American TV vs British TV
I've ALWAYS wanted to do this... Just always wondered how...
So maybe I kinda perhaps stayed up til 3am doing this because I really don't want to do any coursework at all and this had to be done in one go or else I'd be obsessed for a long time... So yeah, done in a single sitting. I'm now watching random episodes of everything I thought of; it's going to be a long night. Success.
Made lovingly for picspammy
American Idol vs X-Factor/Pop Idol
You may or may not like these shows. But you know what. For all the capitalism involved and really weird people who think they can sing but then we laugh at them any way and then eat loads of ice cream because we feel bad for it (just me? Oh poo...) well... it's not just about that. It's about finding talent. And sometimes we're lost before we begin because some people pick the wrong people... not mentioning any names *coughs*Louis Walsh*coughs**splutters*. But some years; we all band together, get real excited because something special is about to happen.
Then Leona Lewis releases her first album and the world explodes singing about Bleedin' Love and you realise, yeah, this is kinda special.
Not forgetting all those other talented bastards, specifically those first winners. Kelly Clarkson is STILL awesome (and has a movie quote attributed to her. Check it.) and ickle gay Will Young from Pop Idol who is still adorable and awesome (and doesnt cheat or sleep with Katie Price (THATS RIGHT I'M LOOKING AT YOU GARETH GATES!)). So yeah... I dont want to decide... don't make me...
Winner: American Idol
Because it's so popular it does well with the ratings here. And I love you guys for giving me Kelly Clarkson because she's awesome. And aside from Leona Lewis and Will none of ours have done well and Will never did break it anywhere but here... whereas Kelly did great here and Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks did decent as well. But you guys didn't have Jedward and you never will so... ha... *eats ice cream*
America's Got Talent vs Britain's Got Talent
I'm not trying to be biased (shh I'm trying!) but come on. Two words. Susan Boyle. Come on. Didn't you cry just a little when she sang and was awesome? The way they built it up (that she'd be terrible) and then she was smooth as ... lots of smooth things and then was gorgeous and everyone was crying. You're STONE if you didn't feel something. And all that said, she was on Oprah; thats a BIG deal! Considering she'd never left the country (and she didn't for Oprah but meh; BIG DEAL!). Ok enough gushing about SuBo.
The shows themselves are pretty awesome, and I'm not saying this about the laughing at weirdos who make fools of themselves because I honestly discount them from this. No, it's about realising that we're damn talented countries with some inventive awesome people who live here and we should be proud to be part of that. All that said:
Winner: Britain's Got Talent
I reiterate. SUSAN BOYLE! And Diversity and Flawless and ickle Holly, and GEORGE and all those other stars that make me proud to be British; no really, I need some tissues.
Star Trek vs Doctor Who
It might be a bit obvious but I totally got a little bit carried away on this one.
Lets see, well they've both rather recently had revivals which have been rather successful. Star Trek moved from TV to the Movie format whereas Doctor Who tried the movie format, it failed (miserably) and went back to TV format where it has prospered to today. Trek has prospered even more stupendously on the big screen with the help of uber geek Mr J.J. Abrams.
What can else is there to compare? Well they both started late 60s and got a huge new geek culture, they both also had some of the most wonderful actors of their ages (just don't tell Shatner) and basically breathed amazing. Of course Trek had a bit more money than Who but because of that... well we got the Daleks whilst Trek got... well lots of movies... But come on! Daleks!
Gosh darnit I couldn't find ANY old screencaps for Who so you get to enjoy the new series only... how depressingly wonderful... But still, Trekkies have ruled the world once over and Doctor Who fans although not as huge in number are still some of the most loyal fangirl/boys I've ever met. Both groups can explain away any sort of story hole (namely Doctor Eight's Kiss being one of the most popular and his age and half human problems) and yeah. If anything; these two television programs made tv more accessible for everyone. Then Monty Python came along and gave everyone more reasons to quote but I must stop going over geek culture or else I'll be here another 40 years...
Winner: Doctor Who
I'm sorry to the Trekkies but I have to. I just must. Because it's everything I love in television and so much more. I mean come on... "Who da man?!"
The Office US vs The Office UK
Where do you start with comparing these two? Well let's just keep it simple.
We have the four main characters present and correct in each of the series plus a few extra lovely things, like in the US version we have Oscar and Angela and Kevin and Andy and then Creed... and Kelly... And for the most part no counter parts (apart from Kevin who has Keith who had me in stitches whenever he was on screen, specifically with a scotch egg). The US version has had time to do some major character development whereas the UK version had a limited space of two series and a Christmas Special. Saying that I do believe that the UK version wins on quick character development specifically in Mr David Brent who starts off utterly detestable, then becomes completely sympathetic and finally a bit of a hero in a stupidly short period of time. Not to say the US is bad at all because they're both fantastic. I've watched both and I sincerely love them to bits. But there has to be ONE WINNER! And for me...
Winner: The Office UK
If only because I adore Martin Freeman and Lucy Davis just being adorable together.
The O.C vs Skins
This will probably be an unpopular comparison but I don't care because there are things to compare ok! They're both shows about teenagers and the big popular shows that people can say define their generation. The music is always picked up like a bad rash over the internet, the characters are beloved and they change and alternate a lot. Characters have a tendency of dying and having money problems. Every single person (even the parents (and yes I include Skins because a lot of those comedians are damn amazing(especially Peter Capaldi))) are impossibly attractive. Both take a look at teenager issues like drugs, drinking, relationships and pregnancy, ok not realistically but damn if they're not entertaining.
Finally. The O.C. is better than Gossip Girl. IT IS. Ok the first series is. Stop looking at me like that... I ... *throws hands in the air*
So yeah. Both special. But we kinda know who I want to win
Winner: Skins
Generation 1 is the tv series of my generation so excuse me whilst I run around a cheer and say how much I love Cassie like sunshine. Not only that but this show made me cry not once, not twice but six times! OH YEAH! ... I'm a wimp but no really, if you've never watched it please just watch the second episode and get ready to weep! Plus:
"I always loved you the best, Sid"
Late Night Chat Shows
Jay Leno/David Letterman vs Jonathan Ross
Not forgetting: Conan O'Brien, Parkinson, Jimmy Kimmel etc.
So America have more than I can count chat shows and these are the two I acknowledge along with Jonathan Ross (I would've included Parkinson but he's not on anymore... *sad face* and Wossy's going soon too! *even sadder face*). So we have these to compare. Well from what I can tell Jay Leno happily did the Miley Cyrus dance whereas Jonathan Ross was a bit apprehensive (he still did it though commenting to Cyrus "Good gosh you're confident aren't you!"). And Letterman has also had his hi-jinks appearing on 30 Rock much to my amusement.
But I have LITTLE knowledge on American Chat Shows but I do believe I've watched a few and when I compare them to the British standard there's about the same formula. Wossy on the other hand has had his fair share of controversy along with many other chat show hosts (I'm looking at you Leno). Not only that but it's cultural differences. I do believe "Four Poofs and a Piano" would not go down to brilliantly in America where as here even my Dad (straightest guy in England) loves them. So yeah. I dont want to declare a winner on this stance... Mainly because we know the answer.
Winner: American Chat Shows
Before the uproar! I love Wossy and Parky but they're a dying breed where as in America the Chat Show is still a huge staple. No Graham Norton does not count for sufficient Late Night Chattage. Therefore the Americans win for their resilience and awesome.
Jerry Springer vs Jeremy Kyle
If you can find two more detestable shows then for the love of God keep them away from me. But it's important that they're on here because they're the same but different. But the main similarity is that they're supposed to be entertainment and I guess Springer makes it seem more entertaining since a lot of the time he isn't so much trying to help them but just getting them more riled up than necessary where as Kyle just basically screams at them for their indiscretions and takes about sexual contact a lot. Lord how I hate them both... I spent a long period of time in hospital when I was about 6 years old and Jerry Springer was ALL my roomie would watch so basically I was a little bit scarred. And my mother further scarred me with Kyle because it's all we watch together, so it's watching Jeremy Kyle or not have a relationship with my mother. Damn her for giving birth to me and being awesome.
That being said... they are pretty good time wasters and being a student they're good day-time dross... also everyone I know watches at least one. That or Trisha but why would you put yourself through that?
Winner: Jerry Springer
It's supposed to be entertaining even if it is at it's lowest form. Jeremy Kyle is not entertaining and it scares me when he screams... Plus Springer isn't on the air any more thus giving it more points.
Friends vs Coupling
This is just me having a joke because a lot of people have described Coupling as "The British Friends" which it is so completely not and yet is at the same time. For one, Coupling lasted 4 series and had about 6 episodes each, so yeah, compare that to the HUNDREDS of episodes that Friends accumulated. Not forgetting that the love web that was created in Friends rarely intertwined further than Ross/Rachael maybe Rachael/Joey and Monica/Chandler. Whereas in Coupling nearly all the relationships are somehow connected through sex. Bringing me to my next point.
The Coupling Cast are RUDE! OH MY WORD ARE THEY RUDE?! And I love them for it I do but I for all Joey's sexual appetite I don't think even he could get through the immense anecdote that Stephen does about "Lesbian Spank Inferno" his favourite porn film. Not forgetting that for all Chandler's HI-larious jokes I doubt he could pull off any of the one liners Jeff just wanders into (his best ALWAYS revolving around women's breasts).
Coupling is hilarious but it doesn't have the warm fuzzy centre that Friends does and due to the amount of time they had together you had a lovely time to get to know the characters and really give a damn what happened over that immense 10 years. Therefore!
Winner: Friends
One of the most successful sitcoms ever with a half dozen actors sprawling themselves into the movie industry (not to say Jack Davenport hasn't been doing a good job but I digress). What else would any student watch into the afternoon every day on E4? What better show to know every line of dialogue too. Not only a 90s show but a flourished 00s staple. It's everything everyone loves plus coffee.
Scrubs vs Green Wing
This ones just because I had to put some sort of a hospital show in because we're both obsessed with it and also because they both make jokes a lot.
Now to compare.
Well, Scrubs likes to bring in new patients and have a good jolly jipe with them when character development is being put on the back burner (or maybe the patient reminds them of their own problems). Green Wing features no patients, none, they're mainly props for Guy Secretan's games but other than that they're non-existent. BIG difference.
Also in Green Wing we delve into the inner workings of the hospital and a get a rather good look at the Human Resources department which is run by the rather cantankerous Joanna Clore who is having THE most sordid affair with the head of Radiology Dr. Alan Statham. And we even meet the rather insane Staff Liason Officer Sue White who is. In short. A dream to watch.
In Scrubs we only see the heads, mainly that of Dr. Bob Kelso and his ever faithful lawyer peon in the shape of Ted. We also have the self proclaimed God of everything Perry Cox along with the equally insane Custodian Jan. Itor. Or Janitor as he is preferably known.
So, for hospitals they both pretty manic with lots of relationships occurring but off the bat you know exactly who is going to end up with who in Scrubs (Carla/Turk and Elliot/JD) whereas in Green Wing there is the question for our fair Caroline (main character) has the dilemma of the wonderfully nice Dr. MacCartney or the biggest of arses Dr Guy Secretan (who you can help but secretly love). So yeah, lots of differences BUT! Only one can win, and it's the biggie.
Winner: Green Wing
Before anyone screams I LOVE SCRUBS! I do but I love Green Wing SO VERY MUCH TOO! Just that little bit more. And be assured I know the scripts for both back to front; I used to play Quote Game with both of them endlessly from the age of 14 onwards. So don't think this was an easy choice... Oh who am I kidding... Green Wing always wins. IT'S SO AMAZINGLY FUNNY IT'LL MAKE YOU CRY! But I understand it's not to everyone's tastes... But blah. This isn't subjective it's what I LIKE!
Plus they leave the first series on THE best cliff hanger ever. Ever. Ever.
Final Score
America : 4
Britain : 5
Well like I said... subjective and I watch a lot of tv and this was really hard for me but damn... I totally enjoyed making this. Hope you enjoy reading my blatherings.
Comments appreciated
Any opinions?
So maybe I kinda perhaps stayed up til 3am doing this because I really don't want to do any coursework at all and this had to be done in one go or else I'd be obsessed for a long time... So yeah, done in a single sitting. I'm now watching random episodes of everything I thought of; it's going to be a long night. Success.
Made lovingly for picspammy
American Idol vs X-Factor/Pop Idol
You may or may not like these shows. But you know what. For all the capitalism involved and really weird people who think they can sing but then we laugh at them any way and then eat loads of ice cream because we feel bad for it (just me? Oh poo...) well... it's not just about that. It's about finding talent. And sometimes we're lost before we begin because some people pick the wrong people... not mentioning any names *coughs*Louis Walsh*coughs**splutters*. But some years; we all band together, get real excited because something special is about to happen.
Then Leona Lewis releases her first album and the world explodes singing about Bleedin' Love and you realise, yeah, this is kinda special.
Not forgetting all those other talented bastards, specifically those first winners. Kelly Clarkson is STILL awesome (and has a movie quote attributed to her. Check it.) and ickle gay Will Young from Pop Idol who is still adorable and awesome (and doesnt cheat or sleep with Katie Price (THATS RIGHT I'M LOOKING AT YOU GARETH GATES!)). So yeah... I dont want to decide... don't make me...
Winner: American Idol
Because it's so popular it does well with the ratings here. And I love you guys for giving me Kelly Clarkson because she's awesome. And aside from Leona Lewis and Will none of ours have done well and Will never did break it anywhere but here... whereas Kelly did great here and Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks did decent as well. But you guys didn't have Jedward and you never will so... ha... *eats ice cream*
America's Got Talent vs Britain's Got Talent
I'm not trying to be biased (shh I'm trying!) but come on. Two words. Susan Boyle. Come on. Didn't you cry just a little when she sang and was awesome? The way they built it up (that she'd be terrible) and then she was smooth as ... lots of smooth things and then was gorgeous and everyone was crying. You're STONE if you didn't feel something. And all that said, she was on Oprah; thats a BIG deal! Considering she'd never left the country (and she didn't for Oprah but meh; BIG DEAL!). Ok enough gushing about SuBo.
The shows themselves are pretty awesome, and I'm not saying this about the laughing at weirdos who make fools of themselves because I honestly discount them from this. No, it's about realising that we're damn talented countries with some inventive awesome people who live here and we should be proud to be part of that. All that said:
Winner: Britain's Got Talent
I reiterate. SUSAN BOYLE! And Diversity and Flawless and ickle Holly, and GEORGE and all those other stars that make me proud to be British; no really, I need some tissues.
Star Trek vs Doctor Who
It might be a bit obvious but I totally got a little bit carried away on this one.
Lets see, well they've both rather recently had revivals which have been rather successful. Star Trek moved from TV to the Movie format whereas Doctor Who tried the movie format, it failed (miserably) and went back to TV format where it has prospered to today. Trek has prospered even more stupendously on the big screen with the help of uber geek Mr J.J. Abrams.
What can else is there to compare? Well they both started late 60s and got a huge new geek culture, they both also had some of the most wonderful actors of their ages (just don't tell Shatner) and basically breathed amazing. Of course Trek had a bit more money than Who but because of that... well we got the Daleks whilst Trek got... well lots of movies... But come on! Daleks!
Gosh darnit I couldn't find ANY old screencaps for Who so you get to enjoy the new series only... how depressingly wonderful... But still, Trekkies have ruled the world once over and Doctor Who fans although not as huge in number are still some of the most loyal fangirl/boys I've ever met. Both groups can explain away any sort of story hole (namely Doctor Eight's Kiss being one of the most popular and his age and half human problems) and yeah. If anything; these two television programs made tv more accessible for everyone. Then Monty Python came along and gave everyone more reasons to quote but I must stop going over geek culture or else I'll be here another 40 years...
Winner: Doctor Who
I'm sorry to the Trekkies but I have to. I just must. Because it's everything I love in television and so much more. I mean come on... "Who da man?!"
The Office US vs The Office UK
Where do you start with comparing these two? Well let's just keep it simple.
We have the four main characters present and correct in each of the series plus a few extra lovely things, like in the US version we have Oscar and Angela and Kevin and Andy and then Creed... and Kelly... And for the most part no counter parts (apart from Kevin who has Keith who had me in stitches whenever he was on screen, specifically with a scotch egg). The US version has had time to do some major character development whereas the UK version had a limited space of two series and a Christmas Special. Saying that I do believe that the UK version wins on quick character development specifically in Mr David Brent who starts off utterly detestable, then becomes completely sympathetic and finally a bit of a hero in a stupidly short period of time. Not to say the US is bad at all because they're both fantastic. I've watched both and I sincerely love them to bits. But there has to be ONE WINNER! And for me...
Winner: The Office UK
If only because I adore Martin Freeman and Lucy Davis just being adorable together.
The O.C vs Skins
This will probably be an unpopular comparison but I don't care because there are things to compare ok! They're both shows about teenagers and the big popular shows that people can say define their generation. The music is always picked up like a bad rash over the internet, the characters are beloved and they change and alternate a lot. Characters have a tendency of dying and having money problems. Every single person (even the parents (and yes I include Skins because a lot of those comedians are damn amazing(especially Peter Capaldi))) are impossibly attractive. Both take a look at teenager issues like drugs, drinking, relationships and pregnancy, ok not realistically but damn if they're not entertaining.
Finally. The O.C. is better than Gossip Girl. IT IS. Ok the first series is. Stop looking at me like that... I ... *throws hands in the air*
So yeah. Both special. But we kinda know who I want to win
Winner: Skins
Generation 1 is the tv series of my generation so excuse me whilst I run around a cheer and say how much I love Cassie like sunshine. Not only that but this show made me cry not once, not twice but six times! OH YEAH! ... I'm a wimp but no really, if you've never watched it please just watch the second episode and get ready to weep! Plus:
"I always loved you the best, Sid"
Late Night Chat Shows
Jay Leno/David Letterman vs Jonathan Ross
Not forgetting: Conan O'Brien, Parkinson, Jimmy Kimmel etc.
So America have more than I can count chat shows and these are the two I acknowledge along with Jonathan Ross (I would've included Parkinson but he's not on anymore... *sad face* and Wossy's going soon too! *even sadder face*). So we have these to compare. Well from what I can tell Jay Leno happily did the Miley Cyrus dance whereas Jonathan Ross was a bit apprehensive (he still did it though commenting to Cyrus "Good gosh you're confident aren't you!"). And Letterman has also had his hi-jinks appearing on 30 Rock much to my amusement.
But I have LITTLE knowledge on American Chat Shows but I do believe I've watched a few and when I compare them to the British standard there's about the same formula. Wossy on the other hand has had his fair share of controversy along with many other chat show hosts (I'm looking at you Leno). Not only that but it's cultural differences. I do believe "Four Poofs and a Piano" would not go down to brilliantly in America where as here even my Dad (straightest guy in England) loves them. So yeah. I dont want to declare a winner on this stance... Mainly because we know the answer.
Winner: American Chat Shows
Before the uproar! I love Wossy and Parky but they're a dying breed where as in America the Chat Show is still a huge staple. No Graham Norton does not count for sufficient Late Night Chattage. Therefore the Americans win for their resilience and awesome.
Jerry Springer vs Jeremy Kyle
If you can find two more detestable shows then for the love of God keep them away from me. But it's important that they're on here because they're the same but different. But the main similarity is that they're supposed to be entertainment and I guess Springer makes it seem more entertaining since a lot of the time he isn't so much trying to help them but just getting them more riled up than necessary where as Kyle just basically screams at them for their indiscretions and takes about sexual contact a lot. Lord how I hate them both... I spent a long period of time in hospital when I was about 6 years old and Jerry Springer was ALL my roomie would watch so basically I was a little bit scarred. And my mother further scarred me with Kyle because it's all we watch together, so it's watching Jeremy Kyle or not have a relationship with my mother. Damn her for giving birth to me and being awesome.
That being said... they are pretty good time wasters and being a student they're good day-time dross... also everyone I know watches at least one. That or Trisha but why would you put yourself through that?
Winner: Jerry Springer
It's supposed to be entertaining even if it is at it's lowest form. Jeremy Kyle is not entertaining and it scares me when he screams... Plus Springer isn't on the air any more thus giving it more points.
Friends vs Coupling
This is just me having a joke because a lot of people have described Coupling as "The British Friends" which it is so completely not and yet is at the same time. For one, Coupling lasted 4 series and had about 6 episodes each, so yeah, compare that to the HUNDREDS of episodes that Friends accumulated. Not forgetting that the love web that was created in Friends rarely intertwined further than Ross/Rachael maybe Rachael/Joey and Monica/Chandler. Whereas in Coupling nearly all the relationships are somehow connected through sex. Bringing me to my next point.
The Coupling Cast are RUDE! OH MY WORD ARE THEY RUDE?! And I love them for it I do but I for all Joey's sexual appetite I don't think even he could get through the immense anecdote that Stephen does about "Lesbian Spank Inferno" his favourite porn film. Not forgetting that for all Chandler's HI-larious jokes I doubt he could pull off any of the one liners Jeff just wanders into (his best ALWAYS revolving around women's breasts).
Coupling is hilarious but it doesn't have the warm fuzzy centre that Friends does and due to the amount of time they had together you had a lovely time to get to know the characters and really give a damn what happened over that immense 10 years. Therefore!
Winner: Friends
One of the most successful sitcoms ever with a half dozen actors sprawling themselves into the movie industry (not to say Jack Davenport hasn't been doing a good job but I digress). What else would any student watch into the afternoon every day on E4? What better show to know every line of dialogue too. Not only a 90s show but a flourished 00s staple. It's everything everyone loves plus coffee.
Scrubs vs Green Wing
This ones just because I had to put some sort of a hospital show in because we're both obsessed with it and also because they both make jokes a lot.
Now to compare.
Well, Scrubs likes to bring in new patients and have a good jolly jipe with them when character development is being put on the back burner (or maybe the patient reminds them of their own problems). Green Wing features no patients, none, they're mainly props for Guy Secretan's games but other than that they're non-existent. BIG difference.
Also in Green Wing we delve into the inner workings of the hospital and a get a rather good look at the Human Resources department which is run by the rather cantankerous Joanna Clore who is having THE most sordid affair with the head of Radiology Dr. Alan Statham. And we even meet the rather insane Staff Liason Officer Sue White who is. In short. A dream to watch.
In Scrubs we only see the heads, mainly that of Dr. Bob Kelso and his ever faithful lawyer peon in the shape of Ted. We also have the self proclaimed God of everything Perry Cox along with the equally insane Custodian Jan. Itor. Or Janitor as he is preferably known.
So, for hospitals they both pretty manic with lots of relationships occurring but off the bat you know exactly who is going to end up with who in Scrubs (Carla/Turk and Elliot/JD) whereas in Green Wing there is the question for our fair Caroline (main character) has the dilemma of the wonderfully nice Dr. MacCartney or the biggest of arses Dr Guy Secretan (who you can help but secretly love). So yeah, lots of differences BUT! Only one can win, and it's the biggie.
Winner: Green Wing
Before anyone screams I LOVE SCRUBS! I do but I love Green Wing SO VERY MUCH TOO! Just that little bit more. And be assured I know the scripts for both back to front; I used to play Quote Game with both of them endlessly from the age of 14 onwards. So don't think this was an easy choice... Oh who am I kidding... Green Wing always wins. IT'S SO AMAZINGLY FUNNY IT'LL MAKE YOU CRY! But I understand it's not to everyone's tastes... But blah. This isn't subjective it's what I LIKE!
Plus they leave the first series on THE best cliff hanger ever. Ever. Ever.
Final Score
America : 4
Britain : 5
Well like I said... subjective and I watch a lot of tv and this was really hard for me but damn... I totally enjoyed making this. Hope you enjoy reading my blatherings.
Comments appreciated
Any opinions?