The Kumars at No.42 – simontalks.com

Thereâ€™s this annoying show on TV. Most of you know about it, itâ€™s been around for awhile. Itâ€™s â€˜The Kumars at No. 42â€™.

Well, OK, itâ€™s not actually annoying, itâ€™s just that Iâ€™m curious how a how with such low-brow, cheap humour can be so popular in the UK. Most English comedies I know are really funny and distinctly British, like Yes Minister, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses and Absolutely Fabulous.

There has always been simple-humour comedies coming from Blighty, like â€˜Allo â€˜Allo, Mind Your Language and the Benny Hill Show (boy, those last two were really good!) but the Kumars are on a whole different level of crass-ness.

Sometimes I wonder how they manage to get those high-profile English celebrities in their studio as guests.

But seriously, though, if you catch a glimpse of the studio audience when the camera pans, you would notice most of the people there are of South Asian-descent, including some Chinese (presumably students). But undeniably, the show has quite a following even among the whites. And presumably, they enjoy watching reruns of Jewel in the Crown and Goodness Gracious Me (by the same people actually).

Some time ago when there was an article that the newspapers that the show was such a big success the producers where considering exporting the franchise to other countries, while maintaining the format of a talk show by a minority family. They mentioned some possibilities, like the Polish in Germany, or gypsies in France.

I wonder if that concept will take off here, considering our propensity for low-brow humour. (Remember 2+1? Kelas?)

I can see it now… a comedy about a family of Bangla migrant workers living somewhere in Desa Pandan with a home-made studio in the backyard… interviewing Malaysian celebrities…

11 Comments

Shan

August 8, 2005 at 11:41 am Reply

I think it’s quite funny actually. The Grandmother is such a hussy 😀

Sashi

August 8, 2005 at 12:06 pm Reply

Actually, I think it’s a brilliant satire on the attempts of the Asian community trying to adapt to the British way of life. Sanjeev is trying to be a chat show host like his fav British idols, but his very Asian family’s presence continues to be overbearing and protective.
But that’s just my opinion… 😉
And yes, Meera Syal’s granny is outstanding!

Wingz

August 8, 2005 at 12:28 pm Reply

now got little britain sommo leh !!!

Tiger

August 8, 2005 at 12:39 pm Reply

Bro, if you cannot stand the Kumars, then perhaps you want to look out for Parkinson instead, every Sunday on Star World.

Michael Parkinson tends to be a little bit more sophisticated with his humour, so perhaps that’s more your brand of entertainment.

I don’t mind the Kumars, and I also watch Parkinson.

The reason I watch Parkinson is because hot chicks like Nigella Lawson, Amanda Holden et alia are regular repeat guests. Of course, the interviews and jokes are class.

Am still waiting for Abi Titmuss to be invited to the show though. Mmm… Abi… *drool*

cheers