Early Doors - Series 1 And 2

For those who've no experience of Early Doors, it's co-written by Craig Cash (formerly the partner - in both senses - of Caroline Aherne; they co-wrote and starred in The Royle Family) and his mate Phil Mealey. Both of them star in the series as regulars of The Grapes, a traditional backstreet Manchester boozer. Mealey had never written for television before Early Doors and he makes a great job of it.

So what's it about? Basically - like its ancestor The Royle Family - it's fly-on-the-wall observation of ordinary people and their lives played out in one and sometimes two rooms. You've various archetypes here: the troubled landlord, his awkward mother, an irritable old bloke, a rather dim couple and two visiting policemen who are as lazy and bent for themselves as one could wish.

All in all, it's a total joy to watch. It's not "here comes the punchline - can you see it yet?" comedy. Indeed, it's slight and unassuming but the dialogue fizzes with superb insight and observation. If the BBC has any sense, a third series and the big push would be a great idea. It sure beats 'My Family' or some of the other dire 'comedy' we're handed.

Note for the eagle-eared: at some point in the scenes involving the lazy coppers, listen out for their walkie-talkies. The phonetic code that you hear coming from them spells out naughty words!


To the regiment...   March 17, 2006
Mr. Matthew Munroe (Brighton, UK)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

If you have never seen early doors, I highly, highly recommend it! Although it's not one of those comedies that is a laugh a minute, it has a great feel to it and keeps you entertained. The set is only small but the interaction between characters is what makes this series work.
Look out for 'Phil and Nige' the 2 more than bent coppers and listen to the radio messages they recieve as they exit.
All in all a fantastic show and 2 great series!!


Thumbs up in the corner   December 6, 2007
Big Jim (London, UK)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Beautifully observed, gentle, subtle comedy that you can watch again and again just to see new nuances of the interplay between a quality cast. Marvellous!



Great Brit Comedy   January 30, 2006
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

I bought the Box Set on the off-chance for my husband for Christmas. It was one of those "If you liked this.. you'd like this" choices. We've both fallen for Early Doors ! The characters are trully believable and lovable and much cause for many a laugh. A truly wonderful Brit comedy..


Very Very Funny   February 7, 2006
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

A lot of people seem to have missed Early Doors, probably because it started off on BBC3, then 2 and finally BBC1. It is without doubt one of the funniest Sit Coms ever. Everyone who I have told about it, have loved it.
I hear there is a new series coming out this year, surely it'll win an award this time?? If you like the Office, Extras, Royale Family, etc then you'll love this.
Treat yourself you deserve it!!