Little Britain USA

Little Britain USA is a unique and provocative sketch-comedy series presented by HBO, first aired in 2008. The show stars noteworthy British comedians, David Walliams and Matt Lucas, who have already made their mark in the world of comedy with the acclaimed BBC series, ‘Little Britain’. However, in this American spin-off, these BBC veterans transport their eccentrically rib-tickling, character-driven humour across the Atlantic to the heart of America.

Little Britain USA showcases the comedic prowess of Walliams and Lucas as they skillfully cruise through a multitude of satirical and at times controversial characters. These two seasoned comedians breathe life into a plethora of personas that are distinctive, delightfully offbeat, and often outrageously bizarre, each more entertaining and outlandish than the last. Encapsulating the show's playful spirit, they take satirical pokes at the broad spectrum of American society, from its pop culture obsessions to its political scenarios, all speckled with a British wit that fans of the original Little Britain will recognise and relish.

The episodes are set in numerous locales across the United States, reflecting a varied and colourful cross-section of the country's demographics. From the rural South to coastal California, from a weight loss group in North Carolina to a military base in Florida, the comedy navigates through these intriguing slices of American life.

Characters deftly portrayed by Lucas and Walliams in Little Britain USA include a pair of body-obsessed gym buddies, an arrogant astronaut who makes outrageous boasts about his fictional escapades on the moon, and a delusional, egocentric British ex-pat trying to make it big in Hollywood. The pair also successfully carry some of their well-established British characters onto American soil, adding an undeniable layer of familiarity for fans of its British predecessor.

Unsurprisingly, the humor embraces the provocative, the uncanny, and the absurd. Walliams and Lucas do not shy away from controversial subjects but instead, they use comedy to explore the quirks, stereotypes, contradictions, and frequently the unabashed absurdities of everyday life. As such, the show has always walked a tightrope of humor and controversy, leading the audience through laughs, blushes, and winces in equal measure.

Despite its largely satirical tone, Little Britain USA also succeeds in painting an affectionate portrait of its characters, giving them depth and surprisingly poignant moments amidst the torrent of laugh-out-loud humor. The series thrives on this delicate balance of comedy and insightful character study, keeping it fresh and engaging episode after episode.

The production values are impressive and have been executed to match the grandeur of the American setting. The vastness of the United States territory itself is beautifully reflected, perfectly complementing the show’s penchant for big, bold characters and ideas. One of the major strengths of this series is how it utilizes top-notch costumes and exquisite make-up to transform Lucas and Walliams into their multitude of outrageous characters.

Joining the gifted duo of Walliams and Lucas is an assortment of guest stars who enhance the dynamic humour and vibrancy of the show's palate. This entertaining roster includes iconoclastic comedy personas such as Rosie O'Donnell and Sting, further establishing the show’s ability to amalgamate British wit with American pizzazz.

Much like its British predecessor, Little Britain USA offers a refreshingly raw and irreverent display of observational humour and social satire. Though not for the faint-hearted or easily offended, the show is an unapologetic celebration of the absurd and an incisive commentary on our shared human foibles, targets, and fixations. It effortlessly transplants a brand of humour forged in the British Isles to the American landscape, managing to feel familiar yet decidedly fresh.

In summary, Little Britain USA pledges to its viewers a fun-filled journey through the wild, eccentric and unpredictable landscape of American culture. With its signature blend of satirical sketches and unforgettable characters, it proves yet again that when it comes to pioneering, daring, and side-splitting comedy, Walliams and Lucas are in a class of their own.

Whether you're a fan of the original Little Britain, a lover of broadly sketched comedy, or someone just looking for a show to make you laugh hard, the sheer audacity and wit of Little Britain USA will keep you hooked from start to finish. As the iconic phrase suggests, the show indeed goes on and in this case, it thrives and flourishes, one laugh at a time.