'Miranda' manages to succeed with an 'in-your-face' approach where the main lead constantly address her audience and where most of the humor is seen coming miles ahead. This normally would boil down to an utterly tepid experience , but with Miranda Hart the effect is hugely more than the sum of its parts. I'm sure the division is similar to watching the late Tommy Cooper. You will either notice the brilliance or find it utterly boring. I 've no idea why the format of continuously speaking to the audience works within this series. It simply does. All cast members are above average, with Patricia Hodge stealing every scene she is in. A huge factor may be the neck-breaking speed. I like that. Suspect it's simply too much for part of the public..
92 Reviews
A Real Gem
buddleja5 January 2011
Miranda is a stunner, not in the physical sense, but in her comedy show. When you laugh from the first episode you know it must be good. This is Brit comedy at its very best with knowing looks to camera, witty dialogue and slapstick. Her shop reminds me of Black Books - customers take a back seat when it comes to Miranda's odd life. Each episode can stand on its own although the supporting character development is better watched from the first episode. I can't watch an episode of this without having a really good laugh (which is murder on my hernia I can tell you!). I really hope that this series keeps on going for a while as there's no sign of it losing its freshness at this stage. Give it a try.
Excellent comedy
pythonman-14 August 2010
To tell you the truth, there are not many female comedians that can make me laugh. This is not a sexist opinion, it is just not my type of humor. But I can gladly make an exception for this Miranda Hart-show. Okay, sometimes it is a bit over the top, on a few occasions it is slightly tedious and worn out, but in general this is a very funny and intelligently written situation comedy. I love it when Miranda talks or gestures to the audience, I love the absurd thoughts that go through her head and I love all the characters that surround her, especially Patricia Hodge as Miranda's mother. Of course Hart is a brilliant actress (see also: Not going out) and her self-mockery leaves me in stitches. Although I must confess that I do not look out for a second series, except when there would be an acceptable twist in the concept. There's always the danger that it's going to be dragged out and that we will have seen it all before. But this first series still stands after a second view and it should definitely be in my DVD-collection. Miranda rules!
Had me laughing hysterically!
jeriberi1319 May 2019
I found this show because of Tom Ellis but I loved it because of Miranda Hart. Every episode had me laughing out loud! The little looks she gives the audience are hysterical. I binged it in a couple of days and so glad I didn't have to wait the years it took when it first aired. Her best friend and mom, especially the mom, were perfect foils for Miranda. This show was truly a delight to watch, I haven't laughed this hard at a tv show in a very long time.
"Such fun!" Heartwarming comedy.
Growlyted7 October 2010
The trailers terribly undersold this series & I almost missed a real gem. Fortunately "Points of View" reported receiving no negative feedback & showed a very funny end credits sequence. When I watched on Catch Up, I just fell in love with Miranda & her world of insanity. I was unfamiliar with Miranda Hart's stand up, but that didn't matter. Far from being a big ego trip, this is a heartwarming comedy that effectively breaks the 4th wall. Miranda shares her insecurities with the audience and pulls us right in with her speeches & glances to the camera. Patricia Hodge as Miranda's disappointed mother is a scene stealer. Miranda's friends are delightfully insane & Gary is a love. While I'm not usually a fan of slapstick, the falling over does work here. I'm delighted that Series 2 has been commissioned. I wouldn't miss it! 10/10
Oh Miranda, I adore this Show!
hunkazine1 February 2021
I came to this show after watching the awful American show (Call Me Kat) based on it. I read about Miranda and decided to take a look. Wow! Miranda has a great ensemble cast that keeps getting better with each episode. As a bonus it features Tom Ellis (Luficer). I had not watched Lucifer, but will now. The chemistry between the cast is warming and wonderful. And...the show has a very nice conclusion. Take a chance on this Brit series.
Absolutely FABULOUSLY FUNNY, ORIGINAL, WITTY & UNIQUE!
fourwinds46 May 2019
Thank you Miranda Hart! You are SO talented. I haven't laughed like that since Monty Python... I mean the original stuff... and "Big Trouble" . comes in close. LOVE it! Love the talking to the audience, love the physical comedy, love the storyline... Just binge watched all 3 series that are on Netflix... sad I can't watch series 4 and oh dear... it's over now?
I bet the wonderful actors in this had such fun making it.. it looks as though they did! Patricia Hodge, Tom Ellis, Tom Conti there for a while just having fun.... what a joy!
It's so truly wonderful to see a series that doesn't rely on the same old same old same old recycled storylines and terrific to see it acted by such professionals.
Devastated it's over. Can't you make some more ?
By the way I have only ever rated 2 other movies/shows with a 10. Praise indeed.
I bet the wonderful actors in this had such fun making it.. it looks as though they did! Patricia Hodge, Tom Ellis, Tom Conti there for a while just having fun.... what a joy!
It's so truly wonderful to see a series that doesn't rely on the same old same old same old recycled storylines and terrific to see it acted by such professionals.
Devastated it's over. Can't you make some more ?
By the way I have only ever rated 2 other movies/shows with a 10. Praise indeed.
Uplifting
robin-41423 January 2011
As this show has collected so few reviews on IMDb, I would like to add my two penn'orth, for what it's worth. I caught this by accident, not being an avid TV watcher - and became hooked. I'd heard a version of it on the radio - I'm not sure which came first in the order of things - but that was mildly amusing, although a lot of Miranda's comedy is visual, and when I heard a repeat of the radio version after seeing the TV show, I could see the problems they were up against.
Any flaws I found in the TV series - we armchair critics have to look for flaws in new things - were cancelled out by the fact that I felt better after each episode I watched. Not just amused, and in some cases, very tickled indeed, but uplifted.
All of the characters are attractive and likable - and despite Miranda's self-deprecating gags about being often mistaken for a man, she's a very feminine, and extremely good-looking lady. Her device of engaging directly with her home-viewing audience, via the camera, works well, and adds to her personal appeal.
The comedy chemistry in the scenes with her diminutive friend, Stevie, played by the also extremely good-looking and funny Sarah Hadland, creates some of the best laughs in the show.
Here's a thought: The last series I watched starring Patricia Hodge, who brilliantly plays Miranda's scatty mum in this, was called The Life and Loves of a She-Devil, from about 1985 (not to be confused with the later Hollywood version). In She-Devil, she played the rival of a character portrayed by another very statuesque brunette, Julie T. Wallace. I wonder if this had any influence on the decision to cast her in Miranda?
Perhaps a lot of this show's appeal is in it's almost childlike presentation. The cast, one by one, wave goodbye to us at the end of the episodes, like human Telly Tubbies. Maybe I'm wrong to feel good about that, but, like Miranda's confidences to us, it tickles me to death.
More, please. The world needs Miranda.
Any flaws I found in the TV series - we armchair critics have to look for flaws in new things - were cancelled out by the fact that I felt better after each episode I watched. Not just amused, and in some cases, very tickled indeed, but uplifted.
All of the characters are attractive and likable - and despite Miranda's self-deprecating gags about being often mistaken for a man, she's a very feminine, and extremely good-looking lady. Her device of engaging directly with her home-viewing audience, via the camera, works well, and adds to her personal appeal.
The comedy chemistry in the scenes with her diminutive friend, Stevie, played by the also extremely good-looking and funny Sarah Hadland, creates some of the best laughs in the show.
Here's a thought: The last series I watched starring Patricia Hodge, who brilliantly plays Miranda's scatty mum in this, was called The Life and Loves of a She-Devil, from about 1985 (not to be confused with the later Hollywood version). In She-Devil, she played the rival of a character portrayed by another very statuesque brunette, Julie T. Wallace. I wonder if this had any influence on the decision to cast her in Miranda?
Perhaps a lot of this show's appeal is in it's almost childlike presentation. The cast, one by one, wave goodbye to us at the end of the episodes, like human Telly Tubbies. Maybe I'm wrong to feel good about that, but, like Miranda's confidences to us, it tickles me to death.
More, please. The world needs Miranda.
One of the best Britcoms ever!
iwantbleave28 September 2016
I love British shows of all kinds, but this has got to be one of the best Britcoms ever! Miranda handles everything with humor and makes lemonade with all the lemons she is dealt. All the day to day troubles we all have are dealt with such humor, that you realize how unimportant they are. The casting is wonderful.
I have enjoyed everything I have every seen Miranda Hart in. Patricia Hodge is funny and irreverent as Miranda's mother, who tries to marry her off at every turn. The friendship between Miranda, Stevie (Sarah Hadland) and Tilly (Sally Phillips) is "bear with...bear with" hysterical. Tom Ellis performance as Gary makes all us tall, plus- sized women hopeful. He is charming, funny and (of course) handsome as ever!
I have enjoyed everything I have every seen Miranda Hart in. Patricia Hodge is funny and irreverent as Miranda's mother, who tries to marry her off at every turn. The friendship between Miranda, Stevie (Sarah Hadland) and Tilly (Sally Phillips) is "bear with...bear with" hysterical. Tom Ellis performance as Gary makes all us tall, plus- sized women hopeful. He is charming, funny and (of course) handsome as ever!
"Miranda" is what I call Funny..........................
ianlouisiana18 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
On the face of it,BBC would be the last place to see a comedy featuring a white middle class ungainly 34 year old virgin ex boarding school girl,but somehow Miss Hart has caused the corporation to put its obsession with underclass comedy to one side however temporarily and let the people of Surrey loose on our screens once again. The eponymous "Miranda"is fairly posh,articulate,self - aware,owner of a Joke Shop managed by her best friend(Ms Hadland)who is Abbott to her Costello. She has an appalling clinging mother(Ms Hodge) and an obsession with the chef in a nearby restaurant(the damnably nice Mr T.Ellis). The wonderful Ms Sally Phillips is her old school chum,a cock - eyed optimist in an uncaring world,unbearably irritating but kinda cute too who you can imagine organising midnight feasts in the dorm and hiding behind Miranda when the beak unexpectedly puts in an appearance. Miss Hart is adept at physical comedy and unless you are particularly ill - disposed towards seeing her fall over several times an episode you will find her very endearing. Nothing remotely "edgy" happens and you can safely watch it with your elderly aunt,a rare accolade in 2011.Indeed,tremendously "modern" viewers will find little to keep their attention - but does Miss Hart care?I rather think not. Together with "Outmubered",the best the BBC has offered for many years.
Simple but effective
briancham19949 August 2020
This show had a very simple but effective format. There weren't many characters or narrative devices but there was always something new and fresh. The way the characters all played off each other led to some hilarious moments.
"such fun!!!"
shevaunhodge4 March 2019
Il be honest I watched the first episode and though "Mmm not sure what I think of that?". Then I watched more and it just got better and better and I ended up loving it!! I think the more you watch the more you fall in love with Miranda's character. It is not funny in a offensive or disgusting way like many comedies these days. Our Tv's seem to be full of rubbish reality Tv, with people who have no talent and are obsessed with looks. This was a breath of fresh air for me to watch. The bit that makes it funny is the fact that many shows make the actors pretend the camera isn't there, but Miranda actually talks to the camera like you are actually standing next to her. She tells fibs to the actors to make herself look better, like we all do, but then turns to the camera and blurts the truth out like they are not able to hear her. An example of this is one the actors "Oh you have cake for breakfast? Do you have this often?" She replies with "Never". shaking her head. Then looks towards the camera and says "All the time". With a cheeky funny face. The program is based around a single 34 year old women and what she gets up to when she lives on her own. It isn't all based around her trying to find a man, yes some of it is, but it highlights all the silly things her and single friends do in secret like e.g. the game where is Miranda? and who can pop the most bubble wrap in one go. Yes she ends up with the love of her life, but it trying to say in so many words that beauty is what is on the inside. Miranda isn't the typical type of women you see on television , she is different looking, but the show takes that and runs with it, and mocks her size and flaws through out,so it is even funnier. However, Miranda has many love interests even though she isn't perfect looking because of her unusual personality. Personality wins every time. Maybe this message should be said to the younger generation who are pressured to look perfect. If there was more shows like Miranda, the world would be a better place. Such fun!!
Marmite Comedy
studioAT11 March 2013
If ever there was a sitcom that divided audiences it is Miranda. For some the mix of slapstick and good old fashioned nature means it's a surefire hit for all the family while for others it's all a bit silly and dated.
However the very fact that the show can be watched by such a wide range of age groups must be commended as there aren't many shows that fit that bracket.
For the most part each episode has some good laughs in it and as long as you know that at some point Miranda will fall over you're prepared to allow things to get a little silly. Sadly some episodes rely on slapstick a little too much and it isn't the most consistent of comedies but for sheer entertainment I don't think there is any other sitcom that holds a candle to Miranda at the moment.
However the very fact that the show can be watched by such a wide range of age groups must be commended as there aren't many shows that fit that bracket.
For the most part each episode has some good laughs in it and as long as you know that at some point Miranda will fall over you're prepared to allow things to get a little silly. Sadly some episodes rely on slapstick a little too much and it isn't the most consistent of comedies but for sheer entertainment I don't think there is any other sitcom that holds a candle to Miranda at the moment.
Don't
liyanasondage7 June 2020
When you need a laugh
jbladeswaco24 March 2020
Omg !!
jaxgrchick5 October 2018
I have converted my Boyfriend at last!!!
countrygirl_x-511-68630725 February 2013
This show always makes me belly laugh and not just once in half an hour like most comedies nowadays. I know its extremely silly stuff, but its got a certain charm that warms my heart and soul with every single episode.
My boyfriend hated this show when it first aired, but I recently made him sit and watch the Christmas special with me and hasn't looked back, even secretly purchasing the entire 3 series on itunes and 'coming out' saying he loves it now! :)
Please say there is series 4, we need more to brighten up our lives, and I could really do with something to laugh at after a bad day at work! Absolutely gem of a show :)
My boyfriend hated this show when it first aired, but I recently made him sit and watch the Christmas special with me and hasn't looked back, even secretly purchasing the entire 3 series on itunes and 'coming out' saying he loves it now! :)
Please say there is series 4, we need more to brighten up our lives, and I could really do with something to laugh at after a bad day at work! Absolutely gem of a show :)
Excellent show!
shedmcnee1 December 2010
Miranda just gets better and better. She's so funny and I love the way she looks into the camera and comments. She's a really funny person. If you want to watch something light hearted and entertaining - this is it. The romance between her and Gary (Tom Ellis - Mr. Gorgeous!) is 'such fun' as Miranda's mother would say. I hope this continues for a long time as it's refreshing to watch. A lot of comedies nowadays are terrible, not remotely funny - this, on the other hand, is full of laughs. The fact that Miranda can laugh at herself is one of the best things about it. I settle down with my family to watch this and it entertains all ages. We were rolling up with laughter at yesterdays episode (series 2 episode 3). I won't say anything to give it away but it was absolutely brilliant!
A True Delight
brandi-lacy1 August 2012
This show brings back the vaudevillian art of slap stick. It is a true delight that will have you laughing at and cheering for the characters. In a day and age where we find shows exploiting people drinking copious amounts of alcohol and hooking up entertaining, Miranda Hart's show is a true breath of fresh air. It knows exactly what it is: a situation comedy. It is not pretentious. It is a good laugh that makes you happy long after the show ends. It probably will not appeal to the "Hipster" generation that seems to find humor in very little. However, for the rest of you comedy lovers I highly recommend this show.
This show is enjoyable for audiences of all ages. The children will love the physical comedy, young adults can relate to the themes, and baby boomers will enjoy the return to the clean sitcom. If you enjoyed "Bridget Jones's Diary," "The IT Crowd," "Absolutely Fabulous," "Friends," "I Love Lucy," "Three's Company," and or "Lavern and Shirley" you will enjoy this show.
This show is enjoyable for audiences of all ages. The children will love the physical comedy, young adults can relate to the themes, and baby boomers will enjoy the return to the clean sitcom. If you enjoyed "Bridget Jones's Diary," "The IT Crowd," "Absolutely Fabulous," "Friends," "I Love Lucy," "Three's Company," and or "Lavern and Shirley" you will enjoy this show.
Only three reviews?
mark-newman-19 December 2010
This first rate slapstick comedy from the delightful Ms Hart now into its' second season. The joy of watching this is that everyone is a likable character even when they are not really supposed to be.
The 'round ups' at the end of each episode where everyone comes together to wave goodbye to the audience are a real treat.
If you are like me and find women simply 'un-funny' (which they are - especially when they are trying to be funny) then put those naughty misgivings aside and watch this show.
The general premise of the show is the 'on again, off again' flirtation between Miranda and the chef who works next door and the insane competitions between Miranda and her mental joke shop manager.
The cast of character actors are truly gifted and add great support to the madcap merriment of each episode.
The best new British TV comedy to hit the small screen in years.
The 'round ups' at the end of each episode where everyone comes together to wave goodbye to the audience are a real treat.
If you are like me and find women simply 'un-funny' (which they are - especially when they are trying to be funny) then put those naughty misgivings aside and watch this show.
The general premise of the show is the 'on again, off again' flirtation between Miranda and the chef who works next door and the insane competitions between Miranda and her mental joke shop manager.
The cast of character actors are truly gifted and add great support to the madcap merriment of each episode.
The best new British TV comedy to hit the small screen in years.
Miranda is not funny
eleanormjackson21 January 2013
Miranda is not funny. It's predictable, laboured, hammy, rather anti women and relies on outdated, poorly delivered physical comedy to get some lowest common denominator laughs. A distinct lack of original ideas ruins some good performances by well worn comedy stalwarts, not including Miranda herself, who's hackneyed mugging would be better suited to children's television show, except they are possibly too sophisticated an audience. I realise that the idea of women being genuinely funny is not one that the male dominated media feel comfortable with, but do we really need to have this comedy of embarrassment inflicted on the viewing public? It might have worked with an audience in Some Mother's do 'ave 'em in the 1970s, but please tell me that the 80s alternative comedy has achieved something and that this current series will be Miranda's last. Less of this please.
Good laughs but...............
itaylor-506655 February 2019
Good laughs but why, oh why does the BBC resort to horrible, stupid and overly loud laugh tracks? It really spoils the show.
It's so clear that the laugh track is canned and not a recording of actual audiences.
As an example of an even funnier show that is devoid of a laugh track is Cuckoo.
As an example of an even funnier show that is devoid of a laugh track is Cuckoo.
You Took A Vacation in Your Hometown?
Sylviastel3 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love Miranda Hart and Patricia Hodge OBE as mother and daughter in this British sitcom. Miranda Hart is a brilliant comedienne in her own right. She Is taller than average and awkward appearance. Patricia Hodge is perfect as a pushy mother who wants to see her daughter get married and have children. She will do everything or anything to marry her off. Miranda runs a joke shop with Stevie, her best female friend. She has two male friends, she tells everyone that she is going to Thailand for holiday but she checks in at a local hotel and pretends to be Amanda Barnes, the leading guest speaker, which Stevie has come to see. It's a very funny show. Too bad, there were only three seasons and only 18 episodes in all.
Enjoyable 1st season later ruined by will they/won't they
rock-jeso13 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I enjoyed the first season and would give it a strong 8, I didn't find the rest of the episodes as funny, way too many repetitive jokes, predictable situations and will they won't they be together with Gary was just terrible.
is this what we are reduced to?
michaelangelcynnhughes11 September 2016
More staggering than how bad this "comedy" is, is the number of people who rave about it. have we all had lobotomies, or has PC killed off true humour to be replaced with this verbal dishwater?
Formulaic, predictable, mind-numbing, drab and poorly acted. Comedians aren't people who attempt to say funny lines, they are funny people!
Not one person in this toilet paper of a production is a genuinely funny person.
Even at a time when British humour has been all but killed off by PC paranoia, this is particularly bad. Only Mrs Brown's Boys compares for being so awful!
UTTERLY DREADFUL.
Formulaic, predictable, mind-numbing, drab and poorly acted. Comedians aren't people who attempt to say funny lines, they are funny people!
Not one person in this toilet paper of a production is a genuinely funny person.
Even at a time when British humour has been all but killed off by PC paranoia, this is particularly bad. Only Mrs Brown's Boys compares for being so awful!
UTTERLY DREADFUL.
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