Problems - Aussie surreal?

mirandashell · Dec 4, 2013

I'm just watching an Australian comedy called Problems. It's a bit ..... odd.

We are on the 6th sketch and it's made me laugh out loud once with a very clever sketch about supermarket shopping. And I've grinned a couple of times at funny lines.

But it is odd.

Is it popular in Aus?

ajaye · Dec 4, 2013

First I've heard of it, so can't have been too big. Looks like they only made 4 episodes. Sounds like one of those ooh that's funny, ooh that's lame ones???

Helix · Dec 4, 2013

I remember that! It was on the ABC last year, but in a late time slot, I think. I only saw a couple of episodes, but quite enjoyed the absurdist comedy. The man-dressed-as-a-pet idea popped up earlier in 'Wilfred', which was shown first on SBS and later remade in the U.S.

The ABC and SBS (like the BBC) are more willing than the commercial channels to take a punt on comedy that's not yer run of the mill sit coms.

mirandashell · Dec 5, 2013

ajaye said:
First I've heard of it, so can't have been too big. Looks like they only made 4 episodes. Sounds like one of those ooh that's funny, ooh that's lame ones???

Yeah, like all sketch shows it's definitely hit and miss. And it gets quite close to being racist in a post-modern 'look we're so funny making fun of racists' way.

But little bits of it were funny enough to make me watch the next one. And it's on after Crackanory which is very funny!

ajaye · Dec 5, 2013

now I have to google Crackanory

ajaye · Dec 5, 2013

I get cracker and crackers but no crackonary :/

LA*78 · Dec 5, 2013

I've never heard of it either (and I watch an excessive amount of TV). Will have to look it up.

ajaye · Dec 5, 2013

oh, it helps if I spell it correctly

Helix · Dec 5, 2013

ajaye said:
I get cracker and crackers but no crackonary :/

Here ya go: Crackanory

ajaye · Dec 5, 2013

it looks great - saw Jack Dee does one, I loved Lead Balloon - don't know if it's on over here, shall have to snoop around further !

ETA - oh thanks Helix

Helix · Dec 5, 2013

No worries. I didn't notice the misspelling!

There are a few reviews online.

ajaye · Dec 5, 2013

LA*78 said:
(and I watch an excessive amount of TV)

me too

Helix · Dec 5, 2013

Damn! I just watched the start of this story told by Jack Dee and I want to know how it ends.

*goes to search YouTube*

mirandashell · Dec 5, 2013

We used to have a children's show called Jackanory. Went on for decades and was very famous. Had very good actors reading the stories. So they bought it back but with horror stories. It's very funny.

And I apologise for being so parochial and not providing a link.

Helix · Dec 5, 2013

I see that one of the writers worked on 'The League of Gentlemen'.

*Stand by for sweeping generalisation and opinion*

I think no one does that sort of dark comic fantasy as well as the Brits.

mirandashell · Dec 6, 2013

Comes from living in a dark comic country......

Problems - Aussie surreal?

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