I guess the fact that I've never seen an episode of Shameless and have no idea who this Frank Gallagher is, amply illustrates the differences between you and I, in that our cultural references are poles apart.

As for the rest of your foolishness - what The Clan said.

Can't believe a comedy fan could miss shameless.

Count me in Bren2k, I've never seen Shameless either. I do like my comedy though, have you seen some of the rugby on show this season?

First couple of series' where decent but then it just got silly. It's a million miles away from the class of Partridge

I'm not a regular, but when I do watch it I really enjoy it - the bit with Franks twin brother in the Police cell was probably the funniest thing I've seen in years. I think people have some preconceptions about the show, mainly that it celebrates being a Chav - it doesn't. It's like Fools and Horses but in the real world and moder times with the sentimentality completely removed.

That said I can't for one second work out how Bren and Frank Gallagher appear in anyway similar - truly bizarre even for Billy no mates.

I watched the first 3 series and enjoyed it.

Have only watched one episode since and IMO it jumped the shark!

That is setting the bar unreasonably high though - Partridge is a genuine work of genius; I can't see anything matching it, in the same way I can't see TV drama getting any better than The Wire.

I would have maybe considered Partridge as the best if they never made the last series but he took it too far, just not good enough. I would put fawlty Towers above everything else with the office, royle family, Phoenix nights and shameless closely following that leading pack with a special mention for yes minister and the new statesman.

Saxondale was genuis. As was Catterick.

anyone like man vs food? im sure i saw bigal on there one episode

Saxondale - not on a par with Partridge, but his best work since.

Catterick was a bit too deliberately weird for me - trying too hard.

I thought Catterick was Vic and Bob?

Personally felt the last series was the best which is unusual I know. Thought he matured into his final and most gruesome incarnation to be honest.

The Royal Family now seems dreadful to me but loved it at the time. Black Adder for me was the best ever. Mentions for Fools and Horses and Red Dwarf and Frasier (who Bren does remind me off .)

So did I but I think the criteria has widened out a bit.

Fools and Horses along with Red Dwarf again for me both suffered with too many episodes, I will give you slackbladder though.