If you ever wanted to know what Peep Show with a laugh track would be like, this Channel 4 Charity Comedy Gala clip is a good example. While it is always fun to see Jeremy and Mark doing mundane things together (which they do in the show, sometimes eating at restaurants like the Indian one where Jeremy requested 4 naan) or going to a pub, this clip captures our duo at their best. The clip here is quintessentially Peep Show but I think we're all glad that the show did not use a laugh track...
We found this recent 20th anniversary special on Peep Show quite hilarious and interesting. They even brought into the actresses who played Dobby and Nancy! It was fascinating to hear about the writing process and how the writers and central cast perceived the show, its development over time, and what worked well about the show. Like they admit, the show had to end because Jez and Mark were no longer young men. It probably also helped that each season only consisted of 6 episodes. That meant that by the end of the 9th season, one could not get tired of the show. Alas, any American adaptation of Peep Show would probably ruin everything that worked so well...
Although not the most brilliant mystery series, Ludwig features the incomparable David Mitchell as the sleuth. As one might expect, Mitchell's character, a puzzle setter masquerading as his detective twin brother to uncover the reasons for his disappearance, is rather hilarious and very Mark-like. Indeed, fans of Peep Show will appreciate some of Mitchell's characters lines, such as his critique of metaphors or the quirky awkwardness of his relationship with his brother's wife or others. Our biggest issue with this otherwise entertaining murder mystery show (with one overarching mystery that will continue in the next series) is that most of the detectives at the Cambridge police department seem rather useless. It will be interesting to see how the show develops in its next season and if the other members of the police department who work with Mitchell will become more compelling characters. Perhaps Robert Webb and other alumni of Peep Show can guest star as murder suspects in the subsequent season's cases.
The stars and some of the writers of Peep Show discuss the show, the writing process, stories, and more. Peep Show is my favorite British comedy series, perhaps because of the socially awkward and post-university settings of the two flatmates, the travails of urban life and masculinity in turbulent times. Much like Community and Fresh Meat, two comedies that helped define my university life, Peep Show was the perfect comedic accompaniment to life for those in their 20s or early 30s. I will sorely miss this program.
