Includes bibliographical references (pages 234-253) and index.
Contents
From alternative to cult : mapping post-alternative comedy -- Britain's top light entertainer and singer : Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer and the cultification of light entertainment -- 'Careful now' : Graham Linehan : a case study in post-alternative sitcom -- Patchy in places : developments in post-alternative sketch comedy -- Community and intimacy : from laugh track to commentary track -- The 'Zooniverse' and other (furnished) comic worlds -- Are you sitting uncomfortably? : from 'cringe' to 'dark' comedy -- Near the knuckle? It nearly took my arm off! : British comedy and the 'new offensiveness'.
Summary
This book is the first sustained critical analysis of cult British TV comedy from 1990 to the present day. The book examines 'post-alternative' comedy as both 'cult' and 'quality' TV, aimed mostly at niche audiences and often possessing a subcultural aura. It includes case studies of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer and the sitcom writer Graham Linehan.