Gransnet forums

TV, radio, film, Arts

Gavin & Stacey

(315 Posts)
ferry23 Tue 10-Dec-24 16:52:51

I never watched this when it was aired - only ever saw bits of it on Gogglebox.

However, I finally gave in to all the hype and have watched the box set on iplayer.

Apart from Pam & Mick, I don't really find any of the other characters either particularly likeable, or particularly interesting. I don't hate it but I can think of a lot more programmes I'd rather watch.

Are there any diehard fans on here? I'm sure I must be in the minority given all the fuss about the Christmas programme.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Wed 11-Dec-24 12:29:27

to convince the public that they should be enjoying it

I don’t think those who enjoy it needed any convincing! Strange viewpoint.

sodapop Wed 11-Dec-24 12:29:48

Another fan here, came to the series late but really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the Christmas special.
It is a mild show as you say lizzie2 but therein lies its charm for me,.

Casdon Wed 11-Dec-24 12:46:41

llizzie2

You are right. It's hype. It has been marketed to convince the public that they should be enjoying it. The actors were not particularly great or famous. They were acting in a series which would not be aired now, before they put on this show.

It is mild, and uncontentious, which is probably what attracts people. There are not many programmes of 'ordinary life' that some viewers consider this to be.

I assume it is often repeated to give these actors a little bit of income from royalties.

You can’t have watched it properly is all I can say. It covered life stories which were far from conventional, with humour and tolerance. The fact that it has legions of fans of all ages, people remember the characters as real people, not the actors who played them, and it’s embedded itself in the psyche of the UK to the extent that fans uses its phrases in their everyday conversations tells me something - which is that you don’t have to love it, but you do have to respect that for millions it’s a modern cultural phenomenon.

Nannan2 Wed 11-Dec-24 12:50:08

I too never watched it originally, but being very ill & nothing to do cept lie on sofa an hour on christmas day 2019, i thought i'd see what all the hype was about with the big return show, after 10 years- i was very surprised by it, was really good, so while i got better i watched all the other three original series and am much looking forward to the finalé.I often rewatch a couple of episodes.Been having a 'refresher' this week ahead of the last one.

Nannan2 Wed 11-Dec-24 13:01:59

I think you will find llizzie2 that most of the cast ARE famous already, from other shows-certainly pam& mick are, and Ruth Jones& James corden are well enough known already, so is uncle Brynn and even pete, and other supporting 'friends' like Budgie, fingers etc are all well known in other shows.

Nannan2 Wed 11-Dec-24 13:04:01

Stacy was in Love Actually i beleive and Gavin is in Agatha Raisin and other stuff before that too i think.

Nannan2 Wed 11-Dec-24 13:13:32

They very craftily gathered together a bunch of 'well- knowns' and mixed them with some unknowns, and put the better known ones in the supporting roles- think Sheridan Smith, a bafta award winner, in lesser role as Smithy's sister, or pam ferris as his mum, altogether its the whole mix of actors, placed as the right characters, is what makes this work so well, and yes, the situations they are in which you can see could actually 'occur' in real life, maybe not to everyone, but to some, and how they deal with it- all of it together makes it work.

MaggsMcG Wed 11-Dec-24 13:37:20

I've never really taken to it either.

Rolokate37 Wed 11-Dec-24 14:11:58

i love it , I can’t look at a KFC corn on the cob without thinking of Nessa & Smithy 🤣

Allira Wed 11-Dec-24 14:33:20

llizzie2

You are right. It's hype. It has been marketed to convince the public that they should be enjoying it. The actors were not particularly great or famous. They were acting in a series which would not be aired now, before they put on this show.

It is mild, and uncontentious, which is probably what attracts people. There are not many programmes of 'ordinary life' that some viewers consider this to be.

I assume it is often repeated to give these actors a little bit of income from royalties.

That's nearly as funny as Gavin and Stacey
But not quite
😂

Of course, if you've been living overseas, you might not know these actors, llizzie2 so that might be understandable.

Pittcity Wed 11-Dec-24 14:38:37

Has anyone mentioned the salad?

Allira Wed 11-Dec-24 14:40:38

Pittcity

Has anyone mentioned the salad?

Don't think so - go on!

Sarnia Wed 11-Dec-24 14:45:02

I have gone off James Corden since he went to the US. Reports of him being barred from restaurants for being rude and arrogant to the waiting staff don't endear him to me.

merlotgran Wed 11-Dec-24 14:58:53

Does anyone remember Nessa’s reference to Mohamed al Fayed in one of the early episodes? Not sure if I should repeat it on here. He wasn’t named but it’s obvious who she meant. 😮

petra Wed 11-Dec-24 15:05:58

merlotgran

Does anyone remember Nessa’s reference to Mohamed al Fayed in one of the early episodes? Not sure if I should repeat it on here. He wasn’t named but it’s obvious who she meant. 😮

I remember it 😂
Here it is.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr3B1IStpgQ

Casdon Wed 11-Dec-24 15:14:26

If you look, there are quite a few references to people who have since been found out.
I loved John Prescott for buying in, such a sport.

Allira Wed 11-Dec-24 15:15:17

😯

Allira Wed 11-Dec-24 15:18:48

Casdon

If you look, there are quite a few references to people who have since been found out.
I loved John Prescott for buying in, such a sport.

😁

He was a cracker!

Allira Wed 11-Dec-24 15:19:38

Allira

😯

😯 That was to petra's link

Fourmuddypaws Wed 11-Dec-24 15:34:21

Rumour has it that we’ll find out what happened on that fishing trip!

Anniebach Wed 11-Dec-24 15:46:38

I doubt we will find out, hope we will though

Tenko Wed 11-Dec-24 15:52:14

I’ve never watched it , maybe I should give it a go.

ordinarygirl Wed 11-Dec-24 15:58:17

I enjoy it but then I hate sport and can't see why so much money is invested into that .
If you were commenting on "I'm a celebrity get me out of ..." then I could say I don't get it

just proves we are all different

Nansypansy Wed 11-Dec-24 16:07:06

I absolutely love Gavin & Stacey …. It must appeal to my sense of humour. I shall definitely be watching the Christmas Special or recording it.

ferry23 Wed 11-Dec-24 16:35:22

OK - I've now watched all episodes including the Christmas specials.

I must admit it did grow on me a bit and there were parts that had me howling with laughter.

I don't think binge watching was the way to go. Like so many comedy programmes I think you may have to take it slowly so that you really get invested in the characters and the dynamics.

Plus I'm not a fan of James Cordon and that probably influenced me a bit.

I think the mystery of the fishing trip was integral to the whole thing and it should stay a mystery!