Stopped being funny a long time ago. Anyone agree?

I think the last series got a bit stuck because every episode was dominated by the same story - the MPs expenses. There were only so many jokes to be had.
I still enjoyed some good episodes this series. It may not be what it was, but it is better than all the other shows like it!

Truth be told, the show maintained a high standard for an awfully long time -- I don't think it stopped being funny a long time ago, but rather gradually lost its flair over the last few series. I credit the tension shared between Hislop, Merton and Angus with the reason for its initial longevity. Indeed it improved up until and even after Angus' sacking, with the burst of novelty from the Bruce Forsythe, Boris Johnson, etc. episodes being great in a different (perhaps less edgy) way. I actually really enjoyed the second Anne Widdecombe episode a couple series back. And the Brian Blessed one of course.

But I think having the same format for so long has eventually led to complacency. Hislop and Merton have maybe run out of things to say after almost 20 years, much as I am endeared to both of them. Still, I always watch the show, I'm still amused by it to some degree or another, and I honestly wouldn't want it to end just yet, if only because it's become such an institution.

To an extent, the show is a victim of its own success. What was once cult and controversial has become mainstream and expected. Hislop, who never cared what anyone thought about him or his views, is no less vocal about them today, but he's become part of the establishment and we all know what to expect from him. Merton, who for reasons for comedy, was putting on a performance in the first place, has given it for so long, he doesn't have to try anymore. No one is to blame - they've all been very good at what they do and inevitably, that becomes the problem in a long-running series.

The show did also need good chemistry between its regulars (and by good, I don't mean they had to like each other), and Deayton, despite what Merton liked to say, did far more than simply read the autocue. The show did lose something when he was kicked off. But at the same time, the rotating guest presenters was probably a shot in the arm - especially when it worked well and the episodes with people like Boris Johnson, Bruce Forsyth and Brian Blessed to name a few are just as good as anything during the Angus years. Speaking personally, I don't think I've ever laughed harder than I did when Forsyth was on.

I really do still enjoy the show though, but maybe it's time for another format change - get a permanent presenter in and start building that dynamic we used to have. Ok, it won't be like it was with Angus, but if they choose the right person, it'll be good in its own way and maybe force Merton to start trying again. The question is who, of course. I like Alexander Armstrong a lot, but let's face it - they like him, and the sparks don't fly.

simply no! i love it. its easily in my top 5 favorite tv shows of all time.

angus was good, so dry - but life moves on. Variety is the spice of life. I have to admit though they do sometimes have some lame presenters. I think they should have 1 top quality person who can do it every week like angus but have a "special" non lame guest presenter once or twice a month but only if they can get someone interesting rather than some of the boot fillers we've seen

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Agreed. In fact, this last series I'm starting to feel embarrassed for them.

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