This program works because it does exactly what it's supposed to, make you laugh. Modern day comedy seems to rely on smart arse comments, so I suppose Count Arthur Strong is considered old fashioned. But it's seriously the best thing I've watched on TV in a very long time. The lead character, Arthur is like an old Frank Spencer, always getting things wrong, misunderstanding people and being oblivious to all the chaos he causes. His despairing sidekick Michael is a really likable character. I must warn you though, this is the BBC so it is very left, there's interracial relationships and gay characters left right and centre, but that doesn't seem to ruin this.

I'm really not sure why i like this programme as much as i do... but it is one of the funniest things i've seen in a long time. i only gave it a go because Graham Linehan was involved in the writing.It is good clean comedy with the typically bizarre moments you would expect from a piece of Linehan writing... as the show progresses you see Michael slowly but surely becoming one of the crazy collective.The character that is Count Arthur Strong was an amazing idea and is brilliantly acted in this show.The confusion is pure quality.If you have never even heard of the radio show (like me) just give this show a try and you may well be glad you did.

Count Arthur Strong is one of the funniest and best written television comedies of the last twenty years. It is also at times poignant and touching. Arthur himself is a comic character equalled only by the likes of Basil Fawlty, Alf Garnett, Edmund Blackadder and other luminaries of the 1970s and 80s. I have watched these 6 episodes again and again and each time I watch them I am even more convinced of this show's comic genius. (Just watch Arthur in episode 3 when introduced to the actress Dame Agnes to see this genius in action.) The other main character, Michael, and the ensemble of characters all add greatly to the show, especially the wild-eyed, irascible Bulent, and his sweet but mischievous sister. I can only hope that the second series is as good as this one!

I'm a big fan of Linehan and I have enjoyed all of his work thus far. That said, I have not been a big fan of the radio series, and was slightly apprehensive when I heard of Linehan doing a series based on it. The radio show itself has garnered polarized responses from audiences, so you very well know that it's not going to get any better with the TV series.What works: 1. Delaney's very good with his mannerisms and I thought the character translated quite well into TV. 2. The gags which are classic Linehan moments (Jack the Ripper tour gag, Arthur as Dr. Two etc.) are excellent. Those alone salvage the show from being a poor one.What doesn't work: 1. Rory Kinnear as Michael - such a needless and irritating character. I really like Kinnear, but not in this role. A total miscast, if the character was necessary at all. 2. The pathos - they're all downright terrible. The one involving Eggy especially was unbelievably bad. 3. Over explanation of some gags - especially by Michael, is such a fun killer.Overall: Not great, and not Linehan's best, but still very Watchable and has a few flashes of brilliance. But seeing how the series has ended, and given that it has been recommissioned, I hope he rectifies these flaws and does a much, much better job with the second series.