23 reviews
I really like this show, but I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed to admit it.
This is a semi-scripted reality show, perhaps similar to The Only Way is Essex, where cameras follow married comedians Lucy and Jon around various fictional and non-fictional scenarios.
The show is at its best when it appears to be unscripted, when Jon and Lucy are simply sitting on the sofa making each other laugh. Various celebrities make an appearance.
I think the real shameful joy of the show comes from its ambiguity. To what extent is it reality? Which parts are scripted? How different are the true Lucy and Jon from their comedy personas? To what extent are they just joking and to what extent do they genuinely hate/love each other?
This is a semi-scripted reality show, perhaps similar to The Only Way is Essex, where cameras follow married comedians Lucy and Jon around various fictional and non-fictional scenarios.
The show is at its best when it appears to be unscripted, when Jon and Lucy are simply sitting on the sofa making each other laugh. Various celebrities make an appearance.
I think the real shameful joy of the show comes from its ambiguity. To what extent is it reality? Which parts are scripted? How different are the true Lucy and Jon from their comedy personas? To what extent are they just joking and to what extent do they genuinely hate/love each other?
They've freely admitted multiple times some sections were staged and reshot because a camera wasn't there when the initial incident happened. And frequently other shows have been exposed as being overly scripted yet there isn't any complaining about that. So some reviewers need a dose of reality.
With that out of the way, I think this show is cute and mildly funny. No, it's not a laugh a minute, but I don't think they were going for that anyway. In a way, we are just observing a comedy couple get on with their lives.
Most of the participants seem to be fine folks and I find Lucy's accent to be quite fun to listen to.
So overall I think this is some reasonably fun and light entertainment. Highly recommended.
Update for Season/Series 3: It seems they are changing things up a little bit, maybe to keep it fresh. This time the show appears more blatantly scripted, with longer story arcs. The first episode particularly had me in stitches the entire time, the remainder might have been a little slower. Comedy is tricky, everyone may not find the same things funny. Typically at least once per episode I am on the floor laughing my head off, though.
With that out of the way, I think this show is cute and mildly funny. No, it's not a laugh a minute, but I don't think they were going for that anyway. In a way, we are just observing a comedy couple get on with their lives.
Most of the participants seem to be fine folks and I find Lucy's accent to be quite fun to listen to.
So overall I think this is some reasonably fun and light entertainment. Highly recommended.
Update for Season/Series 3: It seems they are changing things up a little bit, maybe to keep it fresh. This time the show appears more blatantly scripted, with longer story arcs. The first episode particularly had me in stitches the entire time, the remainder might have been a little slower. Comedy is tricky, everyone may not find the same things funny. Typically at least once per episode I am on the floor laughing my head off, though.
It's so deadpan, these two really do deserve each other. Two comedy actors, letting TV crews into their personal world.
Is it scripted or ad-libbed based on their real lives? They are comedy actors after all - so we don't know what goes on when the film crew leaves and the doors are closed.
More of a sitcom than reality TV, two people, a couple struggling through life. John - famously lampooned for being single forever on various panel shows, lands a catch in Lucy, but does he know what he has let himself in for?
I'm sceptical it was a marriage of convenience, a symbiotic relationship where they could help promote each other.
Is it scripted or ad-libbed based on their real lives? They are comedy actors after all - so we don't know what goes on when the film crew leaves and the doors are closed.
More of a sitcom than reality TV, two people, a couple struggling through life. John - famously lampooned for being single forever on various panel shows, lands a catch in Lucy, but does he know what he has let himself in for?
I'm sceptical it was a marriage of convenience, a symbiotic relationship where they could help promote each other.
- imdb-92083
- May 12, 2024
- Permalink
If anything good comes out of this dreadful pandemic, then at least I got to find "meet the Richardson's". This is the best fly on the wall style comedy since the office. Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont a real life married couple as they go about there daily life. Both are comedians in real life and there droll northern humour just bounces off each other effortlessly. I can't recommend this series highly enough. 10/10
- peterrichboy
- Apr 3, 2020
- Permalink
I really enjoy Jon's comedy and, recently, Lucy has started getting more exposure on TV on panel shows and stand ups.
This partially fictional series is excellent.
In particular, all of the background music (so far - 2 episodes) is by Jethro Tull, which is a pleasant surprise.
Who is the Tull fan here? Is it Jon or Lucy or was the selection made by one of the production team?
This partially fictional series is excellent.
In particular, all of the background music (so far - 2 episodes) is by Jethro Tull, which is a pleasant surprise.
Who is the Tull fan here? Is it Jon or Lucy or was the selection made by one of the production team?
- davidespin-72386
- Mar 9, 2020
- Permalink
Ok, so I bootleg lots of TV from around the world here in america and ive become a huge fan of john and am starting to become a fan of his wife now that im aware of her. From 8 out of 10 cats to the ultimate worrier and now to this "reality" show.. He is a brilliant man and having found an equally brilliant woman to walk beside him, there is no wrong these 2 can do.. LOVE IT!! GREETINGS FROM South amboy NEW JERSEY, USA And THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LAUGHS!!
(I cant say i get the show countdown.. Ive tried, but I just dont get the popularity.)
(I cant say i get the show countdown.. Ive tried, but I just dont get the popularity.)
- keepitgoingtolife
- Mar 6, 2020
- Permalink
What's epic about this series is, it's just about having fun and having a laugh. Enjoying comedy for comedy's sake. Lucy's not trying to do anything other then share some light hearted, real and honest humour.
Just want we need at this time in the world.
Those who are looking for light relief from the horrible depressing state Covid-19 is causing, look no further! Your relief is right here!
Hope there will be a series 2 Lucy & Tim xx
Those who are looking for light relief from the horrible depressing state Covid-19 is causing, look no further! Your relief is right here!
Hope there will be a series 2 Lucy & Tim xx
- kerrielmarsh
- Mar 21, 2020
- Permalink
Deserves to be on a more popular channel! Well written, funny, and just an all round good show. This isn't getting the attention it deserves and has given me a small crush on Lucy. Such a shame some idiot gave it 1 star because Jon is a Leeds fan!
- rossrobinson80
- Apr 2, 2020
- Permalink
Unlike the previous reviewer, I think that TV panel shows are greatly enhanced by his presence. The series of Taskmaster he was in is by far the best series to date and 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown is only worth watching with him on it. Have only just realised that this programme is a mockumentary as dialogue and situations so believable. Lucy Beaumont is a very lucky woman.
- sallyfraser-60146
- Nov 12, 2020
- Permalink
This show is amazing! Both of them have a very real sense of humor. Came here as a Jon fan, left as a Lucy fan
- khadijasiddiqui-22918
- Mar 2, 2021
- Permalink
Tongue in cheek, droll and very very funny. With all the problems in the world, this is a great way to improve any day. The interaction between Jon and Lucy is hilarious, and quite lovely too. Heart-warming and delightful show. Highly recommended.
- geraldnucells
- Oct 28, 2020
- Permalink
Tv has gone down hill. Too many panel shows, mock the week now is more challenging to find one laugh that isn't Hugh or dara, it's poor boring tv, whether it's cus it's pg or just too structured for real humour that may offend comedy is dying. If Jon is the 3rd most popular comedian then the uk should be ashamed. This isn't entertainment it's one boring guy with no charisma with a girl acting stupid and ditzy and what's worse is it's scripted. Boring cameos, repetitive dialogue and thoroughly unlikeable and untalented people stealing a living. Considering they did two intros and could only find one boring clip of Lucy....it proves you are not a comedian. I believe in equality but believe the best person for the job is the right one, stop shoe horning and people pleasing as it's ruining tv. Man woman whatever race if you're the best or funniest then awesome. Stop ticking boxes with idiots.
- chrisrowexxx
- May 13, 2021
- Permalink
One of my favourite shows of the past 10 years. I know Jon isn't playing himself, but it feels like he's playing me. I've hit that age and I totally relate. Every member of the cast is perfect, it's so well performed and written. Please keep making more.
- garethwhite-88221
- Jun 2, 2021
- Permalink
This mockumentary was reviewed on the amazing 'Comedy Slab' podcast, so I tuned into the freeview channel Dave to watch it. I have encountered Jon Richardson on various panel shows and fully admit that his whiny miserable act is really grating, but thought that this show may make fun of that in the style of say 'The Trip'. It didn't.
Including their no mark next door neighbours is a poor choice, ditto the repeated introduction. Lucy's voice is also irritating after a while.
Including their no mark next door neighbours is a poor choice, ditto the repeated introduction. Lucy's voice is also irritating after a while.
- joannecarter7-790-754607
- Apr 5, 2020
- Permalink
It's a mocumentary, but you're never sure which bits are moc, and which are doc. It's not a laugh out loud comedy, but much more gently observational.
Lucy is the stand out character, incredibly likeable, funny and delightful to listen too. The backing music by Jethro Tull (mainly) is very fitting, and it's introduced me to Jake Thackray ! Highly recommended.
Lucy is the stand out character, incredibly likeable, funny and delightful to listen too. The backing music by Jethro Tull (mainly) is very fitting, and it's introduced me to Jake Thackray ! Highly recommended.
- scottedwards-87359
- Apr 15, 2021
- Permalink
I say "little" not to demean the show but in reference to its scope; it takes place in a village, after all. Yet it boasts big UK talent. Excited to see it was renewed for a third series. If you're a fan of Jon Richardson you will a) appreciate his acting chops b) love the show, and c) appreciate his long-suffering wife who keeps him alive so we can enjoy more of him for years to come. So grateful to have found this programme.
Well the answer is probably not with the exception of Lucy Beaumont.... well actually David Walliams isn't far off. Jon Richardson is OK as a guest on a panel show like 8 out of 10 cats but that's only due to him be supported by some decent talent.
I understand the concept but it just doesn't work on any level for me. I can't really say anymore than it's really not my idea of fun.
I understand the concept but it just doesn't work on any level for me. I can't really say anymore than it's really not my idea of fun.
- Foxtrot-Alpha777
- Nov 9, 2020
- Permalink
The range of scores in the various reviews of this show certainly prove that appreciation of humour is subjective, although I do wonder if some of the more negative reviews here were "ironic".
I really, really enjoyed every minute of every episode. In particular I liked the interactions between Jon and Lucy; dialogue, body language and facial expressions. The celebrities were amusing, but Jon and Lucy were hilarious. Hopefully the depiction of their life together is not too realistic as otherwise they will not be together much longer.
I really hope there is a third series, although I will confess I was disappointed they left Mytholmroyd, I really enjoyed the familiar local countryside. London will not be the same.
I really, really enjoyed every minute of every episode. In particular I liked the interactions between Jon and Lucy; dialogue, body language and facial expressions. The celebrities were amusing, but Jon and Lucy were hilarious. Hopefully the depiction of their life together is not too realistic as otherwise they will not be together much longer.
I really hope there is a third series, although I will confess I was disappointed they left Mytholmroyd, I really enjoyed the familiar local countryside. London will not be the same.
- eric-194-327834
- Feb 16, 2022
- Permalink
Shows like this are ten a penny these days, in being so it is impossible for everyone of them to be funny.
This show can be written on the back of a stamp for the amount of scripted notes it uses.
I wish and many others do for old style sitcoms to come back.
Every comedy program now are the same and that is the problem. Only when old style sitcoms come back into vogue, which will be awhile because of the snowflakes out there who get offended easily, then and only them will comedy will good again.
This show can be written on the back of a stamp for the amount of scripted notes it uses.
I wish and many others do for old style sitcoms to come back.
Every comedy program now are the same and that is the problem. Only when old style sitcoms come back into vogue, which will be awhile because of the snowflakes out there who get offended easily, then and only them will comedy will good again.
- sarah_lou_r13
- Jul 28, 2022
- Permalink
I enjoyed the first two series - they were funny! But there's been a definite drop in the quality of writing for series 3 & 4. The scenarios now feel far more contrived than 1 & 2, so the humour feels forced. I assume that's because the format is running out of ideas? Also, I think what made the initial series more enjoyable were the sofa moments ( because occasionally there would be a genuine ad-lib resulting in a genuine laugh), but there's less sofa moments as the series has progressed & more emphasis on ridiculous plots. I've stopped watching series 4, but I'd still go & watch Jon's stand-up!!
- walkercory
- Apr 16, 2023
- Permalink