2. Charlie Brookers Screenwipe (BBC4, 2006 2008)
Charlie Brooker has risen to prominence in recent years with his drama anthology Black Mirror and a few shows on BBC2 but his greatest accomplishment in the field of comedy remains his work on BBC4s Screenwipe, a low budget series where Brooker tears into the worst of television and discusses what goes into making programmes. Kind of like a thinking mans TV Burp. Screenwipe left our screens after five series but it continues in spirit with an annual special covering the years events and TV being broadcast shortly before the New Year, and with the format being used for other shows made by Brooker including Weekly Wipe and How TV Ruined Your Life. Technically its about as impressive as a prawn sandwich and its Brooker himself who really elevates it. His caustic criticism and dry wit is front and centre and thats the programme's biggest strength. Its taking a man who clearly loves television and letting him vent his spleen in increasingly creative and hilarious ways over the very worst of it. Thats all the programme ever needs. One incredibly funny man watching the entertainment world fall into hell and relentlessly pointing out why were all doomed as a species. But even Brookers well-maintained façade of misanthropy cracks occasionally such as during his surprisingly heartfelt tribute to childrens television virtuoso Oliver Postgate. The programme also includes contributions from other actors and comedians about their views on different aspects of television such as The IT Crowds Matt Berry paying tribute to theme tune composer Ronnie Hazelhurst, and the slightly odd spectacle of Liza Tarbuck discussing children's programme Tales Of The Riverbank. Although Screenwipe remains relatively obscure, having been eclipsed by Brookers other work. One part of it youre likely to have seen during your online travels is his now famous savaging of My Super Sweet 16...