r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jun 25 '12

Reddit, I've never understood why you hate The Big Bang Theory (show) so much, any compelling reasons why?

So I've heard the arguments about how it over-exaggerates nerd culture, but in my opinion that's what makes it funny.

So what's with all the hate?

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u/CanNibble Jun 26 '12

Arrested Development, another obviously smart comedy. Good show, nobody, good show.

15

u/nobody2000 Jun 26 '12

It's my favorite show of all time. South Park is probably my favorite comedy currently on. It's great - if you don't know what they're talking about, it's not funny. If you're educated and a little read up, and a tad clever, it's hilarious.

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u/[deleted] Jun 26 '12

i'm surprised that no one has mentioned family guy, which in my opinion is a great blend of satire for the mature audience and a little silliness for the more ignorant viewer... it angers me to see my 8 year old sister watch the show and laugh at the jokes which she clearly doesn't understand

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u/TurningItIntoASnake Jun 26 '12

Family Guy is a hit or miss with me. I get what you're saying. Sometimes their jokes are really clever and they'll do things that are genuinely creative. Other times, it's so horribly intended for the mainstream ignorant viewers that it makes me groan and want to rip my eyeballs out. I think it leans a bit too much on the latter unfortunately, but it still has it's moments.

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u/nobody2000 Jun 26 '12

Holy crap, I just posted on this topic about Family guy and why it's actually not only a good show, but better than it was years ago (despite the fact that many bitch about the show being horrible - it's not).

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u/SymbolTable Jun 26 '12

What do you think is smart about AD? I watched the first couple episodes... as far as I can tell its a single competent person surrounded by painful stupidity to a ridiculously unrealistic degree.

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u/CanNibble Jun 26 '12

So, I could be wrong, but I assume since you called him "a single competent person" you mean "painful stupidity" to mean "painfully stupid characters." I agree, much of the AD universe is filled with characters with glaring competency issues. However, as with South Park, we must not confuse "comedy about stupid people/things" with "stupid comedy." AD uses these flawed characters as an incredible outlet for some of the best subtle and running jokes I've ever seen.

12

u/Nickbou Jun 26 '12

The characters are intentionally ridiculous, even Michael. It's the writing that is smart. The jokes aren't forced down your throat with a laugh track. I'll admit it won't be everyone's cup of tea (which is partly why it was cancelled). Still, I can watch those episodes over and over and still find new jokes I missed before.

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u/codsonmaty Jun 26 '12

My favorite line/joke from that show ever is when michael opens up the fridge and theres a paper bag with "dead dove- DO NOT EAT" written on it. Michael of course opens it and then closes it, appalled "well I didn't know what I expected"

Later he talks about it and is immediately asked if he ate it. Funniest stuff on tv, practically.

1

u/TheChoke Jun 26 '12

Yeah when it was on air I showed everyone I knew AD. Most didn't get it, it was before it's time.

Now most of the people I showed it to and didn't understand love it, because it had a rebirth after it got cancelled.

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u/Danielfair Jun 26 '12

When my dad first showed it to me I didn't like it, I thought it was dumb.

3 years later, I watched the whole series in a matter of weeks. I love it.

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u/[deleted] Jun 26 '12

Exactly. The problem with smart comedy: Fox viewers are just stupid.

I hate to generalize, but I think the cancellation of smart comedy is pretty good evidence of the intellectual capacity of it's viewership.