11. Extras (2005-2007)
Channel BBC2 Starring Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Shaun Williamson, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Pye. Following the whirlwind success of his debut sitcom, The Office, Ricky Gervais had his fair share of options regarding what to do next with his career. Ultimately, he chose to write and star in a new project for the BBC Extras. Gervais plays Andy Millman, a struggling film extra who desires fame and success, something that he achieves over the course of the series. Though at times he can be as unlikeable as Gervais character from The Office, David Brent, the character is ultimately a more sympathetic one, supported by a cast that include his hapless agent and poor Shaun Williamson playing himself as Barry from Eastenders. Each episode features one or a selection of high profile guest stars, ranging from Samuel L. Jackson to Patrick Stewart. Such appearances were the main highlight of the series, as the stars portrayed exaggerated and often unflattering versions of themselves to humorous effect, with highlights ranging from Kate Winslet teaching Ashley Jensens Maggie how to talk dirty over the phone to an oversexed Daniel Radcliffe trying to bed every woman that he meets. Voluntarily ended after two series and a Christmas special, Extras remains one the main highlights on Gervais CV, which has diversified extensively in the ten or so years that he has been a prominent figure in the world of entertainment.
10. The Thick Of It (2005-2012)
Channel BBC4/BBC2 Starring Peter Capaldi, Chris Addison, Rebecca Front, Joanna Scanlon, James Smith, Polly Kemp, Roger Allam, Olivia Poulet, Will Smith, Vincent Franklin, Geoffrey Streatfield, Ben Willbond, Rebecca Gethings. Politics is usually a dull subject in general, yet it forms the basis of one of the sharpest, profanity-laden and engaging satirical comedies ever written in the form of Armando Iannuccis The Thick Of It. A comedic alternative to more serious (yet incredible) political dramas such as State of Play and Netflixs new original series House Of Cards, The Thick Of It is a mix of clever scripting and actor improvisation, with several episodes mirroring real-life political developments and scandals. It also features one of televisions finest creations in the form of Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), the foul-mouthed, violent and manipulative director of communications responsible for making government employees tow the official party line. The series has spawned both a spin-off film, featuring Capaldi as Tucker, other cast members as new characters and American actors such as James Gandolfini in supporting roles, as well as an American remake. In rare fashion, said remake is comparable to its British original. HBOs version of the show, Veep, featuring Julia-Louis Dreyfus as the American Vice President, makes for excellent television, featuring the same writers that made The Thick Of It such a sharp and compelling show, though sadly lacking in an equivalent to Malcolm Tucker.