An Idiot Abroad

[Gordonbcb]

Yet another attempt to glamorise ignorance?

Do you agree or disagree?

Discuss...................

[davidruddell]

I for one wouldn't bother watching this kind of thing, but would be very interested to see how low the viewing figs are for this heavily advertised crap.

I initially (On Radio) found Pilkington amusing.

He's been paraded as some sort of moronic freak for some time, Sky One really is the home for this sort of thing.

I was very pleased whilst working at Penguin books, to see Mr Pilkington sit at a desk for over an hour during a 'Penguin Staff only' book signing.

Total people (out of over 1,800 in the building, also DK and others HQ) who actually wanted a signed book?

Eight.

Dave Eggers (Genius Writer) did a similar signing, was there for four hours, signed over 700 books.

Many things on TV glamorise ignorance, it's an increasing trend on British TV.
What's really disturbing is the current wealth of intelligent, entertaining programmes from the U.S.

It used to be the exact opposite.

I know we still make great documentaries, Attenborough et al included, but challenging drama, clever comedy?
Seems to all be coming from the U.S.

Even the news is the U.K is becoming trite and unwatchable, after watching Charlie Brookers explanation of modern news presentation techniques, I find it very difficult to watch BBC/ITV news, much prefer to listen to Radio 4 for news and Five Live for my sports.

Saddening.

[jibjob79]

Mrs loves it so i also end up watching it. Don't find it that funny and is very predictable. Someone who doesn't like foreigners is sent abroad, i wonder what his views will be?

I'm guessing the viewing figures will be high as the sheepeople will follow what they are told on tv but nothing spectacular.

[Watkins]

wow, if you actually knew anything about Karl Pilkington and why this is good you may understand the series.

It's nothing to do with him not like foreigners at all, it's all based upon the radio shows and podcasts in which Karl was the producer (his actual job and has won many awards for actually) in these you learn about him and his views and why he is the person he is now.

Due to the upbringing he had and was never taught to embrace life and education in a formal manor. Ricky and Steve set out to encourage him and widen his views on the world while still mocking and listening to the crap he calls inventions which is actually very humorous if taken the right way.


this clearly isn't aimed at you as a target market and as is said it's actually purely a practical joke on Karl to force him in to doing things, I however am the target being someone who has listened to the previous material and being of the correct age, to find this to glamorise ignorance is taking this program far too seriously and actually the complete opposite of what Gervais's purpose is with the whole Pilkington scenario.

[jibjob79]

wow, if you actually knew anything about Karl Pilkington and why this is good you may understand the series.

It's nothing to do with him not like foreigners at all, it's all based upon the radio shows and podcasts in which Karl was the producer (his actual job and has won many awards for actually) in these you learn about him and his views and why he is the person he is now.

Due to the upbringing he had and was never taught to embrace life and education in a formal manor. Ricky and Steve set out to encourage him and widen his views on the world while still mocking and listening to the crap he calls inventions which is actually very humorous if taken the right way.


this clearly isn't aimed at you as a target market and as is said it's actually purely a practical joke on Karl to force him in to doing things, I however am the target being someone who has listened to the previous material and being of the correct age, to find this to glamorise ignorance is taking this program far too seriously and actually the complete opposite of what Gervais's purpose is with the whole Pilkington scenario.

easy tiger, don't assume anything. My post is my opinion, it might not be to your liking but you don't have to like it, but i happen to know a lot about Karl Pilkington, i'd like to know just what you know about me and how you have managed to pigeon hole me into not being their target audience, i have listened to all their podcasts, watched the cartoons of said podcasts. I know all about the in jokes but i still find it predictable and not that funny.

I think the series is just marketing flogging a dying horse trying to get the most out of what i think is getting very stale.

P.S. this is my opinion, express what ever opinions you want but don't insult and assume things about me.

[Drewmidorn]

I'm looking forward to it. Karl Pilkington has a Bart Simpson sense of logic which is painfully straight forward and makes those who over intellectualise things seem a little pompous.

I don't think he's as daft as everyone thinks to be honest.

[Watkins]

Sorry, didn't mean to insult anyone.
I do still stand by the target market point and I too didn't like the cartoons but this new material is enjoyed by myself and my peers, who in my opinion are the age group it's aimed at.

I do ofcourse stick by the opinion anyone taking this seriously would have the opinion shown in the OP, but this is the exact opposite of the aim as I'm sure you'd agree from the early podcasts and radio shows.

[celsis]

A show that, to anyone who doesn't know Karl Pilkington, will really appeal to the chavs!

Perhaps THAT is the target audience?

[daverave999]

It didn't catch my attention from the adverts/trailers so not really tempted to watch it. I've never been a fan of Ricky Gervais so I expect it wouldn't be to my taste anyway.

[Gordonbcb]

A show that, to anyone who doesn't know Karl Pilkington, will really appeal to the chavs!

Sorry, but I kinda have to agree with this.

[davidruddell]

As Jib said, don't assume.

I was initially quite a fan during the XFM days
Just grew tired of the same shtick re Karl, every week.
I Love 'The Office' prefer 'Extras', don't think Gervais has made anything good since.
(I include all the Hollywood movies and Cemetery Junction)

Target Audience? I think 'Mongrels' is the funniest thing I've seen on UK TV for years.
Am I in it's target audience, absolutely not.

Watch 'Snuff Box', 'Modern Toss', and 'Monkey Dust' , clever, inventive, challenging TV, that's also so funny it's unbelievable.

I'll agree that Karl Pilkington is definably not as dumb as they make him out to be.
But the comedy they're making with him is not really challenging or clever.

Sorry, didn't mean to insult anyone.
I do still stand by the target market point and I too didn't like the cartoons but this new material is enjoyed by myself and my peers, who in my opinion are the age group it's aimed at.

I do ofcourse stick by the opinion anyone taking this seriously would have the opinion shown in the OP, but this is the exact opposite of the aim as I'm sure you'd agree from the early podcasts and radio shows.

[Simon-JG-hr]

I'm with Dave - the very association with Ricky Gervais had me bumping 'stick pins in my eyes' up my schedule...

[monkey66]

Saw the trailer and will not be watching this.

[Deano]

Personally, I absolutely loved the podcasts - brilliant. The series has of this in it, and I'm finding it quite funny.

[Watkins]

wow, I 'm told I was insulting just got called a CHAV.

David I'm sorry if you felt at all insulted as our opinions on the podcasts and Gervias are actually somewhat similar, however on this particular show differ.

But others are clearly just not understanding the whole Pilkington thing and taking it seriously, it not meant to be informative but then again I guess the people who are calling it CHAV are somewhat older than me, and therefore much "wiser" as to the issues.

Anyway each to there own I guess.