Depressing comedies

[Floogal]

As the title suggests, can anyone think of any programs that were supposed to be funny, but we're actually sombre?

I remember in the 90s, there was the Brittas Empire. Couldn't enjoy it as there was an abusive gay relationship, woman who kept her kids locked up in cupboards and scruffy Colin. Also Gordon meant well but most people seemed to dislike him.

Also loved men behaving badly and game on. But depressing to think of Mathew's acrophobia, Mandy's husband dying and poor Martin having his heart broken. Also Dorothy was pretty abusive to Gary

@Onandoff

That sticks in my mind, just disgusting

Agree with Brittas Empire, One Foot in the Grave.

Red Dwarf has a bit of a hopeless undertone.

Don't Forget the Driver too, but it's a nice storyline.

Rab C Nesbit! I had really bad nausea once, but couldn't throw up, then managed to once this came on the telly.

I also watched one called Camping which was really dark and I only got halfway through it. Very grim.

Never watched it, but isn't Shameless a bit depressing?

I'm much more of fan fan of gentle comedies now, but did like Alma's Not Normal. It was nice to see the main character skip merrily through the grimness!

@TopTabby

I remember finding a Victoria Wood sketch about a schoolgirl swimming the channel hilarious in the 80s. I found it again on YouTube a couple of years ago & it was really tragic. Victoria was a comic genius so she had obviously written it that way. It had moments of comedy but the overall theme of neglect was so obvious, I just couldn't see it as a teenager at a time when comedy was very different.

As Jasper Rees says in his biographer of her, VW had a complicated relationship with her mother, and disinterested/neglectful mothers are a bit of a theme in her work - this sketch, Pat and Margaret, Bren and Petula's relationship in dinnerladies.

The ability to have well-judged moments of seriousness and pathos are the hallmark of a great sitcom for me. Steptoe and One Foot In The Grave both did this brilliantly.

I've just thought of another one people may put in this category. Mandy; actress Diane Morgan.

I have to say I loved the Brittas empire but I think looking back there were serious issues there. I think most of them are like that though. Butterflies definitely, one foot in the grave is another one.

Another vote for Butterflies here. Her life was so empty.

And that dreadfully unfunny line: "I want to be raped!"

@Clawdy

Another vote for Butterflies here. Her life was so empty.

Yes, as an adult married woman with teens I can’t believe we all thought it was funny. Her husband and teens treated her terribly. She was so low, did she even manage to have an affair with Leonard? All the meeting in the park stuff, I don’t remember how it ended actually.

@flotsomandjetsome

Derek, another Ricky Gervais show. You can be laughing, cringing and crying all in the same episode.

It's set in a care home, and I thought it was quite ambiguous as to whether Derek was a volunteer / member of staff / resident.

I actually found this completely brilliant. So many complaints about it mocking disabled people, but it really wasn't. Some really sad bits (the dog being put to sleep just about finished me off!) but some hilarious observations too - as he does so well.

I love Derek. Some very funny moments but also some very touching moments. Just like After Life. Very clever writing.