Still getting used to British dark humour? Here's our guide
Fans of comedy will know that Britain has some of the most iconic and darkest comedy shows out there. Dark or black humour is best described as a comic style that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo.
Comedians especially use it as a tool for exploring vulgar issues, by provoking discomfort and serious thought, as well as amusement amongst audiences. Many of these shows become cult classics.
If you’re new to the UK, and want to understand some of the more dark and twisted aspects of our sense of humour, simply watch one or all of these shows.
This dark, surreal comedy series follows the lives of dozens of strange inhabitants of the small, fictional Northern town of Royston Vasey.
At first glance, this town seems like any other typical rural town, but there are many dark and often ludicrous things going on. From a pen-obsessed jobcentre manager teaching the out of work how to get a job, a murderous brother and wife shopkeeper double act, and an obsessively organised family, who are deeply disturbed by any sort of disharmony, this show has them all.
This show isn’t for the faint-hearted, or those easily disturbed, but if you can see the silliness in it all, you’ll love The League of Gentlemen.
You’ve probably already heard of this one, this British comedy film takes a light-hearted satirical stab at the zombie movie genre and British life in general. Shaun is a salesman whose life has no direction. However, his uneventful life takes a sudden turn when he has to singlehandedly deal with an entire community of zombies. The ridiculousness of it all makes it even funnier. Make sure you give it a watch soon.
Whilst not as dark as our other two choices, Peep Show is still pretty miserable. Coming from the comedy duo Mitchell and Webb, it is clear to see why this show is so deadpan and downtrodden. Old university friends Mark and Jeremy share a flat in Croydon. Well, actually, unemployed Jeremy lives in a room in Mark’s flat.
Although these pals couldn’t be more different, they find they’re facing a lot of the same issues as they make the adjustment from university life to the working world. Expect to relate to this show a LOT.
These are just some examples of British Dark Humour
Hopefully now you understand British dark humour a little better, so now you can feel more involved when Brits inevitably relate to dark humour.
Need more help understanding British Humour or Sarcasm? Follow the links to our articles on them.
