Each week, we will be taking an in depth look at some of the best sitcoms and comedy shows from both the UK and the USA.

This week we look at a comedy that was compared to being the UK version of FRIENDS  – Coupling 

Opening Titles / Theme Tune

Song in opening title – Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, performed by Mari Wilson

About the Show

Summary of Plot 

Six best friends talk about all aspects of sex and relationships on their never-ending quest to find true love.– IMDB

Number of Seasons / Episodes 

4 seasons

Characters:

Jack Davenport – Steve Taylor

Gina Bellman – Jane Christie

Sarah Alexander – Susan Walker

Kate Isitt – Sally Harper

Richard Coyle – Jeffrey Murdock

Trivia

+ When Richard Coyle read for the part of Jeff, he spoke in a Welsh accent. The character wasn’t written Welsh, but the producers liked it and hired him. It wasn’t until well into the second series that they realized that Coyle was not Welsh, just putting it on for the show.

+ Ben Miles (Patrick) insists that his character drink Guinness because it is impossible to fake in the studio.

+ The main characters are called Steve and Susan, after the writer Steven Moffat and producer Sue Vertue (who are married in real life).

+ Though some scenes are shot away from the studio audience (the nude scenes for example and exteriors) no “canned laughter” is used. The scenes are played on monitor for the studio audience and their reactions are real.

+ Jack Davenport (Steve) chose the theme song “Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps”.

+ Nearly every episode has some reference to sf shows/movies or doctor who (of which Steve Moffat later resurrected for tv)

Classic Clips 

The Terror of the Melty Man

Cushion Rage

Out of Control Telephone Pause

How to Flirt With Men