The Larry Sanders Show
As has been belated on about time and time again in this series of witterings, the core of any long-lasting comedy is a strong dynamic between the central characters - you understand exactly why they need each other and exactly what drives them to frustration about each other. The central trio of Larry, Hank and Artie in The Larry Sanders Show are a fine example. It also helps that the three are backed up by strong performances and some cracking writing. Add in a selection of extremely famous often more than willing to poke fun at themselves and you’ve got a winning formula.
The Office (US)
“Hmm”, I imagine you’re thinking, “he’s mentioned the Amercian one but seems to have left off the UK one. Is that an omission?” Nope, it is not. I tried watching the original Office when it was first on and I just couldn’t find Ricky Gervais funny. I’m in a minority on this one as clearly millions of people love his stuff but he just leaves me cold. The American version, on the other hand..
Well, OK, a small caveat here - the first season is not great, largely because they are direct remakes of the UK one. However, once it hits the second season, finds its own voice and allows the supporting cast to expand and become an ensemble, it really hits its stride. The most satisfying part is the development of the relationships between Jim, Pam and Dwight and the fact that is gets brought to a conclusion (that even involves the documentary crew who have been unseen up until the final season).
Parks And Recreation
Of the three in this post, this has to be my favourite. In much the same way as The Office, it takes its first season to find its feet* but, once it does, it’s an absolute cracker. With the exception of Mark Brandanowicz who they never really seemed to know what to do with, the whole ensemble brings something to the table here. As with The Office, once it expands out a bit more to include the supporting characters in a stronger way (particularly Donna and Jerry), it becomes something immensely rewatchable. It’s also fairly optimistic and hopeful - something that’s not always to be found in a sitcom but an element that has carried forward into producer Michael Schur’s follow ups, Brooklyn Nine Nine and The Good Place.
* Where the first season of The US Office was too much a copy of the UK one, the first season of Parks And Rec is a little too much like a copy of the US Office (unsurprisingly given that it was created by producers who worked on that show and was potentially going to be a direct spin-off at one point)
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