The Day Today
The Day Today
| 19 January 1994 (USA)
SEASON & EPISODES
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  • Reviews
    fareastfinite

    ..and no, I'm not exaggerating. From Chris Morris' self-important tone of voice, to Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge, to illegal backstreet dentists, to Peter O'Hanererhanerohan, to The Bureau.. this show is a non-stop roller-coaster of insane ideas presented as reality, and has to be the best satire of news media ever done (possibly topped by Brass Eye). My favourite has to be Steve Coogan's road safety advert, 'well do I look cool? Do I really look cool? WELL DO I??'It's a combination of performers who subsequently went on to do other brilliant stuff, but all of them combined is quite something.Put simply, if you haven't seen this show, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS.

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    bob the moo

    Although similar to Brass Eye, the difference with The Day Today was that it wasn't meant to be taken real, rather it was a satire of news shows and, I may say, a rather brilliant satire at that. It is rare (and not something I like) that I disagree with prolific reviewer Theo Robertson but on this title the only thing I agree with was the sentiment that he "don't get it". To me The Day Today (along with Brass Eye) captures Chris Morris at his best and sharpest, with sterling work from satire master Armando Iannucci. Together they have produced an exaggerated news show that has enough in common with reality to be recognisable, is exaggerated enough to be hilarious but yet again doesn't seem a million miles from the truth. The fact that the rolling news coverage is starting to get closer and closer to being just like The Day Today just shows how bang on it was and just how acutely the writers saw the direction that television news coverage was taking.This can be seen most obviously in the things like the silly computer graphics, the simplification of the story, the forced interplay between presenters, pointless contributions from the public, the crazy weather forecasts and the tired clichés of the sports presenter but it is also in pretty much every part of the show. Those expecting consistent belly laughs might be disappointed because, although they are present, the main joy is the consistent invention and the regular hitting of ripe targets. Morris would also make good targets of the media with Brass Eye but he is just as good in other regards here, linking his weird sense of humour with a firm structure (something that was lacking in, say, Jam).The different elements of the show all work together. Coogan's Partridge is so on-target that he struggled to completely get out of the shadow of his character for many years. He does great with the sports clichés and produces some very funny moments. Front is well suited to the material and looks well in the part of serious but "warm at the flick of the switch" like so many female news presenters. Schneider is helped by his funny looks and he produces the goods here as he regularly does. Marber is less memorable but his scenes with Morris are funny.Overall this is a very funny satire on news shows that hit the mark then and, to the shame of news shows, is more on target than ever. Within the show's structure, Morris' sense of humour is controlled and is better for it as the show is both recognisable but yet also exaggerated and hilarious. Easily stands alongside Brass Eye as a fantastic piece of satire.

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    Jackson Booth-Millard

    This is a really good comedy that mixes real news from the 90's with satire. I think it was Brass Eye that was more of a problem than this, especially with the paedophile thing. It is basically a pretend news programme hosted by British Comedy Award winning Christopher Morris as Ted Maul (along with various other characters). It also has the first television appearance for Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge (and many other roles). Also starring Rebecca Front as Valerie Sinatra/Barbara Wintergreen and Rosy May (and many other roles), Smack The Pony's Doon Mackichan as Collaterlie Sisters (and many other roles), Patrick Marber as Peter O'Hanarha-Hanrahan, Jaques-'Jaques' Liverot and Chapman Baxter (and many other roles) and the really good David Schneider as Brant and Sylvester Stewart (and many other roles). It won the BAFTA for Best graphic Design, and it was nominated the Interactive Award for DVD. Ted Maul was number 25 on The World's Greatest Comedy Characters, The Pool sketch (with the guy that goes "no-one died") was number 18 on The 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches. Very good!

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    Ted Maul-2

    This is the greatest piece of news-spoofery ever made. The team behind it have made many satirical programmes for the UK, bu this is their finest outing.Based on news broadcasting in the UK, this programme mocked, spoofed and ridiculed all those involved in sloppy and lazy news. Although over 4 years old, the videos still sell, and more discover the genius of Chris Morris.

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