BETTER CALL SAUL
A spin-off of Breaking Bad produced by Vince Gilligan, Better Call Saul follows the story of small-time criminal lawyer, James “Jimmy” organ McGill, played by Bob Odenkirk six years before his appearance on Breaking Bad as Saul Goodman. See how the lawyer overcame the many trials and tribulations in the leading up to establishing his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before he transformed into Walter White’s morally challenged lawyer. Better Call Saul is a slightly more humorous and empathetic spin-off of the award-winning Breaking Bad series, with fans praising the prequel as the perfect transition.
Why watch?
If you enjoyed the darkly comic series, Breaking Bad, this is definitely a must-watch.
How
Avalilable at JB Hi-Fi and via Netflix Australia
GRACE AND FRANKIE
Grace and Frankie is so wrong, it’s right. This hilarious series follow the unexpected friendship of retired cosmetics mogul Grace, played by Jane Fonda (Nine to Five) and hippie art teacher Frankie, played by Lily Tomlin (I Heart Huckabees). The women, who have despised each other for twenty years, find themselves coping together when their successful divorce lawyer husbands, Robert and Sol, played by Martin Sheen and Sam Watersyon, announce they are in love. Grace and Frankie are forced to live together and support each other as they navigate their odd situation and rebuild their lives.
Why watch?
Starring two classic ladies of laughter, Grace and Frankie is a must-watch for anyone looking for a quick-witted, clever, and at times, touching, series.
How
Available on Netflix Australia
30 ROCK
Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live) stars as Liz Lemon, the executive producer of late night sketch comedy show, TGS with Tracy Gordon. The multi-award winning comedy series follows Lemon’s plight to produce a successful side-splitting show, juggling corporate interference from her arrogant new boss, Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin (It’s Complicated), and the diva-esque antics of the show’s star, played by Tracey Morgan (Cop Out), all while trying to keep control of her failing personal life.
Why watch?
If not to watch Alec Baldwin and his handsome head of hair in all its glory, 30 Rock is a brutally honest comedy that doesn’t skip a beat when it comes to often controversial topics.
How
Available at JB Hi-Fi
MAD AS HELL
Hosted by veteran Australian comedian Shaun Micallef (Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation), Mad As Hell is a satirical news chat show, with Micallef playing ‘the straight guy’ as he interviews various guests on real-life news situations that unravel into hilarious sketch scenes. Regular appearances from familiar comedy actors representing public figures using bizarre pseudonyms turn into running jokes throughout the series, but you certainly don’t have to watch every episode to find any of the jokes funny.
Why watch?
For a not-so-serious take on current affairs and good dose of Micallef’s trademark outlandish humour. It’s a great way to have a laugh at how ridiculous society can be.
How
ABC Shops, Sanity andTunes
From satire to sarcasm to slapstick and back again, there’s nothing like a good chuckle in front of the TV, nor is there any shortage of options. Here are five of the most popular modern comedy seriesfrom the US, the UK and Australia. All are available at leading retailers or online.
THE OFFICE (US AND UK)
Although the two series, both created and produced by Ricky Gervais, are set on different continents, they are equally as hilarious and equally as addictive. The Office is perhaps best described as a mockumentary on a typical office, where the boss, played by Gervais (UK) or Steve Carell (US), is constantly vying for staff affection, while attempting, and failing, to be a professional leader. The camera crew follows the workday of staff in a struggling company, which often features ego clashes, inappropriate behaviour, and tedium. The wonderfully awkward dynamics of The Office are hard to forget.
Why watch?
If you have ever worked in an office environment at some stage in your life, chances are you can relate to one or more of the characters.
How
Available from JB Hi-Fi, ABC stores and via Netflix Australia BETTER CALL SAUL
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