10 Greatest Character Introductions In Sitcom History
1. Douglas Reynholm - The IT Crowd
How do you replace your show’s most ridiculously entertaining character after you kill them off? Simple - you replace them with an even more ridiculous, more entertaining character.
This is the approach Graham Linehan took with The IT Crowd when, following the suicide of the gang’s boss Denholm Reynholm (the legendary Chris Morris), he is succeeded by his son Douglas. Series two marks the first appearance of Douglas, when he crashes his father’s funeral in spectacular fashion.
Although now one of the most recognisable faces (and voices) in the British comedy scene, before The IT Crowd Matt Berry was most well-known for the cult series Garth Merengi’s Darkplace and a supporting role in The Mighty Boosh.
Darkplace and a supporting role in The Mighty Boosh. The cartoonish, madcap world of The IT Crowd suited his talents perfectly and he made his mark on the show from the start. The funeral scene is a masterpiece of absurd humour and proved Berry was going to be a welcome addition to the sitcom’s cast. Altogether now - “FAAAAAAATTHERRRRRRR!”
Which of these introductions is your favourite? Have one to add? Let us know down in the comments.