Benidorm - Series 1 & 2
On Tuesday 23rd January 2007 GMT at 12:49 AM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
A website has been set up with details of new ITV sitcom Benidorn
http://www.solanaapartments.co.uk
Starts 1st February 10 PM
On Tuesday 23rd January 2007 GMT at 12:57 AM GMT, Mark said:
Thanks for pointing that out Barry - it's quite a curious official site!
I've got the press pack in my inbox now so we'll have character, episode guides and more online here at the BSG at www.sitcom.co.uk/benidorm within the next couple of days.
On Tuesday 23rd January 2007 GMT at 2:06 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
This better be good. It's got the bloke from Man Stroke Woman and Absolute Power in it.
On Tuesday 23rd January 2007 GMT at 3:23 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Nicholas Burns?
Purely by their not being able to tell the difference between England and the United Kingdom, they've rubbed me up the wrong way. Not a good start.
On Thursday 25th January 2007 GMT at 1:08 AM GMT, Jack Massey said:
I've read the review about it in the Radio Times. Judging by what I've read, it's either going to be hillarious or one of the worst sitcoms ever. It is not going to be clever. Apparently it is a ruder version of the classic 1980's sitcom Duty Free. It will be predictable and oh yes, someone makes a joke about "The Germans". Very 1975.
On Thursday 25th January 2007 GMT at 1:23 AM GMT, Charlie Adams said:
I watched what there is on the website and looks like another bunch of dead beat, vulgar characters talking graphically about sex. Unless I want to laugh at that there's nothing in it for me, notwithstanding Paul Jackson's involvement. How many chances are they gonna give Johnny Vegas, anyway? He sounds like what he's saying is funny but it seldom is. Oh, I just thought of this. Maybe they put all this talk of penises and vaginas on the trails so millions watch it and then they'll sneak some real comedy onto the shows. Where's the discussion about current affairs and thieving, lying politicians and the corrupt European Union? Why isn't someone talking about the Olympics and the spiraling cost of those? Comedy my nuts.
On Thursday 25th January 2007 GMT at 2:43 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Charlie Adams @ January 24, 2007, 8:23 PMWhere's the discussion about current affairs and thieving, lying politicians and the corrupt European Union? Why isn't someone talking about the Olympics and the spiraling cost of those?
Well it's definitely not on ITV, that's for sure.
Increasingly sounds like Benidorm is going to be another misguided ITV attempt to reinvigorate their audience share. And since Michael Grade is supposedly leaning towards axeing Midsomer Murders, IMO pretty much the only remotely watchable programme on the channel, it's really not going to get any better.
On Thursday 25th January 2007 GMT at 3:08 AM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Just watched clips of it on the website and yes It does look rather coarse. Yes, it's called a VAGINA, get over it. I'll give it a go though and see what happens
On Tuesday 30th January 2007 GMT at 10:09 PM GMT, Christian Cawley said:
Quote: Aaron @ January 24, 2007, 9:43 PM
And since Michael Grade is supposedly leaning towards axeing Midsomer Murders,
noooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OT I know, but Nettles' acting is a masterclass in detective drama acting. Sublime. Silly, on occasion, but then it's very English isn't it?
Actually I'm sure it would transfer very well to BBC Sunday nights...
On Wednesday 31st January 2007 GMT at 3:09 AM GMT, soap fan said:
Another website with pictures of the cast and details about Benidorm
http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-15098
On Thursday 1st February 2007 GMT at 12:11 AM GMT, Mark said:
For anyone interested: there was a piece in the Independent today about filming this sitcom. At the time of writing you can read it online here
Two quotes from it that I liked:
Johnny Vegas: "You don't want freebies, but it is very hard to pay for things here. It's also very hard to go for a drink and come back before three days have elapsed. I went out for a drink one night, and before I knew it, it was the next night!"
Producer Geoffrey Perkins: "I heard a woman phoning home yesterday to tell her friends the Manchester United score. She thought that because we're an hour ahead here, they wouldn't yet know the score back home!"
On Thursday 1st February 2007 GMT at 1:52 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I read that. I loved the last quote so much.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:55 AM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
So, What did you think?
I thought it was OK a few chuckles along the way, don't think it's going to turn in to a classic but entertaining.
I'll tune in next week
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:56 AM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I forgot to watch it but i will download it from a source which will remain nameless on here.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:57 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Extremely mediocre. Some mildly amusing moments, and on the whole I suppose it was reasonably entertaining, but not really funny at all. Could improve, but I doubt it.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:00 AM GMT, Badge said:
It felt more like an introduction to characters than a sitcom episode, and the characters had more of a sketch show feel to them. I did laugh a couple of times, but overall it didn't impress. Did anyone else find the tone a bit jarring near the end? It all went a bit serious and was more like a drama.
I'd be surprised if there's more than one series on the evidence of tonight's debut. But it might pick up when the characters are more established.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:15 AM GMT, Charlie Adams said:
I dragged myself out of the slums of Glasgow - that's my excuse for being a snob. But if people like this lot actually exist then I AM superior. I missed the Leno monologue for this. I can only assume the resort of Benidorm has had enough and was ready to retire anyway.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 5:15 AM GMT, ShoePie said:
I'll probably watch it again in the hope that it improves but I didn't find it funny and the characters were very stero-typed.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 6:08 AM GMT, losaavedra said:
IMHO not at all funny (except for the granny on wheels maybe, but even that was under exploited) ... I thought it was pretty course stuff and didn't bear much resemblance to the Benidorm I know which is only a 45 minute drive from where I live (and on the way to where our daughter lives a further 30 KM north) so we often buzz in there for the shops etc. *Some* Brits in Spain act a little like those depicted but they're fortunately a minority. Doesn't do Spain any favours ... could just as well (and probably more acurately) have been set in a UK resort. I wish I'd watched Mock The Week instead. It would be possible to do a pretty good SitCom on Expats in Spain, one of my bubbling ideas after 10 years being here ... but I would hope it would turn out funnier than this nonsense!!!
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 2:47 PM GMT, Nick said:
I thought that it was atrocious but maybe it will improve.
There were far too many characters (a little like Jam and Jerusalem), most of them were deeply unpleasant and there were too few laughs.
The idea of making a sitcom about expats in Spain isn't that original either I think. I'm pretty sure that David Nobbs wrote about that subject after Reg Perrin had finished and it turned out to be one of the biggest flops that the BBC ever had.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 2:53 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
Well i thought it had real promise, i think you lot are all very quick to jump on every new sitcom and bash it down. i honestly believe this one has got legs. a bit too crude for my liking but some very nice performances and i was impressed with johnny vegas showing acting chops he revealed to us first in happiness.
you lot can grumble on about it if you want, but in my opinion i think that the itv sitcom wagon is showing signs of moving along
also, to raise a coupel of your points. It is NOT about ex-pats who have moved to spain. its about a package holiday. Also, it may not reflect benidorm as one poster has noted but it resembles an all-inclusive holiday resort. these people are all in one place in a big resort. everyone please get their facts right and (i suspect) actually bother to watch it if you're going to hate it.
phew, i feel better now... 
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:00 PM GMT, David H said:
I didn't think it was that bad, but nor did I think much of it. Thought there were a few cliched things in there such as facing the building site, something being in the toilet, complaining about The Germans.
The actress who played the stiff woman played exactly the same role in 'The Robinsons' and may have said the same line: 'I want a baby.' Her husband was better than he was in Man Stroke Woman, but that was dismal.
I don't watch The League Of Gentlemen, but thought Steve Pemberton did okay as the father. Thought the woman assumed the same mouthy role as in Rita, Sue.......and the rest of the family I didn't like. I don't know why they give the kids so many lines in some of these shows. They need to get them towards the standard of the lad in Two And A Half Men. He does a brilliant job.
Johnny Vegas did pretty well in an understated role, I thought, and it was a nice touch where he saved the boy and was waiting for thanks but the mother just bawled out the kid. Don't mention it!
A lot of these shows, I find, are still going down 'The Office' route with the long pauses after something unusual has happened/been said. The younger couple did this a few times and in one instance were put off their food by a conversation. I've seen it so many times though and unless it's done really well by great actors, it's not funny anymore.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:28 PM GMT, chipolata said:
I really couldn't warm to any of the characters, and doubt if I'll go back for second helpings. With this in mind, it seemed a spectacularly ill-judged sitcom for ITV 1, where they like "warm hearted" vehicles starring David Jason, Martin Clunes and Caroline Quentin.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:29 PM GMT, Baumski said:
I thought it was Shameless Light but even so I'm still going to stick with it because even as it was, it's still shows better promise than the dismal 'After You're Gone'.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 3:35 PM GMT, Duke Bilko said:
I thought it had a bit of promise, I liked the pair of swingers, the two gays and the Johnny Vegas character and there were some original gags. The swinging husband's description of "the wife's vagina was like two padded coat hangers" after one long orgy session certainly left little to the imagination..
All in all, better than I expected.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:09 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
A painful reminder of why ITV stopped making sitcoms. Terrible script, littered with shit jokes and a signposted ending. Not one vaguely likeable character, just a bunch of flabby, ugly working class northerners acting the way that Daily Mail readers imagine the plebs act when on holiday. There are also a few stereotypical middle class people thrown in for good measure. They read The Time Traveler's Wife. They eat vegetarian lasagne. They sneer at the disgusting plebs. Yes, it's really that insightful.
I wasn't surprised to see Johnny Vegas in this (there was no going back after Sex Lives of the Potato Men) but why the usually excellent Steve Pemberton signed up is anyone's guess (free holiday in Spain?)
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:11 PM GMT, Baumski said:
So in that regard, I suppose nothing's really changed since the days of 'Love Thy Neighbour' and I can't say I'm really too surprised.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:27 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
Last night's episode attracted 5.3 million viewers and a 26 per cent share at 10pm, which is good news for ITV. Will be interesting to see if the show continues to be a success. I would put the ratings down to it being scheduled after the much hyped Bonkers. In a sane world the ratings would plummet now that Benidorm has been exposed as a load of cack.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 4:55 PM GMT, Martin H said:
Agree with most others, awful. Just so typical and unoriginal, mentioning pop culture references like 'turkey twizzlers' and 'Derren Brown' rather than opting for actual jokes. Its just annoying when you know how could Steve Pemberton is in the LOG and how good Johnny Vegas is in Ideal and then they get stuck with this script.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 5:33 PM GMT, Lewis Roberts said:
i didn't watch all of it because mock the week was on the other side, but what i saw of it (about 5 minutes here and there) it was a little bit crap, i'll have to watch the whole thing but what i saw was typical modern ITV sitcom- absolute cak
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 5:46 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Wheeler @ February 2, 2007, 11:27 AMLast night's episode attracted 5.3 million viewers and a 26 per cent share at 10pm, which is good news for ITV. Will be interesting to see if the show continues to be a success. I would put the ratings down to it being scheduled after the much hyped Bonkers. In a sane world the ratings would plummet now that Benidorm has been exposed as a load of cack.
Interestingly Benidorm managed to get higher ratings than Bonkers. Our news report with all the facts and figures and critics' comments is here.
You're right though Wheeler - the ratings are bound to plummet next week after it left so many people disappointed last night.
I wish I'd recorded Mock the Week instead (although fear not - MtW is repeated Saturday). I watched Benidorm after a few beers last night and didn't laugh once - not a good sign when a comedy can't make someone who's had a few laugh.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 6:51 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
Quote: Wheeler @ February 2, 2007, 11:27 AMLast night's episode attracted 5.3 million viewers and a 26 per cent share at 10pm, which is good news for ITV. Will be interesting to see if the show continues to be a success. I would put the ratings down to it being scheduled after the much hyped Bonkers. In a sane world the ratings would plummet now that Benidorm has been exposed as a load of cack.
Well, from responses on other forums Benidorm went down well, haven't seen anywhere near the amount of negative response as on this forum. I'm not surprised really. I for one will keep watching
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 8:01 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
Me too. I can't wait to find out what they've got in store for us in episode two. Hopefully someone will say 'f**k'. Fingers crossed that someone will have an affair. If we're really lucky, the middle class woman will continue to be miserable whilst her pathetic husband tries to flush the massive turd down their toilet (the turd will no doubt be a running gag throughout the series). And the tedious old git will mention his wife's vagina again. I'm counting the days until episode two!
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 8:11 PM GMT, monkeybeard said:
ok then, sorry for liking it
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 8:33 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
That's OK. You're forgiven.
On Friday 2nd February 2007 GMT at 10:04 PM GMT, jimmy riddle said:
Quote: Wheeler @ February 2, 2007, 3:33 PMThat's OK. You're forgiven.
A bit crude for me,but will stick with it for a few more weeks.
On Saturday 3rd February 2007 GMT at 12:33 AM GMT, Bam said:
Most of it was just an introduction to the characters and there was't much of a story until the end.
Because I'll save forming an opinion until there's been a few more episodes but I didn't think it was a very strong start.
On Saturday 3rd February 2007 GMT at 12:46 AM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Agree that people are a bit too quick to judge things on here sometimes. This was only a first episode, and a lot of first episodes are pretty ropey, series generally have to bed in a bit. I didnt think it was great, but there was the odd half amusing moment; Ill at least watch a second episode before forming a definitie opinion, see if things begin to blossom at all. And if it becomes funnier.
On Saturday 3rd February 2007 GMT at 1:05 AM GMT, losaavedra said:
Hmmm, I wonder if they'll work in Sticky Vicky (don't ask!!!) or the endless Elvis impersonators and ex 60's pop stars who do the clubs there ... or the fact that just about every small shop is these days run by the Chinese ... the 'Happy Hours' (trick being to join 'em up for a whole night of sloshing it back two at a time), the 'twilight zone' hotels full of greys with the mandatory keyboard player doing 'the piano man' all night with said greys waving their arms about, or the cheap food places (full English breakfast all day for around a quid and everything else two or less), the 'three monkey' time-share scammers, and so on. Actually the fat slob/yob types are fairly thin on the ground in reality. Occasionally you get to hear a bit of "Clint-on if yer don't f-in be-ave you ain't gonna get ... etc.". I wonder where the SitCom was made ... not too many shots of cast with any Benidorm backdrop that I recognise. I suspect its all cuts to stock footage where necessary so it could've been done anywhere. My son worked on Cold Mountain (armaments) filmed in Rumania with most of those holding a gun being part of the local army dressed up for the occasion. Alexandria was on location in Morocco. Down the road from us we've got all the old 'spaghetti western' lots ... fascinating ... one minute you're in a frontier town (or at least the bit that shows!) but walk around the corner and you're in an old Mexican pueblo. Oh well, don't know why I'm trying to defend 'Benidorm' (the place) just because I, so far, didn't like 'Benidorm' (the SitCom). I think I'll go drink some more red!!!!
On Saturday 3rd February 2007 GMT at 4:42 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
I thought it was quite funny. I particulary enjoyed the bit where that Scottish Man was going through his friends sex change in terrific detail. The David Nobbs Spanish sitcom was called Suntrap. Not as good as Don't Drink the Water, or Duty Free, but still very good.
On Tuesday 6th February 2007 GMT at 7:42 PM GMT, soap fan said:
These clips of the show are on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TnzuIU7Eco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiLu0xpXhdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV8AXp-nHU0
and an interesting link with details about the cast
http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-15098
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 2:44 PM GMT, David H said:
Well, what do you know, losaavedra, they did include Sticky Vicky and an Al Jolson lookalike!
This was much worse than the first episode, I thought. They must have said vagina about 10 times in this one.
It's run out of steam already and we're only two episodes in. The characters are all cardboard cut-outs and they waste scenes like nobody's business.
Are there any plots in this.....at all?
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 3:27 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: David H @ February 9, 2007, 9:44 AMWell, It's run out of steam already and we're only two episodes in. The characters are all cardboard cut-outs and they waste scenes like nobody's business.
Yes, that's absolutely spot on but for all its faults, of which there are many, I still find myself drawn to it. Although not as sharp, it still puts me in mind of 'The Worst Week Of My Life' and perhaps, just maybe, we're aware that this programme actually reflects the kind of society we live in today. Don't know about anybody else but it scares the crap out of me.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 3:42 PM GMT, soap fan said:
"It's run out of steam already and we're only two episodes in. The characters are all cardboard cut-outs and they waste scenes like nobody's business.
Are there any plots in this.....at all?"
Really disagree with your comments. The only people that I know that don't like it are people who are offended by the language but it is on at 10.00pm and, hey, real people use that sort of language, so the dialogue is spot on.
The characters are well conceived, funny, believable and perfectly portrayed by a cast of brilliant actors.
The plot is moving along well with Telle's pregnancy providing lots of laughs, as the Garvey family are hilarious.
The storyline with Mateo the philandering waiter is also gathering pace and is well integrated with the other character's storylines.
And what are you talking about when you say they waste scenes????
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 5:04 PM GMT, Nick said:
I don't think it's a question of people being offended by bad language. I think the problem is that people would rather see genuine comedy rather than somebody swearing in order to get a cheap laugh.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 5:21 PM GMT, soap fan said:
I don't think the swearing is written in to get cheap laughs, I think the swearing is written in because that is how those sort of people speak and it is an accurate portrayal of a chav family.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 5:31 PM GMT, Nick said:
Are these really accurate portrayals or caricatures though?
Do middle aged holidaymakers really talk to strangers about sex change operations and how their wives have become more sexual as they've gotten older?
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:01 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: Baumski @ February 9, 2007, 10:27 AM... we're aware that this programme actually reflects the kind of society we live in today. Don't know about anybody else but it scares the crap out of me.
Ditto.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:05 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Well I would say yes, they are accurate. I've seen plenty of Garvery families in Lancashire and also Benidorm.
I think discussion about sex and alternative lifestyles has increased since the birth of the internet and there really are Donald & Jacqueline's about.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:05 PM GMT, Nick said:
Indeed. If that is today's British society then I hate to think what the locals in those tourist resorts think of us.
The viewing figures for the 2nd ep. dropped from 5.3 million to 4.5 million which is still respectable. I guess that if they drop further a second series would be doubtful though.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:09 PM GMT, soap fan said:
How have you found the viewing figures, are they posted on a website?
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:24 PM GMT, Nick said:
The Guardian's website has pretty comprehensive details of viewing figures.
It indicates, on a different subject, that the viewing figures for Harry Hill (5.9m) are superb whereas the viewing figures for Al Murray (2.4m) are pitiful. Shame as I like that show.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:36 PM GMT, Aaron said:
One of the biggest problems with AMHH is that they move the time around each week. Bloody annoying. (Plus, you have to take into account that it's repeated another 2 or 3 times during the following week, so people aren't necessarily quite as definite in their choice to watch it on a Saturday night.)
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 6:44 PM GMT, Nick said:
I can't imagine that ITV will even contemplate giving it another series though. Especially as all of ITV's other saturday evening shows are pretty successful. I don't think that he is ever likely to become a primetime comedy character and, like Graham Norton, would be much more suited to C4.
On Friday 9th February 2007 GMT at 7:06 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Actually, I'd like to know if there really is any difference between the kind of stuff Graham Norton churned out on his shows and the content on Benidorm. To me both programmes were and are directed towards the same lowest common denominator audience and I reckon there's not a cigarette papers difference between the two.
On Saturday 10th February 2007 GMT at 1:08 AM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Top episode of Benidorm last night. How disgusting is this, I know a friend who went to Benidorm and Sticky Vicky exists and she does do what she did in that show last night with flags. Thankfully though, there are no minstrels in Benidorm
On Saturday 10th February 2007 GMT at 3:09 PM GMT, Nick said:
The difference between Graham Norton is in the context, the style of show and the channel I guess. If Norton had written a sitcom featuring some of the material that he covered then it probably wouldn't have been as well received. If he'd hosted that chat show on ITV then it wouldn't have worked either.
On Thursday 15th February 2007 GMT at 5:49 AM GMT, Badge said:
Just caught the unscheduled repeat of episode 2 on ITV1 tonight. It wasn't quite as poor as episode 1 but I think I've had my fill. As someone has already said, where are the plots? This ain't sitcom. If you tried to describe it to anyone who hadn't seen it, how could you say what each episode so far is about? Compare and contrast with classic sitcoms - e.g. Fawlty tries to get a better class of guest but gets stung; Albert teaches Harold how to dance; Fletch has to fix a boxing match. What has actually happened so far in Benidorm, apart from a few loosely connected observational scenes? Even in the Royle Family, where they hardly left the sofa, you can usually describe the plot to someone.
And I really don't see how they can make a second series. How plausible would it be to have all the same holidaymakers meeting up again same time next year?
On Friday 16th February 2007 GMT at 4:15 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
The desperately unfunny Benidorm continues to lose viewers. It averaged 3.6 million viewers last night, down from 4.5 million last week and 5.3 million two weeks ago. To make matters worse for ITV, Bonkers is also leaking viewers and The Abbey (I couldn't even be bothered to watch this one) has underperformed.
Place your bets please - how long before ITV panics and ditches its much hyped return to comedy in favour of more reality shows, programmes featuring the latest person to leave Corrie in a bid to be taken seriously as an actor...and so on.
http://media.guardian.co.uk/overnights/story/0,,2014694,00.html
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 4:20 AM GMT, David H said:
Didn't see last night's episode as two was enough for me.
Badge was spot on with his post. The sitcoms mentioned all had good plots going for them as well as being humourous. People will say 'Do you remember the one with the chandeliers?' What can you say about this? 'Do you remember the one with um.......' It was no different to the week before's.
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 4:34 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Didn't watch it either. They really have no idea what they're doing, do they?
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 1:09 PM GMT, soap fan said:
I disagree, I thought episode three was very good and Benidorm is by far the best new comedy at the moment, which isn't surprising when it's written by Derren Litten.
Incidentally, when you talk about comparing it with classic comedies, Fools & Horses was rubbished by critics and said to not be worth a second series when it was first broadcast.
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 3:22 PM GMT, Nick said:
I agree that Fools and Horses and some other classics like Blackadder and Red Dwarf were given a mixed reception when they were first broadcast but I agree with the earlier post that stated that a second series wouldn't really be plausible. Obviously these holidaymakers wouldn't all go away at the same time as each other and maybe Paul Jackson should have thought about that when he commissioned it.
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 4:37 PM GMT, Badge said:
My point wasn't that Benidorm doesn't compare well to the classics - I could have compared it to crap comedies as well. Take "After You've Gone." Even that has plots in each episode (e.g. last night about the danger of girlfriend and mother-in-law becoming friends). Benidorm doesn't seem to have any plots, and that makes it difficult for me to watch as a sitcom.
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 4:49 PM GMT, Wheeler said:
Quote: Nick @ February 17, 2007, 10:22 AMObviously these holidaymakers wouldn't all go away at the same time as each other and maybe Paul Jackson should have thought about that when he commissioned it.
That's the least of its problems. Benidorm just isn't funny. Maybe he should have thought about that before he commissioned it.
On Saturday 17th February 2007 GMT at 6:08 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Haha, almost pointed that out myself. The show might just about pass off as some kind of light-hearted pastiche drama or something, but as a sitcom it just lacks.
On Sunday 18th February 2007 GMT at 5:12 PM GMT, Nick said:
But he probably did find it funny when he read it. Now I think that he was wrong but if he liked the script then it's understandable that he would want to make it as it has a successful writer and decent cast. I don't think it was ever likely to run though.
On Sunday 25th February 2007 GMT at 12:06 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Interesting to see that the ratings incresed by 100,000 for epsiode four and that was against Graham Norton's new chat show on BBC, which it beat.
I think the figures have been good for the time slot this show is in and I think that a second series will be commissioned. It has been very well received on other forums - just not this one!!
On Sunday 25th February 2007 GMT at 4:44 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Which other forums? Comedy forums?
On Sunday 25th February 2007 GMT at 7:44 PM GMT, Nick said:
It's hardly a surprise that Benidorm beat Graham Norton's chat show. ITV versus BBC2 is hardly a fair fight. What's more relevant is that it was well beaten by the news on BBC1.
3.7m viewers for a show at 10pm isn't particularly impressive and unless it can continue to claw back viewers then I don't see ITV giving it a second series.
On Sunday 25th February 2007 GMT at 9:51 PM GMT, Mark said:
soap fan, like Nick says, 3.7m is sadly not a very good figure for 10pm on ITV1 - they normally expect ratings around the 5m mark. Here is the figures for the same slot earlier in the week, as you can see, Benidorm is under-performing in comparison...
Wed: 4.3 million, Tue: 5 million, Mon: 5.7 million
I for one hope Benidorm does get re-commissioned, after all even an average comedy (disclaimer: that is only my opinion) is better than some drama!
On Tuesday 27th February 2007 GMT at 7:23 PM GMT, Baumski said:
I'm interested to know how many of you think Benidorm compares with 'Duty Free'.
On Tuesday 27th February 2007 GMT at 7:28 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I'll let you know when the DVD's out!
On Thursday 1st March 2007 GMT at 8:29 PM GMT, Rick Skelton said:
I watch Benidorm, but I don't like it a lot. It's better than anything else on at that time on Thursday, but it's not a keeper (something I'd watch again and again). It's mildly amusing, actually it's more of a funny drama than a comedy. The characters aren't warm at all, which is a huge mistake. There really isn't a likeable character amongst them all.
I think the "We're all on a cheap holiday" stuff got old quite quickly. I don't particularly care what happens to any of them, they could all drown and no-one would be bothered. I don't think it's clever, realistic, ironic or vastly entertaining.
I can't see a need for a second series. If they do another series, they need to lose the old aged swingers, the gays and the horrendous warring couple and move it on somewhere else. Morecambe or something.
On Thursday 1st March 2007 GMT at 9:12 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Paul Jackson's first sitcom commission since returning to ITV as director of entertainment and comedy, will be be re-commissioned.
After peaking at almost six million viewers on its February 1 this year, Benidorm, will start filming the first of eight new episodes later this year.
Paul said: "The decision was made after the fourth episode as it became apparent that the series maintained healthy ratings against some tough competition. I am thrilled; we had such a great cast involved and the writer Derren Litten is one of the finest comedy talents I'm come across in years. I'm very much looking forward to working with Tiger Apsect, Geoffrey Perkins and Sophie Clarke-Jervoise again when we make an extended series."
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 12:20 AM GMT, Nick said:
I think it's admirable that ITV are going to continue to make new sitcoms but I still find the decision to give it a second run surprising.
I wonder how they'll feel if the last 2 episodes of this series lose viewers.
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 1:09 AM GMT, Britcom Barry said:
I glad it got a new series; it has an interesting array of characters and could be good. I say could, as it has some distant to go before it's even OK. Be interesting to see were it goes from here.
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 1:23 AM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Nick @ March 1, 2007, 7:20 PMI think it's admirable that ITV are going to continue to make new sitcoms but I still find the decision to give it a second run surprising.
As if it makes any difference. This programme has done deal written all over it. It's not meant to appeal to an intelligent audience because that's not what television's all about these days, and if anyone thinks tv has moved on since the 70's then they should think again.
I asked the question a couple of posts back with regard to how 'Benidorm' compared to 'Duty Free'from the 1970's. Maybe not many people remember or even know about it, but the common denominator between the two is that they both used steriotypes.
'Duty Free' used the class system and Johnny Foreigner to trawll for laughs in much the same way as 'Benidorm' does. The only difference was that 'Duty Free' did it without the in your face profanity and crudeness. Decades on and guess what, nothing's changed and that's why 'Benidorm' is going to get another series.
Jeezaloo, this is turning into one hell of a rant but I want to to end this grumpy old moan with a final thought. 'Benidorm', as I see it, is an accurate portrayal of society as it is today and I forsee many many more programmes like 'Benidorm' hitting the screen and there's not a damn thing any of us can do about it.
What's the alternative - 'Jam and Jeruselam'?
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 3:48 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: soap fan @ March 1, 2007, 4:12 PMPaul Jackson's first sitcom commission since returning to ITV as director of entertainment and comedy, will be be re-commissioned.
After peaking at almost six million viewers on its February 1 this year, Benidorm, will start filming the first of eight new episodes later this year.
Paul said: "The decision was made after the fourth episode as it became apparent that the series maintained healthy ratings against some tough competition. I am thrilled; we had such a great cast involved and the writer Derren Litten is one of the finest comedy talents I'm come across in years. I'm very much looking forward to working with Tiger Apsect, Geoffrey Perkins and Sophie Clarke-Jervoise again when we make an extended series."
F**king hell. You have to be kidding me. Finances the way they are, and ITV still carry on commissioning and recommissioning utter wank. They don't try and improve their audience, do they? They're happy with the brain dead morons that do watch and aren't interested in gaining more viewers (not that everyone who watches ITV is a brain dead moron of course). I just hope they don't try and pass this off as a sitcom next time. We may as well close the BSG right now. I mean... What's the point?
Seriously. Christ on ice.
*shakes head in dismay*
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 5:05 AM GMT, Badge said:
As I have posted before, I don't like Benidorm and I agree with an earlier poster (sorry, not going back to check now) that it is much more like a drama than a sitcom. But blow me down, I'm actually pleased it's been recommissioned. In the cutthroat world of commercial telly it would have been easy for them to say "that's it" after one series, but they are giving it a chance to bed in. So many great (or even average) sitcoms in the so-called glory days were poorly received at first, but gained an audience and respect on series 2 or 3. Nice to see this principle isn't yet dead, and good luck to Benidorm (though I probably won't be watching).
I'm still confused about how they can do a second series in the same setting with the same characters, but that's the challenge for Mr Litten.
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 5:07 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Hmm, yes, that's true I suppose. But still, my personal opinion at this stage is that it's just that bit too far beyond help.
Still, we'll see...
On Friday 2nd March 2007 GMT at 5:09 AM GMT, Badge said:
I think the second series will be crap as well but I think it's good that ITV are giving it a fair chance
On Friday 9th March 2007 GMT at 12:36 AM GMT, Daniel Morris said:
1st post on here, so hello all.
IMHO this series has been one of the funniest things on telly in many years.
The scene where the woman in the motor scooter goes to the swingers bedroom was hilarious, but the genius of the writing was the way she liked them again after they bought her a 100 fags as an apology.
Now....Fear, Stress and Anger...there is a truly awful comedy.......IMHO.
Dan
On Friday 9th March 2007 GMT at 3:34 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Just watched the last part. Very hit and miss - jokes and performances although Johnny Vegas was brill, plus the older couple Janine Duvitski and her husband - not the expected types.
I liked the twist at the end too where Steve Pemberton's character got caught out for benefit fraud.
Not very sitcom. Maybe they tried to be too funny and failed.
On Friday 9th March 2007 GMT at 4:00 AM GMT, jilly mathison said:
I know Benidorm is fictionally set in the Solana resort, but does anybody know which actual hotel in Benidorm was used?? We wonder if its the Magic Rock Gardens, but are not sure??
On Friday 9th March 2007 GMT at 5:06 AM GMT, losaavedra said:
See Wikipedia entry via Google "Benidorm SitCom" ...
Benidorm was filmed at the Hotel Sol Pelicanos-Ocas in Benidorm.
On Friday 9th March 2007 GMT at 4:02 PM GMT, Rick Skelton said:
I thought it was a good solid finish following last weeks decent episode. Vegas was funny, as stated, and the chav family mellowed a bit and just when you began to warm to them, bang, assault and benefit fraud. Fantastic.
The poo joke was a bit childish until the fantastic part when she was informed it was only a joke. Brilliant facials.
They did well to leave it open for a new series. Obviously the old couple would go back there, Vegas and his mum will and the gay couple might return to the scene of the proposal. I suppose if Madge has befriended the old couple, that paves the way for them to return too. There's no way the other couple would return though, so that's surely them out of it. They jest need to explain what would be an incredible coincidence if they all went back in the same week!
Good start, poor middle, strong finish.
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 4:18 AM GMT, Ashcroft said:
First post from me, so hi everybody. -- I can't believe I watched all six episodes. I suppose I did because I expected something better, perhaps character development, from Pemberton, Vegas and Burns. The poo bit in the last episode was predictable from A to Z and wasn't even remotely funny - and yes, I got the attempt of a story arc to the first episode with the turd floating in the loo - the scene was merely to expose the girl, that's just annoyingly poor and lazy (and may I add, misogynist) comedy writing.
Just like a lot of other current stuff, this didn't really offer more than a series of mucky, cringe-inducing jokes, which is sad because there is so much a setting such as this has to offer. The timing was completely wrong, the scenes broke off where actual development - and the fun - could have started, and the entire series seemed awkward and half-baked. Just not funny.
I must admit that I, too, was surprised by the ending, though, as I think about it, it just seems like one of those few scenes the writers actually did put their minds to (which is a sad thing to say for 180 minutes altogether), if only to create some sort of a cliffhanger for the sake of having one. But since the first installment let me down, I doubt that I will even consider watching the second series.
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 4:36 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Hello Heiner & welcome.
I bet if you watched all 6 episodes you won't resist series 2. Surely if they work on the best bits and expand from there they could be onto a winner but what is it about ITV sitcoms? They never seem to work like BBC ones. Was this a team job or just one or two writers? I didn't notice.
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 4:56 AM GMT, Ashcroft said:
Yeah, I suppose I really am that sad and will give it a go anyway (like I did with such unlikely junk as Tittybangbang and Man Stroke Woman). 
(Note to myself: get a life some day.)
Benidorm was written by one Derren Litten who has also contributed to, among others, series 2 of The Catherine Tate Show (and we know what that has come to).
I think one of the things that bothered me most was that I couldn't believe that these people from pretty classy previous BBC shows (League of Gentlemen, Ideal, Nathan Barley) were all stuck in one stinky ITV show. Surely not something to show off with - actually, it can only go downhill from being in a sitcom on that channel.
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 5:08 AM GMT, Chappers said:
Just goes to show that a good line up doesn't guarantee a good sitcom.
I'm not a big fan of The Catherine Tate Show. She is a brilliant actress though but I think a lot of the sketches weren't funny - almost too real. Maybe Derren Litten needs to write with someone. Are you there Derren? I'll give you a hand (so to speak).
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 3:52 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: HeinerL @ March 9, 2007, 11:56 PMI think one of the things that bothered me most was that I couldn't believe that these people from pretty classy previous BBC shows (League of Gentlemen, Ideal, Nathan Barley) were all stuck in one stinky ITV show. Surely not something to show off with - actually, it can only go downhill from being in a sitcom on that channel.
Nathan Barley was Channel 4, but Nicholas Burns was also in the excellent Absolute Power on the BBC.
Quote: David Chapman @ March 10, 2007, 12:08 AMJust goes to show that a good line up doesn't guarantee a good sitcom.
Jam & Jerusalem
On Saturday 10th March 2007 GMT at 5:43 PM GMT, ContainsNuts said:
I didn't think it was that bad. I watched all six episodes and thought it was a decent attempt with a more original idea than all the family-related ones of late.
At least someone is having a go at doing something different, its not the Office or Green Wing but we can't expect every new sitcom to change the face of comedy.
On Tuesday 13th March 2007 GMT at 2:37 AM GMT, Sandra said:
HI There
I though that the Benidorm comedy was fab it showed you people from all walks of life on a package holiday. I know some people didn't like it saying that Benidorm was not like that but do they not realise that it was not about Benidorm but people on a package holiday. I was in Benidorm when it was being filmed last year infact it was my hotel The Nereo that the crew used to come to get their dinner. I look forward to the next series. Any idea when it will be shown.
On Monday 23rd July 2007 GMT at 4:25 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Does anybody know when series 2 of Benidorm is due to be screened?
On Monday 23rd July 2007 GMT at 5:44 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Out of interest, is there a planned DVD release yet?
On Monday 23rd July 2007 GMT at 10:22 PM GMT, feck arse drink girls gobshite said:
How can they do a new series, they will need new characters and new cast.
On Monday 23rd July 2007 GMT at 11:33 PM GMT, Aaron said:
And a new writer/team, with any luck... 
On Wednesday 25th July 2007 GMT at 2:31 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Tiger Aspect's website states it's the same writer and cast plus a few new cast members. It's getting eight episodes. Can't see what your problem with this show is.
On Wednesday 25th July 2007 GMT at 3:21 PM GMT, Aaron said:
I work near Tiger Aspect's head office. Might go down there and do a bit of re-arranging.
On Thursday 26th July 2007 GMT at 1:01 AM GMT, Chappers said:
It's a bit like Duty Free in that the same couples returned to the same hotel I think.
On Monday 7th January 2008 GMT at 7:09 PM GMT, Maggie Turner said:
I really liked it but then I like laughing and there's eff all else on - except Kay Tate and thank God repeats of really funny sit coms 
On Wednesday 19th March 2008 GMT at 11:23 AM GMT, soap fan said:
Interesting to see that Benidorm has been (deservedly) nominated for a Bafta for best sitcom, especially after all the negative comments about it on this forum!
On Thursday 20th March 2008 GMT at 8:07 PM GMT, Rick Skelton said:
The internet is full of amateur critics. Critics don't reflect what most 'normal' people actually think. There's also the politics of these sorts of thing to consider.
On Thursday 20th March 2008 GMT at 8:11 PM GMT, Griff said:
I really struggled with Benidorm, despite it being populated with a lot of my favourite comedy actors. Amazed to see the BAFTA nomination. Maybe I'll give it another go.
On Thursday 20th March 2008 GMT at 9:32 PM GMT, hotzappa11 said:
I saw an advert for this, just a pram joke.
On Monday 24th March 2008 GMT at 1:33 PM GMT, soap fan said:
Most of the trailers seem to be on YouTube, posted by the writer. If they're anything to go by then the second series is looking very promising.
On Monday 24th March 2008 GMT at 10:18 PM GMT, Jake How said:
I have never seen the first series but everyone has said how funny it is.
On Saturday 29th March 2008 GMT at 2:21 AM GMT, Rick Skelton said:
Really good start to the second series. I thought the first was pretty average but tonight's episode was great.
On Saturday 29th March 2008 GMT at 2:23 AM GMT, Aaron said:
I might have to go and try to re-watch series one. Very surprised at tonight's episode. It's not going to be my favourite show of the year, but still kept me entertained and waiting for the next ep.
On Saturday 29th March 2008 GMT at 2:58 AM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Just got back from the pub, but has been taped, so will watch it in the morning.
On Saturday 29th March 2008 GMT at 6:03 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
Just watched it. God it's repulsive, but my God it's funny
On Saturday 29th March 2008 GMT at 6:48 PM GMT, Mark said:
Much as has been said above repeatedly, I wasn't much of a fan of the first series either... but thought this first episode of this series took it a big leap forward. The strange thing is I can't quite work out what's different between that episode and the last series?!?
Trivia: The guy at the airport at the start who asked the posh couple (Nicholas Burns and Abigail Cruttenden) whether he could share a cab with them... that was the writer of the series, Derren Litten.
On Sunday 30th March 2008 GMT at 3:13 PM GMT, meme4ya said:
Anyone know if this is going to be repeated this week? Missed the show on friday night.
Thanks
On Sunday 30th March 2008 GMT at 3:37 PM GMT, Aaron said:
No, there are no repeats. Your best bet is to try and find somewhere you can watch or download online.
On Sunday 30th March 2008 GMT at 3:54 PM GMT, meme4ya said:
Cheers Aaron, unfortunately it seems that they don't work from a spanish IP addy. Oh well,will just have to watch the 2nd episode.
Thanks again!
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 1:37 PM GMT, Baumski said:
I thought this first episode was worth suspending belief and picks up wonderfully from where the first series left off with excellent jaw-dropping moments.
On Monday 31st March 2008 GMT at 1:50 PM GMT, swerytd said:
I was quite surprised by the first series and actually enjoyed it. I was expecting it to be utter shit just (and solely) because it was on ITV. I was completely wrong. Really like it.
Dan
On Saturday 12th April 2008 GMT at 6:50 PM GMT, Jack Massey said:
It's just getting better and better each week. I really really like it. Johnny Vegas is the best as 'The Oracle' He should get more screen time.
On Sunday 13th April 2008 GMT at 9:39 PM GMT, jdubya said:
I just wanted to say I love this it's my favourite sitcom of the year.
Quote: Jack Massey @ April 12 2008, 3:50 PM BSTIt's just getting better and better each week. I really really like it. Johnny Vegas is the best as 'The Oracle' He should get more screen time.
No. I disagree. Less is more with JV.
On Sunday 13th April 2008 GMT at 10:10 PM GMT, Aaron said:
Quote: jdubya @ April 13 2008, 6:39 PM BSTNo. I disagree. Less is more with JV.
Agreed.
On Friday 16th May 2008 GMT at 11:43 PM GMT, Chappers said:
Well I'll be watching this in a minute.
It's getting better and better.
On Saturday 17th May 2008 GMT at 12:03 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Me too.
On Saturday 17th May 2008 GMT at 12:24 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I thought that was SBF's avatar. Then I realised it was Johnny Vegas.
On Saturday 17th May 2008 GMT at 12:28 AM GMT, Aaron said:
Best characters there are Pemberton and Vegas.
And Kate (Abigail Cruttenden) is gorgeous.
That is all.
On Saturday 17th May 2008 GMT at 12:33 AM GMT, Chappers said:
I think Pemberton's wife is quite attractive in a chavvy sort of way. And I saw her mum the other day without the orange.
On Friday 2nd October 2009 GMT at 4:19 PM GMT, john lucas 101 said:
Anybody gonna be watching this tonight? I don't know whether or not I can be arsed with it. The last special wasn't really much cop. A bit too average, really.