Comedy phd - thoughts wanted

[maettc]

Hi - my name's Matt and I'm currently doing a PhD in British television political comedy. I'm looking at programmes from 'TW3' to 'The Thick of It' - so lots of material. One of the main parts of my research is based on how viewers write about political comedy.



I found you guys a few weeks ago and wondered if you (and the other posters) might be able to help me with one specific chapter.



I'm looking for people to write to me about their thoughts on 'Yes Minister', 'The New Statesman' and 'The Thick of It'; this would then go into my Phd. You can write about whatever seems appropriate to you.



If you could write to me via PM by 18th September I'd be really grateful - though latecomers will still be useful.



Looking forward to hearing from you,



Matt



Royal Holloway, University of London : Department of Media Arts

[julian_craster]

This sounds like a fun Phd...........

[Steve Crook]

When I saw the title "Comedy PhD" I immediately thought that it meant it was in something like Sociology



Steve

[maettc]

Yeah - it's pretty fun - though I'd be rich if I got a penny for every time one of my mates has asked me about the ontology of 'On The Buses' or if 'Terry and June' is an existentialist tract...



Anyway - roll up, roll up! Tell me your thoughts

[SirOllyBolly]

What are you hoping to get employment in - once you've done your PhD? (assuming your not in employment already)

[maettc]

>>(assuming your not in employment already)



You all just think I'm lazy student, eh? Have a wash, etc.



I'm currently working p/t - but the objective is to become a full-time lecturer in television/film history. I have my first lecture to do on That Was The Week That Was in October... yikes!

[Wolfgang]

Mark Kermode's phd in horror films worked out pretty well for him. Obviously 'arts' based phds don't lead to natural employment like science or engineering phds. I recall someone getting phd in Batman several years ago and he was snapped up so it pays to do something slightly offbeat.

[maettc]

I've realised that just asking for responses without context is a bit of a tall order, so have rephrased my questions:



I've been looking at the reasons that people like or dislike political comedy. I'm especially interested in Yes Minister, The New Statesman and The Thick of It.



Please don't feel you have to spend ages - I'm just looking for your thoughts. Don't feel like you have to footnote them!



Can you answer the following questions for Yes Minister, The New Statesman and The Thick of It.



----



*Yes Minister*



When did you first see it and what was your initial reaction?







Describe what you find funny about it.







Describe what you find unfunny about it.







How would you describe the series' representation of politics?







What other words/phrases would you use to describe the series as a whole?







Other comments:





-----



Rinse and repeat for The News Statesman and The Thick of It. I do really want to know what you think - forward to anyone else you think might take fifteen minutes of their time to write some sentences.