-middle-class neurotic mother confirms the real (working-class) privileged sector, and racist vindictive 'Nan' is just an archaic side-splitting monstrosity in her own right !
All-in-all, it's reassuring to know that not ALL British TV has gone down the toilet in the 00's; classy UN-PC parody persisted !
Just one negative note however, you do have to endure the disgusting vulgar 00's cultural style - bright lurid interiors, tacky polyester clothes, etc - itself all part of the suburban/oik/millennial parody !
realistically funny!!
lee_sybil26 October 2006
Catherine had made some really memorable characters... The Gran and the teenager!! Classic!!! The foul month granny is my favorite...With her short temperament and all the nasty comments regarding to her neighbors... Wish i can have such quick wit when i get to that age!! The teenager, if you are a parent of teenagers, you can really related to how she's trying to portrait one... Her characters work well because they always remind you someone you know. Those people you find really annoying in real life, but translate perfectly funny to the show...I only started watching the show couple months ago when i was on the plane and am already hooked...Make sure you tune in next time you see it on telly...For sure it will make you laugh out loud!!!
I'm glad it's not just me
enochsneed20 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Having heard about this "prize-winning comedy" (a description the BBC seems unable to separate from the show's title) I tuned to see what it was all about.
I'm no curmudgeon. I love to laugh as much as anyone. I just found myself asking why I was being asked to find this funny. An old lady who swears like a truck driver, a snob who tells everyone off for their lack of manners then breaks wind at a funeral, a couple who are disgusted at finding "dried shitache(sic) mushrooms" in the soup at a restaurant. Just to take the last example, what am I supposed to laugh at here: the couple's ignorance of new food fads, the mispronunciation of 'shitake', or am I just supposed to feel smug because I know what is really meant by 'shitache'?
My wife (a teacher) tells me Lauren the bored teenager is all too typical of her students, but she was truly offended by sketches showing a woman with red hair having to enter a 'ginger refuge' where she could be with similarly afflicted people and kept safe from the prejudices of the outside world. Our son has red hair and throughout his school life was a convenient scapegoat because he stood out in a crowd. If he was bullied on account of his colouring and stood up for himself it was always his fault because we 'know' redheads have bad tempers. This 'comic' scenario left a very nasty impression.
I think the trouble today is that humour has to be seen to be terribly 'clever' and 'ironic' - you have to be able to get the joke behind the joke. I prefer the days when comedians were funny just because they were funny: Frankie Howerd, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson and - if you wanted character comedy sketches - Dick Emery, whose characters were broad without being spiteful.
I won't be watching Ms Tate again.
I'm no curmudgeon. I love to laugh as much as anyone. I just found myself asking why I was being asked to find this funny. An old lady who swears like a truck driver, a snob who tells everyone off for their lack of manners then breaks wind at a funeral, a couple who are disgusted at finding "dried shitache(sic) mushrooms" in the soup at a restaurant. Just to take the last example, what am I supposed to laugh at here: the couple's ignorance of new food fads, the mispronunciation of 'shitake', or am I just supposed to feel smug because I know what is really meant by 'shitache'?
My wife (a teacher) tells me Lauren the bored teenager is all too typical of her students, but she was truly offended by sketches showing a woman with red hair having to enter a 'ginger refuge' where she could be with similarly afflicted people and kept safe from the prejudices of the outside world. Our son has red hair and throughout his school life was a convenient scapegoat because he stood out in a crowd. If he was bullied on account of his colouring and stood up for himself it was always his fault because we 'know' redheads have bad tempers. This 'comic' scenario left a very nasty impression.
I think the trouble today is that humour has to be seen to be terribly 'clever' and 'ironic' - you have to be able to get the joke behind the joke. I prefer the days when comedians were funny just because they were funny: Frankie Howerd, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson and - if you wanted character comedy sketches - Dick Emery, whose characters were broad without being spiteful.
I won't be watching Ms Tate again.
I have a hernia now!
sg279021 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I think the Catherine Tate show is one of the modern comedies and comfortably fits with little Britain and the Office. She is truly one of the funniest women in Britian along with French and Saunders. And applies to all audiences.
With the character Lauren, she cracks me up so much, as you could say it is realistic but its a bit over-done, yet still hilarious, I'm 15 and at school we find ourselves doing impressions of her to our teachers...so it beginning to come true in some ways and a common attitude in todays "teenage society"
She can realistically take the micky out of ordinary people without being too over the top and too affensive, also looking genuine for example with the old grandma, she actually looks and sounds like one of those hags in England today who moan about everything (not saying all O.A.P's are like that!) In her early series she even mocked the ginger population and as she is ginger it was hilarious to watch her mock herself and me as i am "ginger", i couldn't stop laughing as it seemed so serious(but i say more auborn!)
She comes across as taking her roles very seriously and it comes out as a masterpiece of comedy and i hate the fact that its only on for half an hour. If its ever on where ever you are WATCH IT...it's hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!BRING OUT THE 3RD SERIES PLEASE!
With the character Lauren, she cracks me up so much, as you could say it is realistic but its a bit over-done, yet still hilarious, I'm 15 and at school we find ourselves doing impressions of her to our teachers...so it beginning to come true in some ways and a common attitude in todays "teenage society"
She can realistically take the micky out of ordinary people without being too over the top and too affensive, also looking genuine for example with the old grandma, she actually looks and sounds like one of those hags in England today who moan about everything (not saying all O.A.P's are like that!) In her early series she even mocked the ginger population and as she is ginger it was hilarious to watch her mock herself and me as i am "ginger", i couldn't stop laughing as it seemed so serious(but i say more auborn!)
She comes across as taking her roles very seriously and it comes out as a masterpiece of comedy and i hate the fact that its only on for half an hour. If its ever on where ever you are WATCH IT...it's hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!BRING OUT THE 3RD SERIES PLEASE!
''What a f**king liberty!''
Rabical-9126 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Like 'Little Britain', 'The Catherine Tate Show' was a favourite of mine when I was a teenager. Yet watching it again now, I struggled to raise even so much as a titter. Truth to tell, nowadays I actually find it more annoying than anything else.
The gorgeous Catherine first started in comedy with appearances on shows such as 'The Harry Hill Show' and 'Big Train'. In 2004, she was awarded her own weekly comedy series which saw the birth of some of her most famous creations such as ill-mannered schoolgirl Lauren who whenever being put in her place by someone bellows at them ''Am I bovvered?'', foul mouthed pensioner Nan Taylor, uncouth Irish nurse Bernadette and Homosexual in denial Derek ( which was Tate in drag ).
Tate's regular supporting cast were Niky Wardley, Ella Kenion, Angela McHale, Bruce MacKinnon and Matthew Horne. Paul Whitehouse, Peter Kay, Geraldine McNulty, Paul O'Grady, Bonnie Langford and Siobhan Redmond all appeared as guests.
'The Catherine Tate Show' ended in 2007 after three series plus a couple of specials. There has been no attempt to make any further series, though Tate sometimes utilises her characters for 'Comic Relief'. I don't hate 'The Catherine Tate Show' but I just cant really be bovvered with it anymore.
The gorgeous Catherine first started in comedy with appearances on shows such as 'The Harry Hill Show' and 'Big Train'. In 2004, she was awarded her own weekly comedy series which saw the birth of some of her most famous creations such as ill-mannered schoolgirl Lauren who whenever being put in her place by someone bellows at them ''Am I bovvered?'', foul mouthed pensioner Nan Taylor, uncouth Irish nurse Bernadette and Homosexual in denial Derek ( which was Tate in drag ).
Tate's regular supporting cast were Niky Wardley, Ella Kenion, Angela McHale, Bruce MacKinnon and Matthew Horne. Paul Whitehouse, Peter Kay, Geraldine McNulty, Paul O'Grady, Bonnie Langford and Siobhan Redmond all appeared as guests.
'The Catherine Tate Show' ended in 2007 after three series plus a couple of specials. There has been no attempt to make any further series, though Tate sometimes utilises her characters for 'Comic Relief'. I don't hate 'The Catherine Tate Show' but I just cant really be bovvered with it anymore.
This woman is a comic genius!
gregcouture18 March 2005
I beg to differ with the other IMDb-er who finds this show, and Catherine Tate, unfunny, trite, and so forth.
Her show comes through on BBC America on my TV cable service and I only recently discovered it. It might help if I had a slightly sharper ear for British accents, especially those of the "lower classes" (no offense intended), but I have no doubt that this lady is an extremely gifted comic actress, a virtual chameleon (assisted by some extraordinarily talented makeup artists), who has provided some of the most solid laughs I've enjoyed in some time.
In my book she's right up there with her fellow Brits, Mollie Sugden, Paricia Routledge, et al. and her Canadian counterparts, Andrea Martin and Catherine O'Hara. And let's not forget an American, the inimitable Joan Cusack, who deserves her place right alongside her peers from outside our borders. My enthusiastic compliments to you all, ladies!
Her show comes through on BBC America on my TV cable service and I only recently discovered it. It might help if I had a slightly sharper ear for British accents, especially those of the "lower classes" (no offense intended), but I have no doubt that this lady is an extremely gifted comic actress, a virtual chameleon (assisted by some extraordinarily talented makeup artists), who has provided some of the most solid laughs I've enjoyed in some time.
In my book she's right up there with her fellow Brits, Mollie Sugden, Paricia Routledge, et al. and her Canadian counterparts, Andrea Martin and Catherine O'Hara. And let's not forget an American, the inimitable Joan Cusack, who deserves her place right alongside her peers from outside our borders. My enthusiastic compliments to you all, ladies!
Not Better than Little Britain? HOW VERY DARE YOU!
CassiusMetal23 October 2006
To be honest this show seemed to come out of no where. It was given very little press for its first series and unless you know who Catherine was and what she had done in the past, you would never have fallen across it by accident. However even this couldn't stop the first series becoming a great success and achieving cult status.
Series 2 was very much more hyped up, sometimes this can spoil a show but The Catherine Tate Show - Series 2 (Out on DVD 30th October) was nothing less than pure comedy genius. The new characters just topped this show off and made it even better than series one. Catherine's 2nd series was on at the same time as Little Britain Series 3 and to be blunt, Catherine's show was everything Little Britain 3 wasn't, consistently funny, brilliantly observed and stuck to the short sketch format. Although a die hard Little Britain Fan, I have to be realistic and say Catherine's show is now simply better than Lucas and Walliams.
Why the third series of this great show (Which starts on 26th October at 9.30pm) is still on BBC2 is beyond me. This show is great viewing and would not be out of place in any prime time slot on BBC1. LB made the transission why cant this? Favouritism maybe? So to sum up if you haven't seen this show, buy the DVD of Series' 1 and 2 and Cancel any plans you have for the next 6 Thursday nights. This is a amazing show, one viewing and you will be hooked. There is speculation this is the last. I hope not but I have to agree that its right to go out on top, but this show will be a great miss.
Series 2 was very much more hyped up, sometimes this can spoil a show but The Catherine Tate Show - Series 2 (Out on DVD 30th October) was nothing less than pure comedy genius. The new characters just topped this show off and made it even better than series one. Catherine's 2nd series was on at the same time as Little Britain Series 3 and to be blunt, Catherine's show was everything Little Britain 3 wasn't, consistently funny, brilliantly observed and stuck to the short sketch format. Although a die hard Little Britain Fan, I have to be realistic and say Catherine's show is now simply better than Lucas and Walliams.
Why the third series of this great show (Which starts on 26th October at 9.30pm) is still on BBC2 is beyond me. This show is great viewing and would not be out of place in any prime time slot on BBC1. LB made the transission why cant this? Favouritism maybe? So to sum up if you haven't seen this show, buy the DVD of Series' 1 and 2 and Cancel any plans you have for the next 6 Thursday nights. This is a amazing show, one viewing and you will be hooked. There is speculation this is the last. I hope not but I have to agree that its right to go out on top, but this show will be a great miss.
Catherine Tate is an Inspiration
ducey24628 July 2007
I have to disagree with everyone that has said they do not find 'The Catherine Tate Show' amusing. However I do take in to consideration that everyone finds humour in different ways. I think she has come up with a broad variety of great characters which she plays very well but it is important not to forget the other characters involved who make it even better including Matthew Horne, Derren Litten, Ella Kenion, etc. 'The Catherine Tate Show' is very different from 'Little Britain' in regards to the rudeness level. Where as with most 'Little Britain' scenes there is referral to gays, bisexuals, transvestites, racists, etc (very strong issues which some may find disturbing) 'The Catherine Tate Show' does not and finds humour in other ways.
Largely Catchprasey, Largely Brilliant
oracledelphi22 February 2011
From some of the one star reviews on this site it appears that Catherine Tate's comedy perhaps comes a bit too close to the knuckle for some. I suspect most of the bad reviews have been written by folks that see themselves in her characters.
Anchored on catchphrases (as is much of British comedy), this show gets a bit samey after a while, but the sheer brilliance of the characters, even the auxiliary ones, is mesmerizing. It is also simply dead clever much of the time.
I believe the average rating of 7 is about right for this one. I gave it a nine to counterbalance those who seem to have it in for the actress.
Anchored on catchphrases (as is much of British comedy), this show gets a bit samey after a while, but the sheer brilliance of the characters, even the auxiliary ones, is mesmerizing. It is also simply dead clever much of the time.
I believe the average rating of 7 is about right for this one. I gave it a nine to counterbalance those who seem to have it in for the actress.
Dreadful, safe, slot-filler 'comedy'
harekrishna3 July 2008
I'm going to have to add my whiny voice to the other anti-Tate posters on this board. I'm constantly astounded that people think this programme is funny or even watchable. I don't find it offensive, racist or sexist as some people seem to - quite the opposite, it's so tame and predictable that you'd have more fun auctioning dogs.
There are a lot of people saying Little Britain is funnier than this - a fair enough comment, but they're really just comparing rubbish to a slightly less smelly kind of rubbish. They're fundamentally the same show and there's far, far better stuff out there.
Please, to overseas viewers who've heard about this show - don't bother, I'd be mortified if you watched this and thought this is the pinnacle of modern British comedy. Watch something like Big Train or Spaced instead, which have genuine laughs in every scene, and skip this kind of tired catchphrase comedy that really should have been laid to rest with The Fast Show (which was, at least, inventive and occasionally funny).
There are a lot of people saying Little Britain is funnier than this - a fair enough comment, but they're really just comparing rubbish to a slightly less smelly kind of rubbish. They're fundamentally the same show and there's far, far better stuff out there.
Please, to overseas viewers who've heard about this show - don't bother, I'd be mortified if you watched this and thought this is the pinnacle of modern British comedy. Watch something like Big Train or Spaced instead, which have genuine laughs in every scene, and skip this kind of tired catchphrase comedy that really should have been laid to rest with The Fast Show (which was, at least, inventive and occasionally funny).
Unfunny, Overrated, Annoying, Toilet Comedy
pulpapple27 March 2008
For anyone thinking of watching the Catherine Tate show who hasn't already my advice to you would to not watch it, go for a walk instead, in fact you could spend your time better doing pretty much anything, listening to half an hour of MIka's album would even be a better use of your time.
The point is, the Catherine Tate show is a complete and utter waste of time. It is, simply put, rubbish. The show is made up of all sort of really unfunny characters who say the same stupid things over and over and over again. Until you just want to get a shot gun and either shoot the t.v ,yourself, or better yet shoot miss Tate.
It's amazing to think that the show was ever commisoned in the first place, as a couple of five year olds stuck in a room with a box of crayons could write a more sophisticated and amusing piece of television.
I pity people who actually like this garbage, let alone waste hours of their lives soaking it up. Who ever thinks that Catherine Tate is funny needs a head butt. If I ever laughed at one of her "jokes" I would seriously re-evaluate my life, in fact I would probably cease to see the point in living anymore and crawl away into a dark corner and kill myself.
To sum up, the Catherine Tate show is quite possibly the worst comedy I have ever had the miss fortune of flicking past. I've seen documentaries about people dying that were funnier than this complete and utter shambles. Rubbish.
The point is, the Catherine Tate show is a complete and utter waste of time. It is, simply put, rubbish. The show is made up of all sort of really unfunny characters who say the same stupid things over and over and over again. Until you just want to get a shot gun and either shoot the t.v ,yourself, or better yet shoot miss Tate.
It's amazing to think that the show was ever commisoned in the first place, as a couple of five year olds stuck in a room with a box of crayons could write a more sophisticated and amusing piece of television.
I pity people who actually like this garbage, let alone waste hours of their lives soaking it up. Who ever thinks that Catherine Tate is funny needs a head butt. If I ever laughed at one of her "jokes" I would seriously re-evaluate my life, in fact I would probably cease to see the point in living anymore and crawl away into a dark corner and kill myself.
To sum up, the Catherine Tate show is quite possibly the worst comedy I have ever had the miss fortune of flicking past. I've seen documentaries about people dying that were funnier than this complete and utter shambles. Rubbish.
No! This was hilarious!
Sunah23 February 2005
I laughed all the way through the one show I saw. Catherine Tate sets up several situations...in this case a housewife who jumps at the slightest noise, a new mother who will do anything to keep from waking the baby while people try to give her a birthday party, a hateful grandmother being visited by her grandson, and several others, and revisits their scenes in turn throughout the show. The premises are skimpy, it is true, but I didn't notice that until this other reviewer pointed it out because her characterizations were hilarious. I'm a Californian so I really had to focus to make out what some of the characters were saying as she uses various accents from all over England. I would be very pleased to see more of Catherine Tate.
Un-original catchphrase reliant crap
Nu_Kem_Ator19 June 2006
I loved Little Britain when it was a cult show. Funny, interesting characters, provocative yet borderline genius. Ever since it's decline (Series 3) other shows have imitated its format with disastrous consequences, this being the perfect example. Not one sketch I watched was original; most of the time relying on rude, vulgar behaviour from characters for a laugh or some early-teenager-brain washing catchphrase. Possibly the most 'hilarious' sketch, people sitting in a car on the way to funeral, it's all sombre and quiet. Then somebody farts! HA - Brilliant! By the way, that's sarcasm. I really wish I could describe it in more detail but I can't because if I watch any more episodes, I will kill myself. Steer well clear of this embarrassment to British comedy.
I'm there too, watching children being maimed is funnier than this
edzillion25 July 2006
Yes, I personally think that British comedy has died a death since the early 90's. The stuff on nowadays seems to be so reliant on these not-very-likable characters that are usually working class and have some kind of catchphrase that sounds sufficiently chav'esquire. re: "Am I bovvered", "yes but, no, but" etcetera. I wonder are the working class people laughing along with everyone else, thinking 'this is spot on, not only can i not speak English very well, I do have 30 kids and lost one in mac donalds earlier today' har har. Catherine Tate is the worst of the lot, and if she was better looking I might question how she got there.
How did she get there?
Yours, ed
How did she get there?
Yours, ed
The Catherine Tate Show and Little Britain are in different Leagues
aidious2 October 2005
Little Britain is a very funny sketch show but it is nowhere near as well observed as Catherine's masterpiece. Compare Vicky Pollard and Lauren. Many assume that Lauren is Catherine's attempt to imitate and cash in on Lucas's Pollard. But the character of Lauren was invented long before that of Pollard and is a far richer observation of today's inarticulate, low-aspiring youth. Pollard is a much more surreal character, someone who wouldn't be of place in Royston Vasey. Lauren however is scarily real.
Also the 'Nan' is possibly the second funniest 'Nan' creation in recent times, second only to the slightly more sublimity that is 'Nanna' in The Royle Family.
In fact, the majority of sketches on the Catherine Tate Show are very strong. It is just that people assume that a show that has so many different sketches with such a limited number of performers will be stale, but it's not. In fact, it's fantastic.
Also the 'Nan' is possibly the second funniest 'Nan' creation in recent times, second only to the slightly more sublimity that is 'Nanna' in The Royle Family.
In fact, the majority of sketches on the Catherine Tate Show are very strong. It is just that people assume that a show that has so many different sketches with such a limited number of performers will be stale, but it's not. In fact, it's fantastic.
Not really that funny
tatterwip10 July 2006
The Catherine Tate show is made up of numerous sketches that, usually, revolve around the same selection of characters. Some - I have to admit - are a laugh, but the problem is they go on for too long! Especially the "Am I bovvvered!" girl. This character and the "Swearing Granny" sketches go on for so long that they begin to grate on the brain. I know, I know! I live in the 21st century and I can turn the TV over. But currently on the Beeb, they are repeating the show in between Still Game (Brilliant) and a new series by Steve Coogan, Saxondale (Also brilliant) Catherine Tate CAN act, and can do comic characters, but characters that would much more suit a film that a TV show.
Once the predictable parts of the sketches get into your mind (after one watch) the show gets really old, really fast.
Once the predictable parts of the sketches get into your mind (after one watch) the show gets really old, really fast.
Awful and talentless show!
bazzatuk23 January 2008
Only online do I find anyone who will comment that they enjoy this show! I ask around with friends, at work or customers that I speak to daily - I have yet to find anyone who thinks Catherine Tate is anything special.
I found myself watching several times in an attempt to determine the reason the BBC directs so much focus and promotion of this show. For a long time she has been a favourite of the BBC, evening appearing in an episode of Doctor Who to destroy that as well.
I can sit and watch an entire episode without finding anything remotely interesting or funny. It'll take a lot for me not to laugh, I love comedies and this isn't comedy.
Coining instantly recognisable phrases is about all this show is good for. "Am I bothered" or "How very dare you" repeated episode after episode is not funny. Little Britain started off well but eventually fell into the same trap and repeated material over and over.
In recent years I can't think of any TV programme that has had me reaching for the remote as fast, as when this comes on. Maybe Big Brother comes a close second, more Junk Food TV for the generation that wouldn't understand talented television if it hit them twelve times in the face with a large cod or halibut.
You needn't ask if I would recommend this to anyone.
I found myself watching several times in an attempt to determine the reason the BBC directs so much focus and promotion of this show. For a long time she has been a favourite of the BBC, evening appearing in an episode of Doctor Who to destroy that as well.
I can sit and watch an entire episode without finding anything remotely interesting or funny. It'll take a lot for me not to laugh, I love comedies and this isn't comedy.
Coining instantly recognisable phrases is about all this show is good for. "Am I bothered" or "How very dare you" repeated episode after episode is not funny. Little Britain started off well but eventually fell into the same trap and repeated material over and over.
In recent years I can't think of any TV programme that has had me reaching for the remote as fast, as when this comes on. Maybe Big Brother comes a close second, more Junk Food TV for the generation that wouldn't understand talented television if it hit them twelve times in the face with a large cod or halibut.
You needn't ask if I would recommend this to anyone.
Catherine is hilarious!!!!
chris-butler-210 June 2006
I think Catherine is great! i had the pleasure of going to watch the show yesterday and laughed all the way through. she is very professional but also very funny. In one scene she had to open her top and she'd stuck a picture of hairy man boobs on her chest. We cracked up!! then i met her after the show and she is so natural and down to earth. I don't think it's fair people dissing her and saying she's untalented because she is v.v.v.v talented and funny!!! She has been credited as the new dawn French and to be honest if you can be the new DF, then you have to be very special! I also suggest that you watch the new series as it is funnier than all the others. Well done, Catherine!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
