Australian Comedy. It Does Exist.

It’s easy to dismiss Australian comedy. There seems to be very little of it on television and examples of series like The Wedge and Rove can leave one in despair.

The truth is, however, that comedy on Australian telly is in a very strong position indeed. There are a number of hidden gems on the television schedule that tend to get no love from the world at large. As part of Televised Revolutions court-mandated commitment to community service, we’re here to point out a couple of series that are currently getting a first-time run on the telly this week.

Review with Myles Barlow (ABC1, Thursday 9:30pm)
Some review movies, others opt for theatre, music, or television. Myles Barlow opts not to limit himself and will review anything and everything. This Australian series is the ABC’s best kept secret. With minimal promotion, but guaranteed laughs, Review with Myles Barlow delivers. The comedy is well executed, though can be mighty dark indeed. Barlow himself is a horrible and despicable man. Just like any reviewer. Four stars!

Out of The Question (Channel 7, 10:30pm Monday)
Glenn Robbins hosts this exceedingly laid back panel quiz show in which comedian guests answer quiz questions based on the weeks events. Robbins keeps the show loose and lazy, infusing the series with very charming ‘Dad jokes’. While the series stumbled at first, Out of The Question has found its groove and has proven to be a welcome addition to Sevens line-up. Hopefully the series gets given another go in 2009.

Newstopia (SBS, 10pm Wednesday)
It’s Shaun Micallef doing Not The Nine O’Clock News. Fans of Shaun Micallef and/or news satire will no doubt already be all over this hidden gem. Not every gag on the program works. In fact, the good majority of them will likely generate a smile. But, gosh, when one of the jokes does fly, it is magnificent.

Stupid Stupid Man (ABC1, 9pm Wednesday)
Set behind the scenes of Coq Magazine, a lads mag in the style of Ralph, the single camera comedy’s focus is on the chauvinistic writers of the magazine and the women stuck working with them. Originally produced for TV1, this is the second season of the show to air on the ABC. With a cast including Australian comedy favourites Bob Franklin and Wayne Hope, the series delivers. While the writing isn’t outstanding and the production quality is quite low, the series proves that scripted comedy can still thrive locally. Stupid Stupid Man is certainly well worth your time.

It’s worth noting that 2008 has also delivered some great comedy series like Chandon Pictures, The Chasers War on Everything, Summer Heights High, and The Librarians. It’s not exactly a comedy feast, but it’s pretty gosh darn far from famine.