Peep Show, the Best Comedy on Television

Although the ratings are poor, DVD sales are high for Peep Show, a Channel 4 sitcom featuring Robert Webb and David Mitchell. How do I feel about the show? I have watched all thirty shows three times apiece. In my opinion, this is the best comedy show on television anywhere in the English-speaking world right now. No one can make me laugh like the Webb and Mitchell team.

The most novel innovation in Peep Show relates to how the camera is employed. Instead of watching all the characters on the set, we see the world through one of the character's eyes, literally, because the camera is mounted upon that character's forehead. The second innovation relates to the frequent narration by one of the two main characters, revealing their base hidden motivations and interpretations.

The writers do not shy away from getting intellectual on your ass. Historical, philosophical and academic references are on the menu. Expect witty dialog packed with maximum drama and strange asides that will leave you thinking. While there are countless references to homosexuality, heterosexuality, recreational drug use, casual sex, and monogamy, none of it is offensive, mean-spirited or didactic. Instead everything progresses along a natural arc with a focus upon the feelings and motivations of the characters. The stars and the supporting cast all meet the challenge presented by the brainy writing. My favorite characters? I like them all very much, even the most minor characters who appear in the show only once or twice. However, after Webb and Mitchell, I really like Olivia Colman, who also stars in the gay-friendly sitcom "Beautiful People," which I also recommend. But she shines brighter in Peep Show, where she represents a more sympathetic and believable character.

David Mitchell and Robert Webb also produce a show called "That Mitchell and Webb Look," which is just as funny as Peep Show, but in a completely different format, being a series of short, unrelated sketches. I recommend both of these shows and hope that these actors enjoy a long career in show biz, because I intend to follow their productions from now on. The five seasons of Peep Show already completed are destined to be classics, because they have broken exciting new ground in the art of television comedy.

I never laughed so hard. Thank you to England for producing superb comedy!