10 Great TV Shows Starring The Cast Of Friends

5. Episodes

The Comeback Lisa Kudrow
BBC/Showtime

When Matt LeBlanc was chosen as the Friend to lead a spin-off, it sort of made sense. Joey was the only unattached character at the end of the show, and his jump to L.A was logical. All the same, Joey the series was a dud, and it took LeBlanc a long while to get back on track.

He did so in some style with Episodes, the Anglo-American sitcom centred around a Hollywood remake of a beloved British show. LeBlanc played a version of himself inspired by his TV persona, a pleasant but dumb, Id-led actor whose broad style rubbed against the more subtle comedy preferred by the Brits abroad.

Episodes lasted a surprising five seasons, with LeBlanc a quiet revelation in the lead role. It was a humble and hilarious turn, with the actor always happy to be the butt of a joke, even when shots were taken at his floundering career or perceived lack of talent.

With Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg taking the other lead roles, this was a classy production which is probably somewhat underrated these days, provind LeBlanc worthy of a vehicle beyond Man With A Plan.

Contributor
Contributor

Yorkshire-based writer of screenplays, essays, and fiction. Big fan of having a laugh. Read more of my stuff @ www.twotownsover.com (if you want!)