84 reviews
Wholesome British Comedy
Gavin & Stacey is one of those classic British sitcoms that just makes you feel good about the place. It's warm, cosy and gentle in it's delivery. I don't consider it in the elite category as the writing simply isn't as strong as the likes of Fawlty Towers, Peep Show and The Office, but it is nonetheless a wholly enjoyable series that can be watched and re-watched indefinitely.
- Ruskington
- Sep 10, 2020
- Permalink
A very well written, Witty, well acted comedy - Very Rereshing
I must say I can't quite understand the previous reviewer, as I think they are on a different planet to anyone else and I felt compelled to put the record straight.
Gavin & Stacey is one of the best comedies I have seen in recent years. It features a wonderful cast and a brilliantly written script form Ruth Jones and James Cordon. The programme is set around Gavin (an Essex boy) and Stacey (a receptionist from Barry Island) who begin their relationship over the phone when they are at work.
Feedback from the series has been so good that a second series has already been commissioned.
Gavin & Stacey is one of the best comedies I have seen in recent years. It features a wonderful cast and a brilliantly written script form Ruth Jones and James Cordon. The programme is set around Gavin (an Essex boy) and Stacey (a receptionist from Barry Island) who begin their relationship over the phone when they are at work.
Feedback from the series has been so good that a second series has already been commissioned.
- nicohovell
- Jul 18, 2007
- Permalink
Decpetively good
In the 1980s, the most famous hit of writer John Sullivan was 'Only Fools and Horses', but what actually won bigger ratings was a gentler comedy drama he wrote about two people falling in love, 'Just Good Friends'. And in some ways, 'Gavin and Stacey', a low key hit, is the 'Just Good Friends' of our time. At initial acquaintance, it's not riotously funny, and it's certainly not savage (unlike 'Pulling', another BBC3 hit); but the more you watch it, the more you find yourself smiling throughout, simply because the world it depicts is unquestionably the real world: this, in a way that few other television programs are, is a story of contemporary life. The central role of Gavin is quite passive and non-comic: the other characters are one-part sitcom staple, one part modern cliché, but still original - the mix works, supporting by acting and direction which overplays nothing and stays true to the rhythms of the everyday. As such, it's a record for the historians of the future to judge our age by; but very much also a comedy for us to laugh at now.
- paul2001sw-1
- May 27, 2008
- Permalink
American loving British Comedy
I must say that I have really started to like British Comedy. Gavin and Stacey has become my second favorite show behind the IT Crowd. I love some American shows like Seinfeld and All in the Family, but love watching and learning about the different cultures of British television. I just don't understand the 6 episodes per year for 3 years thing. I really need more of Gavin and Stacey as I'm just starting to really love it and it is already over. So much talent, character development, and plot only to be cut short by about 100 episodes. The show is really one of those shows that you just can forget about life for a while and have fun watching on the weekends. I find myself saying Lush, Cracking, and Hiya more times than I really want to say them. On the off chance that the stars of the show ever read these reviews please do everybody a favor and make more episodes. I see so many talented people think they can create something better, when the best thing they have ever done is right under their noses. I'm not sure the actors know what this show means to the true fans. We work hard each week and wait to watch the next episode. 20 is not enough and the story has not been told but only just started! This is a cannot miss for almost any fan of sitcoms. Do yourself a favor and spend about 8 hours watching all 20 episodes and you will be craving a 4th, 5th, and 6th season like the rest of us.
Funniest comedy in years.
An absolutely superb comedy, top class acting and the writing is incredible. This truly is one of the greatest comedy series I have seen in years.
Following the relationship between Gavin (Matthew Horne: Teachers and Catherine Tate) and Stacey (Joanna Page) from their initial phone flirtation, to their wedding day and beyond into married life this programme is skillfully written by James Corden and Ruth Jones who also star as Gavin and Stacey's best friends Smithy and Nessa (who completely steal the show in my opinion.) Those who've given this show a poor rating obviously have no sense of humour and can't appreciate decent comedy!
Following the relationship between Gavin (Matthew Horne: Teachers and Catherine Tate) and Stacey (Joanna Page) from their initial phone flirtation, to their wedding day and beyond into married life this programme is skillfully written by James Corden and Ruth Jones who also star as Gavin and Stacey's best friends Smithy and Nessa (who completely steal the show in my opinion.) Those who've given this show a poor rating obviously have no sense of humour and can't appreciate decent comedy!
- chloe_the_magic_unicorn
- Apr 4, 2008
- Permalink
Hugely refreshing
I bought the complete series of Gavin & Stacey in a box-set and could not stop watching it even though I wanted to delay watching the third and final season as it would mean that my viewing pleasure would be shortened.
Gavin & Stacey is a story centred on 2 individuals, their family and friends. It has a very simple storyline showing how the characters relate to one another in their ordinary day to day lives.
The romance between Gavin & Stacey aside, what I loved about the series is the friendship between Gavin & Smithy and Stacey and Vanessa. It is easy to identify with how the separate pairs of besties relate to each other and remain besties throughout the series despite their changing circumstances, like Gavin & Stacey getting married and each having to leave their hometowns and their besties at different points in the series.
I particularly liked how Vanesssa (played by Ruth Jones) is so tough and yet vulnerable. Vanessa also makes makes some very terse remarks in her Welsh tongue which cracked me up. I love the soundtrack, and how the characters relate through music (music by New Order, for one).
All the actors hold their own and both scriptwriters Ruth Jones and James Corden deserve the all accolades they have received for this series.
Gavin & Stacey is a story centred on 2 individuals, their family and friends. It has a very simple storyline showing how the characters relate to one another in their ordinary day to day lives.
The romance between Gavin & Stacey aside, what I loved about the series is the friendship between Gavin & Smithy and Stacey and Vanessa. It is easy to identify with how the separate pairs of besties relate to each other and remain besties throughout the series despite their changing circumstances, like Gavin & Stacey getting married and each having to leave their hometowns and their besties at different points in the series.
I particularly liked how Vanesssa (played by Ruth Jones) is so tough and yet vulnerable. Vanessa also makes makes some very terse remarks in her Welsh tongue which cracked me up. I love the soundtrack, and how the characters relate through music (music by New Order, for one).
All the actors hold their own and both scriptwriters Ruth Jones and James Corden deserve the all accolades they have received for this series.
- daftpunkparis
- Apr 29, 2011
- Permalink
Cringe like never before
Being Welsh this is a typically stereotypical view of the way we live out life in Wales. But we don't mind being the but of a joke every now and then. Particularly when the joke is as good as this.
I have often met like people like Nessa and Gwen (Nessa's character being taken to the extreme however) but where in the world did Bryn come from? There are characteristics of Bryn that I have seen in many elderly Welshmen I have met in the valleys and even in my own Grandfather who grew up on the edge on the Rhondda valleys, but Bryn as a whole is unfathomable to me. Such a brilliantly unique character of heart warming naivety and innocence (and horrendous cringe worthiness) that no explanation can accurately describe him.
I have to say that this series completely took me by surprise. I expected it to be completely over the top and totally removed from real life...... and it is. Having said that it works to such a degree that I urge you to try it out for yourselves.
I have often met like people like Nessa and Gwen (Nessa's character being taken to the extreme however) but where in the world did Bryn come from? There are characteristics of Bryn that I have seen in many elderly Welshmen I have met in the valleys and even in my own Grandfather who grew up on the edge on the Rhondda valleys, but Bryn as a whole is unfathomable to me. Such a brilliantly unique character of heart warming naivety and innocence (and horrendous cringe worthiness) that no explanation can accurately describe him.
I have to say that this series completely took me by surprise. I expected it to be completely over the top and totally removed from real life...... and it is. Having said that it works to such a degree that I urge you to try it out for yourselves.
- crap-junkmail
- Mar 16, 2008
- Permalink
Fantastic. The BBC finally produce some comedy worth watching!
I recently caught the entire series on BBC3 back to back in one evening and must confess, I was laughing out loud more than any BBC comedy for a very long time.
James Corden and Ruth Jones should be commended for writing a show and not making themselves the central characters a-la Ricky Gervais, Steve Coogan and Co.
Great music throughout the series and some genuinely touching moments as well as some slightly 'blue' ones but all in all it is a very refreshing step in the right direction for the Beeb.
Really looking forward to the second series and finding out what Uncle Bryn and Stacey's gay brother did on that boat trip!
James Corden and Ruth Jones should be commended for writing a show and not making themselves the central characters a-la Ricky Gervais, Steve Coogan and Co.
Great music throughout the series and some genuinely touching moments as well as some slightly 'blue' ones but all in all it is a very refreshing step in the right direction for the Beeb.
Really looking forward to the second series and finding out what Uncle Bryn and Stacey's gay brother did on that boat trip!
- tank-bullock
- Mar 5, 2008
- Permalink
Too clever for some
This was an outstanding series - won a few awards as well. This is Welsh humour and needs to be listened to so that you understand the joke. Many might need slapstick for humour but this picks up on the way many Welsh families are intertwined and how the matriarchal and patriarchal figures are often figures of humour. Ruth Jones demonstrates real skill in playing such a part and the cast is full of home grown talent.
They must be watched in order - each episode runs naturally on but will spoil the previous episode if watched out-of-synch.
Roll on series 2
They must be watched in order - each episode runs naturally on but will spoil the previous episode if watched out-of-synch.
Roll on series 2
- alunthomas
- Jan 20, 2008
- Permalink
Cast are legends
Gavin and Stacey is the best programme on TV at the moment. The cast are absolute legends and the casting team could not have picked better at all. Alison Steadman has me in stitches and Rob Brydon singing James Blunt has to be a classic. The whole cast is brilliant....i don't know how you get any work done. Keep up the good work guys you are fantastic!!!!!!
Gavin and Stacey is the best programme on TV at the moment. The cast are absolute legends and the casting team could not have picked better at all. Alison Steadman has me in stitches and Rob Brydon singing James Blunt has to be a classic. The whole cast is brilliant....i don't know how you get any work done. Keep up the good work guys you are fantastic!!!!!!
Gavin and Stacey is the best programme on TV at the moment. The cast are absolute legends and the casting team could not have picked better at all. Alison Steadman has me in stitches and Rob Brydon singing James Blunt has to be a classic. The whole cast is brilliant....i don't know how you get any work done. Keep up the good work guys you are fantastic!!!!!!
It's lush enough.
I never even considered watching this with my parents when they first followed it. Everyone online and real life just kept saying "bring back Gavin and Stacy!" and no one was in any doubt that by an objective metric this has become essential British Television.
I actually did get into it in the end. It's hard to describe...the humor is this idiosyncratic send of up of people's small foibles (familiar) but there's something about it's tone that oscillates from a life affirming serial about family and romance to the darker side of life. Nothing bleak, but the little embarrassments, the bizarre little things that we want to call people out on but don't are satirized with impeccable timing. Many shows try to show the humor that abounds in normal living and at last one of them isn't totally excruciating.
Filled with vivid, three dimensional personalities, Gavin and Stacy are the focus story-wise but in practice it's basically about everyone BUT them.
The over arching narrative is good enough but it certainly does not over stay it's welcome. It's all very breezey.
I actually did get into it in the end. It's hard to describe...the humor is this idiosyncratic send of up of people's small foibles (familiar) but there's something about it's tone that oscillates from a life affirming serial about family and romance to the darker side of life. Nothing bleak, but the little embarrassments, the bizarre little things that we want to call people out on but don't are satirized with impeccable timing. Many shows try to show the humor that abounds in normal living and at last one of them isn't totally excruciating.
Filled with vivid, three dimensional personalities, Gavin and Stacy are the focus story-wise but in practice it's basically about everyone BUT them.
The over arching narrative is good enough but it certainly does not over stay it's welcome. It's all very breezey.
- GiraffeDoor
- May 14, 2023
- Permalink
I'm not gonna lie to you but, BARRYBADOS IS IMMENSE.
Now i might sound a little bit biased as i was born and still live in Barry Town.
But i have to say i can relate to all of the characters in this show. Although Nessa is slightly exaggerated, i actually know people that sound like her. Nessa along with Pam have to be my favourite characters as they are polar opposites of each other but, both equally as funny..... in different ways.
This show is HILARIOUS! the jokes, the innuendos, the one liners, the catchphrases, the characters - they are all "cracking" (yes, Barry people actually say that).
The only negative i have (its a tiny one) is that no one in Barry, NO ONE! has a welsh accent as strong as Stacey, Bryn and Gwen.
After the Christmas special, i am so expecting another series. Fingers crossed.
9/10
- Weirdo-Magnet
- Jan 1, 2020
- Permalink
Gavin And Stacey
- contrarygirl-1
- May 14, 2008
- Permalink
Dreadful sitcom full of awful characters
This BBC romantic sitcom is about the long-distance relationship between Gavin (from Billericay, Essex) and Stacey (from Barry, South Wales).
This is a very good idea for a sitcom, but I didn't enjoy watching it. I continued only because many people had claimed that it gets better.
I don't know why this sitcom became massively popular. The vast majority of the characters are dull (such as Gavin), annoying (such as Stacey) or obnoxious (such as Gavin's best friend Smithy and Stacey's best friend Nessa). None of them are likable.
Smithy is the sort of arrogant loudmouth that many of us have had the misfortune of meeting. He has no respect for personal boundaries and thinks he's 'the king of banter' - but is actually a loud and overbearing idiot.
Nessa (a poor, fat, plain woman) frequently boasts about all the wonderful adventures she's had and the celebrities she's known - and no-one challenges her on any of it.
This is a very good idea for a sitcom, but I didn't enjoy watching it. I continued only because many people had claimed that it gets better.
I don't know why this sitcom became massively popular. The vast majority of the characters are dull (such as Gavin), annoying (such as Stacey) or obnoxious (such as Gavin's best friend Smithy and Stacey's best friend Nessa). None of them are likable.
Smithy is the sort of arrogant loudmouth that many of us have had the misfortune of meeting. He has no respect for personal boundaries and thinks he's 'the king of banter' - but is actually a loud and overbearing idiot.
Nessa (a poor, fat, plain woman) frequently boasts about all the wonderful adventures she's had and the celebrities she's known - and no-one challenges her on any of it.
Still the funniest thing on TV
I cannot understand the previous comments either. This is one of the funniest 'feel nice' programmes I have ever seen. Perhaps it will only appeal to the British humour, but I doubt it. Ruth Jones is simply the best or in her own words 'Tidy'. The writing by Jones and Corden is ingenious and appeals to all age groups, the well deserved their awards. I watched the first series whilst it was showing for the first time, I watched it again during the BBC3 Gavin and Stacey evening, and even bought the DVD. (Something which I don't usually do) The second series is now being shown on BBC3 and it is just as good as the first. Lets hope there are more to come. If the BBC keep coming up with programmes like this then I will never moan about paying my TV licence again!
Best comedy on television for a very long time
This is an absolutely brilliant series with wonderful characters saying hugely funny things. I'm Welsh and I have never seen anything which captures the rhythm of the way Welsj people speak like this, but the Essex characters are just as good in their ways. This isn't just the best comedy the BBC has done for a long time; it's the best series of any kind for a very long time. Everyopne will have their favourites amongst the characters but I defy anyone who has ever been west of the Severn Bridge not to see Bryn as the ultimate hero. Lots of the success lies in the timing, because the actors don't stand around for hours trying to milk laughs. All in all a very tidy show.
Gavin & Stacey
- jboothmillard
- Aug 3, 2011
- Permalink
An original and contemporary romantic comedy drama from the BBC
- Stompgal_87
- Feb 6, 2010
- Permalink
Largely Popular & realistic!
A great cast brings the story of a Welsh young woman, Stacey, and an Essex young man, Gavin, into a lovely realistic romance. The cast are first rate with Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman playing Gavin's parents. I adore Steadman as Pam. Melanie Walters does a great job as Stacey's widowed mother. The first season is about their first meeting to their wedding day. Along the out of studio and audience, there are plenty of laughs especially with the creators and writers, James Cordern and Ruth Jones, who play pals, Smithy and Nessa. I adore Ruth Jones who plays the role and steals every scene. I would watch a show around Ruth Jones talent every day. Both Jones and Stacey (played by Joanna Page) are Welsh which adds to the authenticity to the show's success. It's realistic and believable about two families from different parts of the country getting together to celebrate a couple's love and determination to stay together.
- Sylviastel
- Aug 26, 2014
- Permalink
Sweet and Simple
This was a delightful, short, minimal-commitment that took me two or three days to breeze through. It's nothing mind-blowing and it doesn't move mountains or shift paradigms. Rather, it's a character-study of two (extended) families who come together - one from Wales and the other from England - after the connection and marriage of a couple. It's an easy, fun, friendly watch. I wish there were more shows around like it, where each of the characters is good-hearted, loving, communally-minded, and thinks about and expresses love towards those in their lives, despite their faults. It's not ground-breaking, but it isn't contrived either. It's an honest slice-of-life, and it's lovely. It's not the laugh-a-minute slapstick comedy that British comedies often are. Rather, this is driven by the characters.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
My new favourite tv show
I started watching this after my girlfriend recommended it. And I'm glad she did. I can't stop laughing and my stomach hurts from doing so. I can't stop smiling with the good times. And I cry with the bad.
- joshfirth-90172
- May 26, 2020
- Permalink
One lime
The laughs often fall flat, but that doesn't reduce the love you have for the characters.
- strike-1995
- Jun 29, 2019
- Permalink
Beyond superb
If you've never seen this show, but you've read the premise and seen a clip or two, let me guess what you're thinking...... (1) The premise sounds a bit flimsy especially for three series' worth (2) The clips aren't very funny (3) It's the BBC, meh meh meh. I thought all these things too. I cannot stress too strongly how utterly, completely wrong I was. Gavin & Stacey is so good it's stunning. The writing is glorious - how can they create such characters? They're carved from real life and yet they just spring into your living room, it involves you right from the start, you feel part of it. And the performances.....! Effortless! Not a single moment is wasted in any episode, every character from the mains right down to characters that only appear once.... it's rich, powerful, hilariously funny, heart-wrenching and completely lovable. It will make you glad you're alive.
- indole_ring25
- Apr 11, 2010
- Permalink
Some light entertainment
Pretty entertaining show for what it is. Likable characters and amusing situations. People enjoying life for the most part, and they're not trying to lecture or teach us anything.
- hcasale-68303
- Oct 4, 2021
- Permalink
Somebody forgot to put the jokes in......
I will be the first to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st season, but from the 2nd season onwards someone has obviously forgotten to insert any jokes!!! Kind of odd for a "comedy" series I think! Instead they are focusing on overplayed drawn out dialogue (ordering a curry) and giving more time to possibly the 2 most irritating characters I have ever seen on TV Pete & Dawn...... Another big wrong is that in the 1st season Stacey was adorable, cute & very likable, now they have just made her a squeaky, whiny & extremely annoying little girl.
I suppose it is not too surprising considering Corden's writing skills which were so expertly showcased in the surely long-running & surely classic series "Horne & Corden"!!!!
To put it mildly.....pure tripe!!
I suppose it is not too surprising considering Corden's writing skills which were so expertly showcased in the surely long-running & surely classic series "Horne & Corden"!!!!
To put it mildly.....pure tripe!!
- megler_game
- Dec 9, 2009
- Permalink