c4countdown

There has been a lot of friendly debate on here lately about who and what various members consider funny. So, I thought it would be interesting to see what kind of comedy Countdown fans and players are most drawn to. Obviously I cannot include everybody, so I have included many of the current big names, along with a couple of past legends and DVD favourites. Let's see what this says about our sense of humour.


Edited to close poll.

I appreciate you can't include EVERY comedian, but any list which omits Bill Hicks doesn't even get off the ground for me.

Matt Morrison wrote:I appreciate you can't include EVERY comedian, but any list which omits Bill Hicks doesn't even get off the ground for me.

?

It doesn't say "who is the best comedian ever", it's asking which you find the most funny of the following

Where's Richard Pryor, you racist?

Charlie Reams wrote:Where's Richard Pryor, you racist?

I debated whether to include American comedians as well, but decided the list would be too long. Anyway, Lenny Henry's there - I'm sure his votes will reflect our racial embracement in this group.

Charlie Reams wrote:Where's Richard Pryor, you racist?

I'm glad he didn't make the list, we don't want his sort on there.


I voted for Jim Davidson.

Derek Hazell wrote:

Charlie Reams wrote:Where's Richard Pryor, you racist?

I debated whether to include American comedians as well, but decided the list would be too long. Anyway, Lenny Henry's there - I'm sure his votes will reflect our racial embracement in this group.

My mum wanted Lenny Henry to be the new James Bond. (I think it was a minority cause.)

I went for Marcus Brigstocke out of everyone on the list, but it's a bit tricky making a list like this because you're never going to have a fully representative list. My actual favourite comics (I do number Brigstocke among them) are David O'Doherty, Jon Richardson, and Rhys Darby... none of which are on the list. Marcus's political satire only features a small portion of my preferred comedy.

It might be more prudent to hint on themes. You know;

Gag comics (Tim Vine, Lee Mack, in the new guard, the old guard being your Roy Walker, Les Dawson...)
Satirists (Marcus Brigstocke, you could put Bill Hicks here, Andy Zaltsman, John Robins)
Impressionists (Jon Culshaw, Rhys Darby (though he does impressions of Robots and sound fx)... etc)
Story-based/observational comics (Dan Kitson, Dylan Moran, Jon Richardson, Russel Howard, Rhod Gilbert...)
Musical Comics (Flight of the Conchords, David O'Doherty, Toni and The Guys...)

Maybe this could work?

Out of the list I went for Jack Dee because he is the one that I think makes me laugh out loud most often! Favourite comedian of all time though is probably Dylan Moran - search youtube for "Dylan Moran Monster" for one of the funniest stand up shows you will ever see! Whole thing on there last time a checked!

I like Omad Djalili (sp?) but I picked Michael Macintyre for his observational comedy. I also like how his voice goes really high at the pinnacle of a joke

There is absolutely no way I could pick one name from that arbitrary list and say: I find this person funnier than the rest, 100% of the time. I've been consistently entertained by many of them, have laughed at least once at most of them at some point, but picking one and saying categorically that they're funniest? Impossible.

And where are the double acts? By sticking to individual comics you've ruled out Morecambe and Wise and even Lee and Herring (each of whom I like a lot as individuals, but who have never made me snort with laughter separately as much as they did as a double act).

Dinos Sfyris wrote:I like Omad Djalili (sp?) but I picked Michael Macintyre for his observational comedy. I also like how his voice goes really high at the pinnacle of a joke

Funny, I absolutely hate that about MM.

Phil's right that it's difficult to pick one from that list, although I could pick several that I loathe. (I would've voted for Frank Skinner in a heartbeat if he was on there though.)

Phil Reynolds wrote:There is absolutely no way I could pick one name from that arbitrary list and say: I find this person funnier than the rest, 100% of the time. I've been consistently entertained by many of them, have laughed at least once at most of them at some point, but picking one and saying categorically that they're funniest? Impossible.

And where are the double acts? By sticking to individual comics you've ruled out Morecambe and Wise and even Lee and Herring (each of whom I like a lot as individuals, but who have never made me snort with laughter separately as much as they did as a double act).

Double acts are a different type of comedy. They rely more on sketches and/or pre-scripted banter. This particular poll concetrates more on someone telling jokes to an audience, or doing the kind of act which could easily fit into dictionary corner. But oh well:

Which of the following is your favourite double act?

• Morecambe and Wise
  The Two Ronnies
  Little and Large
  Cannon and Ball
  Matt Morrison and Phil Reynolds

Jon Corby wrote:Phil's right that it's difficult to pick one from that list, although I could pick several that I loathe. (I would've voted for Frank Skinner in a heartbeat if he was on there though.)

Oh yes, I should have included Frank Skinner. He was off the radar for so long, and has only recently come back in a big way, and that is why he slipped my mind.

Funnily enough I used to hate him before, around the time when he was always on TV the first time round, forever going on about sex and giggling with overgrown student David Baddiel. But since he has come back I have actually laughed at him quite a few times.

I went for Billy Connolly though Jasper Carrot and Omid Djalili are close seconds for me.

No Harry Hill?

Ben Wilson wrote:I went for Billy Connolly though Jasper Carrot and Omid Djalili are close seconds for me.

Damn, I knew one spelling mistake/typo would slip in somewhere.

Ben Wilson wrote:No Harry Hill?

I have never seen Harry Hill do standup, although I do enjoy TV Burp.

Well, after watching Dave and happening to see several episodes of Mitchell and Webb, I noticed that Gyles Brandreth was the man responsible for mispronouncing "Numberwang", and as a result whenever I see him, I laugh. This made me want to vote for him, but I do admire some of the other comedians mentioned...so I haven't voted yet.

Dinos Sfyris wrote:...I picked Michael Macintyre for his observational comedy. I also like how his voice goes really high at the pinnacle of a joke

Jon Corby wrote:Funny, I absolutely hate that about MM.

I hate that crack in his throat too; it sounds as if he is about to yodel.
I think it is a developed affectation, though. I don't think he used to do it.

I voted for Dara O'Briain because he is a great stand-up comedian with a brain like a planet and an excellent host on Mock the Week.

I do like Michael MacIntyre's observational stuff as Dinos referred to and I do have a 'man drawer' with many of the items he refers to such as radiator bleeding keys. However, he can bit a bit iffy sometimes.

Tommy Cooper was a classic in his time and was a unique talent. My dad saw him live at the King's Theatre in Portsmouth and he never said a word but had the entire audience in stitches for about 5 minutes with gestures and facial expressions.

Billy Connolly was very funny when he first started but I think he is now much better at Travelogues. In my opinion he is let down by o/d'ing on the gratuitous swearing.

I also find Greg Lock very funny and would like to see him at least included on the list.

Should there be a place for the ubiquitous Stephen Fry?

As previous posters have indicated, it is really too difficult to pick one favourite at one snapshot in time but it is good thought-provoking stuff.

Derek Hazell wrote:
Which of the following is your favourite double act?

• Morecambe and Wise
  The Two Ronnies
  Little and Large
  Cannon and Ball
  Matt Morrison and Phil Reynolds

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore by a long way

Ian Fitzpatrick wrote:

Derek Hazell wrote:
Which of the following is your favourite double act?

• Morecambe and Wise
  The Two Ronnies
  Little and Large
  Cannon and Ball
  Matt Morrison and Phil Reynolds

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore by a long way

French & Saunders by a mile

I wasn't looking straight when I voted, and consequently have put my mark against the one who I think is least funny of all of them - Lee Evans. My apologies for getting it wrong. I'd been aiming at the one above him

Howard Somerset wrote:I wasn't looking straight when I voted, and consequently have put my mark against the one who I think is least funny of all of them - Lee Evans. My apologies for getting it wrong. I'd been aiming at the one above him

That's okay Howard. It's my fault for making the last option so long.

The Chuckle Brothers

Rosemary Roberts wrote:

Ian Fitzpatrick wrote:

Derek Hazell wrote:
Which of the following is your favourite double act?

• Morecambe and Wise
  The Two Ronnies
  Little and Large
  Cannon and Ball
  Matt Morrison and Phil Reynolds

Peter Cook and Dudley Moore by a long way

French & Saunders by a mile

Mitchell and Webb have produced some good stuff too - Not the best ever by a long chalk but one of the best double acts around at the moment along with Miller and Armstrong

Why does nobody understand "which of the following"?

Jon Corby wrote:

Charlie Reams wrote:Where's Richard Pryor, you racist?

I'm glad he didn't make the list, we don't want his sort on there.


I voted for Jim Davidson.

Only because Bernard Manning wasn't there

Howard Somerset wrote:I wasn't looking straight when I voted, and consequently have put my mark against the one who I think is least funny of all of them - Lee Evans. My apologies for getting it wrong. I'd been aiming at the one above him

I agree Howard. I just don't get lee Evans - He wears me out watching him and I struggle to get a titter out, let alone a chuckle

Jon Corby wrote:Why does nobody understand "which of the following"?

Because the goal was to understand what kind of humour we like, but there's noone on the list (probably, I'm not familiar with all of them) that really comes close to representing the work of Bill Hicks or George Carlin, for example?

Phooey!

Paul Howe wrote:but there's noone on the list that really comes close to representing the work of Bill Hicks or George Carlin

Erm, did you not see Joe Pasquale there?

Derek Hazell wrote:Which of the following is your favourite double act?

• Morecambe and Wise
  The Two Ronnies
  Little and Large
  Cannon and Ball
  Matt Morrison and Phil Reynolds

The answer to the question as stated is none, as my favourite double act doesn't appear on that list, but if it were reworded as "Which is your favourite double act of the following" then I guess the answer would have to be Morecambe and Wise.

If you were able to pick more than one option, out of that list, I would pick:

Jo Brand
Jack Dee
Jimmy Carr
Alan Carr
and Gyles Brandreth

Joseph Bolas wrote:If you were able to pick more than one option, out of that list, I would pick:

Jo Brand
Jack Dee
Jimmy Carr
Alan Carr
and Gyles Brandreth

Jo Brand - giver of jelly babies and taker of Britney's dignity.

I hummed and hawed then went for TC.

My favourite comedian changes weekly.

I do love Dylan Moran. Am into Daniel Kitson and Tony Law at the mo.

I do some countdown material...

I like Jason Manford as well, but he wasn't on the list.

I would put Dave Spikey up there.

Jon Corby wrote:Why does nobody understand "which of the following"?

We understand it all right, we just don't agree with the choices offered.

I really wouldn't have picked you as the one to insist on slavish compliance with an arbitrary set of rules.

Rosemary Roberts wrote: I really wouldn't have picked you as the one to insist on slavish compliance with an arbitrary set of rules.

The arbitrary "making sense" set of rules? Complaining about lack of poll options is like saying "why did you write this romance novel, a thriller would've been much better." You can't criticise things for what they aren't.

Gavin Chipper wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwaibguzZog

Well that was a scary thing to pop up!!

Nice finish. If you're ever in Belfast on a Monday give us a shout and we'll give you a spot.

I spent £300 on a camera over christmas and still haven't learnt how to work the thing. I'll see if I can get it working by tomorrow and put some of my shtick on the youtube.

Mike Dunbar wrote:

Gavin Chipper wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwaibguzZog

Well that was a scary thing to pop up!!

What is this thing you've got about not sounding Geordie? You sound exactly like every real Geordie I've ever known, though admittedly nothing like "professional Geordies" like Jimmy Nail etc - is that maybe what you mean?

Anyway, nice set - shame I couldn't see you.

Well the other real geordies keep asking me what country I'm from, Phil.

I'm doing musical comedy now, so it's less of an issue... as I definitely don't sound like Jimmy Nail when I sing.

Jon Corby wrote:Why does nobody understand "which of the following"?

Charlie Reams wrote:The arbitrary "making sense" set of rules? Complaining about lack of poll options is like saying "why did you write this romance novel, a thriller would've been much better." You can't criticise things for what they aren't.

Wow, two of the big guns sticking up for me. I feel almost overcome!

Mike Dunbar wrote:I'm doing musical comedy now, so it's less of an issue

That's good, as I prefer your musical stuff.

Charlie Reams wrote:Complaining about lack of poll options is like saying "why did you write this romance novel, a thriller would've been much better." You can't criticise things for what they aren't.

Where appropriate I could certainly say "the romantic parts of this novel are crap, but the thrilling parts were surprisingly thrilling". And I don't agree that I can't criticise things for what they aren't: Gyles Brandreth is very often quite funny, since that is what he is being paid to do we should be content with that, but it doesn't make him my idea of a "guest". Many people have complained that he is irritating and gets up everybody's nose (as well as into Susie's face and cleavage).

So I think I can criticise the "Tastes in comedy" poll for being short on options. I think the mistake was trying to make a poll of it at all - the subject is simply too large. But it is a good thread.

Mike Dunbar wrote:I definitely don't sound like Jimmy Nail when I sing.

I'm liking you more and more.

Phil Reynolds wrote: I'm liking you more and more.

Mike - start worrying.

Okay, this poll is now closed.

Unsurprisingly, the most popular type of comedy with Countdown players and fans is that which involves wordplay and puns on words, with Tommy Cooper coming out top and Tim Vine also getting a vote.
Ranting about everyday annoyances also hits the spot with us, with Stewart Lee and Ben Elton both getting 3 votes to come in joint 2nd. Also joint 2nd were Billy Connolly, suggesting that we like a bit of wildness with our wit, and Dr. Phil Hammond, which shows that the ladies who book the guests for Countdown certainly have their fingers on the pulse.
Joint 3rd was also shared by 4 people, another wild and crazy comic Omid Djalili, observational comedy from Michael McIntyre, a touch of satire from Dara O'Briain, along with a sprinkling of nostalgia from Peter Kay.
9 comedians came up at the rear with 1 point each, suggesting that there is also quite some variance in tastes among us, which explains the rows about humour on this board at times I suppose.
Amazingly our favourite rant victim Gyles did get one vote after all, but this could be just one of the board's famous wind-up merchants. Gyles did write a good book called Wordplay though . . .

The full results:

1st)Tommy Cooper 5

2nd)Billy Connolly 3
Ben Elton 3
Dr. Phil Hammond 3
Stewart Lee 3

3rd)Omid Djalili 2
Peter Kay 2
Michael McIntyre 2
Dara O'Briain 2

4th)Marcus Brigstocke 1
Roy "Chubby" Brown 1
Alan Carr 1
Jimmy Carr 1
Jack Dee 1
Ricky Gervais 1
Eddie Izzard 1
Bob Monkhouse 1
Tim Vine 1

Gyles Brandreth 1

There is a new show on Thursday nights on Channel 4 called "The TNT Show". It features a section called "Dictionary Corner" where some comedian rambles on about words. Another Countdown connection is the host, as his name is Jack Whitehall.

Derek Hazell wrote:There is a new show on Thursday nights on Channel 4 called "The TNT Show". It features a section called "Dictionary Corner" where some comedian rambles on about words. Another Countdown connection is the host, as his name is Jack Whitehall.

I've been on Countdown and I saw Jack Whitehall do stand-up before he was famous. Weird!

Derek Hazell wrote:Okay, this poll is now closed.

Unsurprisingly, the most popular type of comedy with Countdown players and fans is that which involves wordplay and puns on words, with Tommy Cooper coming out top and Tim Vine also getting a vote.
Ranting about everyday annoyances also hits the spot with us, with Stewart Lee and Ben Elton both getting 3 votes to come in joint 2nd. Also joint 2nd were Billy Connolly, suggesting that we like a bit of wildness with our wit, and Dr. Phil Hammond, which shows that the ladies who book the guests for Countdown certainly have their fingers on the pulse.
Joint 3rd was also shared by 4 people, another wild and crazy comic Omid Djalili, observational comedy from Michael McIntyre, a touch of satire from Dara O'Briain, along with a sprinkling of nostalgia from Peter Kay.
9 comedians came up at the rear with 1 point each, suggesting that there is also quite some variance in tastes among us, which explains the rows about humour on this board at times I suppose.
Amazingly our favourite rant victim Gyles did get one vote after all, but this could be just one of the board's famous wind-up merchants. Gyles did write a good book called Wordplay though . . .

The full results:

1st)Tommy Cooper 5

2nd)Billy Connolly 3
Ben Elton 3
Dr. Phil Hammond 3
Stewart Lee 3

3rd)Omid Djalili 2
Peter Kay 2
Michael McIntyre 2
Dara O'Briain 2

4th)Marcus Brigstocke 1
Roy "Chubby" Brown 1
Alan Carr 1
Jimmy Carr 1
Jack Dee 1
Ricky Gervais 1
Eddie Izzard 1
Bob Monkhouse 1
Tim Vine 1

Gyles Brandreth 1

Odd that, given that Tommys' best stuff was pretty much silent comedy.

Anyone watching "A Night at The Office", the whole first series of "The Office" with new interviews and comments between the episodes on BBC2 tonight? I have the series on DVD, but this is a clever way of getting people to watch it on TV again.

I know Gervais only got one vote in the poll, but that was mainly based on stand-up and doesn't mean you didn't enjoy his famous sitcom. I've known a few people who love it and a few who just don't get it - it seems to be roughly divided between those who have and haven't actually worked in offices themselves (although of course you lot will contradict that).

Derek Hazell wrote:Anyone watching "A Night at The Office", the whole first series of "The Office" with new interviews and comments between the episodes on BBC2 tonight? I have the series on DVD, but this is a clever way of getting people to watch it on TV again.

I know Gervais only got one vote in the poll, but that was mainly based on stand-up and doesn't mean you didn't enjoy his famous sitcom. I've known a few people who love it and a few who just don't get it - it seems to be roughly divided between those who have and haven't actually worked in offices themselves (although of course you lot will contradict that).

I will be watching, even though I have it on DVD. I think it has changed comedy. I had never worked in an office when I watched it, and I got it then, and now I work in an office, I still get it.

I think the humour in The Office can usually be got by anyone who's experienced an awkward silence. It's still quality stuff.

I am unashamedly in love with both Stewart Lee and Dylan Moran.

Conor wrote:I think the humour in The Office can usually be got by anyone who's experienced an awkward silence.

Ah yes, that's a good point Conor.

Conor wrote:I am unashamedly in love with both Stewart Lee and Dylan Moran.

Ah! I'd wondered what the benefits were of putting themselves through all the heckling and having to remember so many jokes
(cue awkward silence)

Yeah, Dylan Moran is by far my favourite — the man's an utter genius. The presumption I made about his absence from the poll is that nobody else would get any votes, thus rendering it a pointless exercise. But then that's just my opinion.

Jon Corby wrote: (I would've voted for Frank Skinner in a heartbeat if he was on there though.)

Me too. When we saw him live, I laughed so much I thought I might be sick. Especially with his observation about getting biro off the back of your hand (if you've seen it, you'll understand it but I'll leave it to one of the 'lads' to explain it).

Karen Pearson wrote:

Jon Corby wrote: (I would've voted for Frank Skinner in a heartbeat if he was on there though.)

Me too. When we saw him live, I laughed so much I thought I might be sick. Especially with his observation about getting biro off the back of your hand (if you've seen it, you'll understand it but I'll leave it to one of the 'lads' to explain it).

I know the one