general-melchett Let's be honest here - comedies set in working men's clubs are now an old idea now. Phoenix Nights is great, however, and is made better by the fact that it all could happen in real life. Some of the gags are hilarious - and it is good to see how this show has not been ruined by a rubbish third series. My favourite episode was the one where Brian Potter and the guys held a fun day to reopen the Phoenix Club - I was literally wetting myself with laughter when "Sammy Snake" rose up in front of an audience watching Jerry sing. The second series is personally my favourite, but the first series has such brilliant things to offer as - a racist folk band, a Western evening from hell, and the prospect of a horrible future for the Phoenix Club. It set the way for a second series, and it is good to see how that managed to maintain the strength of this show's comedy - it can also be quite moving in parts. Phoenix Nights saw when it reached its peak and stopped before it jumped the shark - unlike Little Britain, which is constantly being mined for a hint of a gag and will soon become rather hated than loved. And Brian Potter can be far funnier than Andy and Lou. This was definitely the thing that established Peter Kay as one to be reckoned with - and I can see why. Phoenix Nights is pure genius - prepare to be amused! 9/10

Bobbymak880 Some British Comedies don't translate into US sensibilities and are not as funny outside of the UK. Phoenix Nights is NOT one of those. This series is a well-crafted set of stories taking place in a small working-class night club that will keep you laughing long after you press the STOP button. Phoenix Nights works on many levels but it starts with a tight script, delivered with verve by a widely talented cast, flawlessly directed and photographed, every character in the series that contributes a vital beingness to this story of a worn-formica nightclub in Northern England. The sets, staging and costumes are as rich in comedic detail as are the intertwining plots. And the vacuum-tight editing of the series make this one of those shows you'll watch again and again. And if watching Phoenix Nights for laughs isn't enough reason for you to purchase these DVDs, then purchase them to use as a textbook example of how a creative ensemble can work together to produce a first-rate comedy series and put together an informative and entertaining commentary track. Phoenix Nights is the best reason for Americans to purchase a multi-region/multi-standard DVD player. Phoenix Nights may be the most entertaining TV series America never gets to see. If you're NOT in the UK or Europe, here's what you gotta do: - bite the bullet and buy the DVD's from AMAZON.CO.UK and watch it on your computer (The DVD's are Region 2; non-US), or - spend a few bucks and get an all-region DVD player and then watch it via your stereo-connected wide-screen TV, or - sit around and hope and pray that UK's Channel 4 exports the show to a US network.

paul2001sw-1 Peter Kay's 'Phoenix Nights' is simply the funniest British sitcom for years. The setting is cliched, but its so full of bleak comic invention, every scene bursts with sight and word gags mercifully unflagged by studio laughter. The underlying sense that there is no salvation for any of these characters adds a poignant edge to the hysteria, and Peter's Kay's Brian Potter is brilliantly foiled by Dave Spikey's Jerry, a man almost (but not quite) intelligent enough to realise he'd be better off somewhere else. A real gem, utterly silly but very true to life.

jellyhen This show is one of the greatest things on tv at the moment - painfully funny...... 'I've been on my feet all day' Brian Potter (you need to see this to know why its funny!!) The characters are all top notch, with dave spikey putting in a brilliant performance as Jerry 'the saint' Sinclair. The 1st episode in the 2nd series where Jerry is singing in asda about black bin bags to the tune of 'men in black' has me in tears of laughter no matter how many times i see it!!If u havent seen it before then do, its worth it.It probably wont travel very well....its sooooo northern, it could even be said its so north western that foreigners maybe wouldnt get all the jokes."Sorry Paddy, i couldn't see you there for the light bouncing off yer head" Jerry