Early Doors: Series 1 & 2 (2 Discs)

No fancy sets, no special effects, no Hollywood names, just good, old fashioned comedy set in an environment you can relate to and people we have all met in some shape or form over the years. Safe in their own little world, accepted by each other and valued as friends and regulars. They stand by their own whilst at the same time relentlessly mock each other with a typical British sense of humour. Fantastic writing and no weak characters. We have all been in pubs like this, all seen these people and all laughed at the same jibes and jokes but admire their solidarity and friendship through good and bad times. Very funny, and also quite moving at times.

Another Great British Comedy to add to the list. Simple, funny and sometimes emotional - Early doors has it all. All characters are believable. You even get to find out Pickles was the dog who found the World Cup!!

Brilliantly written and acted, a sham there was only the two series made. Well worth a look if you haven't seen it before!

I've never understood why this comedy never got the credit it deserved. Craig Cash (Dave from 'The Royle Family') created a brilliant piece of humour. It's the same formula as the Royle Family, situated in one building - this time its a Northern pub based in Stockport called The Grapes. Join landlord Ken, daughter Melanie, coppers Phil and Nige, and regulars, Joe, Duffy, Tommy, Joan and Eddie for Happy half hour an episode. It's subtle humour and you can only warm to the characters. Although I still prefer The Royle Family, due to more characters involved, there's a bit more material to play around with in Early Doors. Look out for the last episode of series one, my favourite, when the boys go on a jolly up to the races. The morning breakfast in the pub is a classic comedy moment - boys being boys and the craic is fierce! Worth investing in this boxset - I doubt a third series will be made.

Early doors is a brilliant comedy series that is laugh out loud funny right until the end. It is based in a pub in Manchester, so if you don't come from around there some of the jokes might be a bit foreign to you. Nonetheless it is an intelligent and talented comedy.
P.S. when you watch this you'll get what I meant by the title. Even more reason to buy it.