Peep Show, Phoenix Nights, Ghostbusters and Ronnie Barker

A few things all linked to C4 Friday nights.

Firstly, the excellent Peep Show returns tonight at 10pm for a third series. I can't recommend it highly enough - last year it ran along side the brilliant Max and Paddy - and outshone it!


Talking of Max and Paddy, no plans for a second series (unfortunately!), but Peter Kay is working on ideas for a third series of Phoenix Nights, and possibly a movie. A new series I'd welcome (though I'd prefer a second Max and Paddy!), but I can't see the film working myself!


Now, talking Friday nights - anyone know what's happened to the last episode of Dirty Tricks? It's supposed to be a six week series, but only five episodes have been shown.


And now, a story from Media Guardian claiming C4 are turning their back on it's traditional Friday night comedy slot in favour of movie repeats and a tribute to Ronnie Barker.

The basis of the story seems to be Ghostbusters is airing next Friday - but C4 usually pull their comedy schedules when Children in Need and Comic Relief airs!

The next week C4 are airing a repeat of "Heroes of Comedy" as a tribute to Ronnie Barker in the 9pm slot. C4 say the slot will then be filled with comedy and entertainment again with a number of Christmas specials planned.

It looks like the "new" series of The Simpsons has been delayed - the last aired began in November 2004, but no place for it in the schedules yet.

C4's recently revealed Winter Schedule though put alot of emphasis on the Friday night schedule, with the return of Green Wing and the Friday Night Project, plus 8 out of 10 Cats and new comedies including The It Crowd and new US hit My Name is Earl.

Very happy that My Name Is Earl is coming to 4, it's the best of all the new sitcoms from the US autumn schedules. 8 out of 10 Cats was a suprise hit, so along with Green Wing and the return on Scrubs at some point next year, C4's Friday nights are as good as they ever were in the late 90's. All we need now is the return of 4Later and I can watch C4 solidly from 8pm to 4am like I used to

According to a piece of news a few months ago, Peter Kay is actually scrapping Max and Paddy AND Phoenix Nights, and is starting something new (totally of the topic of That Peter Kay Thing, Phoenix Nights etc.) so it's pretty hard to try and believe that.

Actually it's true. It's all quoted from a BBC Radio 6 interview.. he has got plans for an new series of Phoenix Nights - as well as the totally brand new series. Personally i'm glad he's bringing Phoenix Nights back and not Max & Paddy...that was sh*te.

This is how I understand it, Peter Kay is currently working on a brand new project for Channel 4, so the good news is that Max and Paddy won't return for a second outing, I enjoyed the show more when I bought the DVD, but even one series of it exhausted the idea, and glad to see Peter Kay doing something new. Plus no-one has mentioned who he's working with, when he did That Peter Kay Thing and Phoenix Nights that was along with Dave Spikey and Neil Fitzmaurice, and Max & Paddy with Patrick McGuinness, but if Kay is working on his own here, it'll be interesting to see how that one works out.

As mentioned in this yet to broadcast interview, he said it was probably the right time to bring back Phoenix Nights, probably as a film rather than a third series, which I would rather see, as again there probably isn't much more you could get out of Phoenix Nights, though it'll be interesting to see what ideas they would come up with for this intended film.

According to an insert in my Max and Paddy DVD....

Max and Paddy WILL return next year but they will no longer be on the 'road to nowhere', instead in 'The Power of Two' - based on a fitness regime.

Looking forward to 8 out of 10 cats!

Good news IN YOUR VIEW - there were plenty that very much enjoyed Max and Paddy.

Channel 4 are now able to show Season 13 of the simpsons, but I think they are holding back til next year with it

I think the pulling of the comedy line up on children in need/comic relief.
may be the BBC ownership of C4 coming alight more

I enjoyed Max and Paddy aswell, I even have the DVD, I'm just saying in a way I'm glad it isn't coming back as there isn't much more you could get out of the idea, I'd rather it be one Series of 6 good episodes, rather than two Series with the 2nd not being that good.

I loved Max and Paddy and still think it has potential - argubly more than going back to the club. I always thought the second series could see them travelling around Europe or something.

Also, I'm kind of fed up in being short changed by decent British comedies. Yes, it's good to stop at the peak - but it's ridiculous when you think most UK comedies have less episodes in total than one US season!

I think at least 3 series of 6-8 episodes isn't too much to expect!

I disagree. I prefer the length of British series..It's quality not quantity!American series drag on and on and on and on - spreading the material very thinly. Friends, Will & Grace & The Simpsons to name just a few have fallen to this daft never-ending series curse.