Name: Cowards
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2009-01-20
Rating: 8
Cast: Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key

If you want to know what this is like, think Big Train, crossed with Monty Python, with a smear of Jam and a bit of the essence of Father Ted, a smattering of Withnail & I and perhaps a few pinches of half a dozen other shows I've forgotten about.

In other words, this show isn't original. But then what is?. What matters is that it's intelligent and something written with intelligence will always attain a unique feel, regardless of it's inspirations.

Some of the sketches, most of them in fact, are multi layered. There's lots going on making repeat viewings a must. The performers are all quite likable and diverse and work together well. It feels quite old fashioned in it's restrained nature. There's an expletive here and there and the odd bit of shock humour but those things are never the sole focus of the well crafted sketches, they merely add to them.

This really is the best BBC TV comedy in years. I fully expect it to gradually attract a loyal fan base once word gets around. Until then, tune into BBC4 and get there first.

The sketch comedy subgenre consists of a series of short, self-contained scenes or sketches, often connected by a common theme, style, or recurring characters. Each sketch typically lasts a few minutes and presents a humorous situation, scenario, or interaction that delivers a punchline, comedic twist, or funny observation.

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The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

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Tom Basden, Tim Key, Lloyd Woolf, and Stefan Golaszewski in Cowards (2009)

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Cowards

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