The Mighty Boosh (2003–2007) User Reviews

Love this show...

[jdoncbus-21005 · 9/10 · 30 April 2019]

I'm late to the game & I'm upset I wasn't aware of it when it was current. Late 40's American here, whose brother suggested the show & my wife knew of Noel Fielding from the "British Baking Show."

Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding have great chemistry, the classic straight man & eccentric guy bit mixed with oddball characters that you grow to love. Rich Fulcher brings an over the top, American brand of comedy and Richard Ayoade as one of the shamans kills it. Shamans and gorillas are mainstays and various reoccurring characters bring out Barratt's sense of humor and Fielding's art school creativity.

In my opinion, the show improves as it goes on as the creative team really finds their groove towards the end of the first season. Part of the fun of "The Mighty Boosh" is all of the stuff you miss when you first see an episode which leads to watching it over and over. I highly suggest Season 3, episode 3's "The Power of the Crimp;" hysterical. If you liked punk growing up and were aware of British music & pop culture from the 80s & 90s, you'll love this show. It's a great blend of British and American senses of humor. Highly recommended.

Maybe not for everyone, but certain to gain a loyal following

[Superunknovvn · 8/10 · 12 April 2006]

"The Mighty Boosh" is one of those series that are only possible in the U.K.. Writers and producers have such a refreshing and daring humour there, it's a joy to ignore American sitcoms for a while and take a peek at British comedy shows. "The Mighty Boosh" is another very original and imaginative show that grew from a stage act to a radio show to a T.V. sitcom. Every episode is taking place in different locations including jungles, deserted islands, snow and sandy deserts and underwater worlds. Sounds far out? It is.

The only things linking up from one episode to the next are the main characters, clumsy, but lovable Howard Moon (Julian Barratt) and Uber-Mod Vince Noir (Noel Fielding). In the first series these two are working at a zoo where some rather curious colleagues of theirs hang out, too. The second series mainly takes place at night. Vince and Howard have moved in with their friend Naboo, an Indian shaman, and a talking ape. Sounds far out? It is.

Another element that's in every episode is the hilarious, quite catchy music. Barratt is responsible for these short little ear candies. As funny as these songs may be they reveal a real songwriting talent as Barratt covers a lot of different styles effortlessly. Usually I'm not a big fan of musical parts in TV shows, but it works here and the songs about "Nanageddon", "Mod Wolves" and the "Ape Of Death" make this program even more special. Sounds far out? It is.

The humour of "The Boosh" is not as in your face as in other sitcoms. The show is more amusing than it is flat out hilarious. That and the innocent, child-like creativity of "The Boosh" might not be for everyone and these are probably the reasons for the show being more of a cult phenomenon right now. Barratt and Fielding already have a loyal following, though, and I'm sure that it will grow over time. Very English, very far out. The Boosh rules!

a grower, if you are

[agabuga · 8/10 · 30 May 2006]

I first became aware of Julian Barrett and Noel Fielding when they did a regular slot on the Lee & Herring review show of the juste pour rire comedy festival. I remember thinking that they were quite funny and that their main strength was in making you feel like you were just watching them talking among themselves, rather than acting a rehearsed script.

When I first saw the mighty boosh I didn't really give it a chance. I was channel-surfing late at night and, in my usual cynicism at any new comedy that the BBC releases, switched over after twenty seconds. It wasn't until about a year ago when I visited a friend and we had been out getting intoxicated that I was persuaded to watch a full episode, post-pub style. In spite of my earlier cynicism I found myself laughing, and since then it has grown on me to the point that I've just ordered the 2 series boxset.

Comparisons to Reeves and Mortimer are inevitable and I don't blame people accusing the writers of stealing some content. Of course I remember in 1990 people saying the exact same thing about Reeves & Mortimer in reference to Morecambe & Wise. As one reviewer has already said, they are standing on the shoulders of giants.

What sets the mighty boosh apart is its form. Reeves & Mortimer have never been any good at sitcom. Barrett and Fielding take the same surrealist approach to comedy but apply it to the form of sitcom with a sort of laissez-faire ease which allows the story to feel as if it's just unfolding in front of you.

I think it's interesting that some reviewers have criticised the actors for being too concerned with their image. Personally I thought one of the central jokes (if not THE central joke) of the mighty boosh was that EVERYONE is concerned with their image, and you can either admit it, preen yourself, and revel in how fabulous you look (like Vince) or you can deny it in pursuit of an elusive higher truth which (according to the show) always gets away from you and leaves you in the soup (like Howard).

This is classic double-act stuff (the vain, shallow one and the insecure, pretentious one) and these are two actors who are at home with each other and pull it off well. The supporting cast do their job very well, and Barrett and Fielding's bizarre side characters provide good, if brief, displays of their range as comic actors.

The sets in the mighty boosh are unashamedly low-budget and as far as I can tell none of it was shot on location. This (along with the curtain-up style intro which the two main characters perform (in character)at the beginning of each episode) serves to give the whole thing a thick layer of romantic irony, which neatly bridges the gap between the surreal train ride of the plot and the often mundane, very naturalistic exchanges between Howard and Vince.

In summary, the more I get into this show the more I love it for what it is; a well-crafted sloppy jelly of mixed ideas, held together with sound-acting-glue and peppered with quotable one-liners. It grows on you like cheese, which is a kind of meat, a tasty yellow beef.

That's the end of the review, but is it really the end?

Most Original Comedy For Ages

[tom-1488 · 14 September 2005]

I've been raving about this comedy for a long time even though I missed some of it when it was on TV (usually late at night). So the arrival of the DVD was awaited with much anticipation. People often ask me to describe The Mighty Boosh - which is not an easy thing to do.

Essentially the structure is that of a sit-com, in that there is the reoccurring location of the zoo, and a set of familiar characters most notably the two main protagonists – zoo-keepers Vince Noir (Noel Fielding) and Howard Moon (Julian Barratt). Vince is the fashion conscious shallow one, that plays against Howard's jazz loving, self-important but likable loser. Each episode is a juxtaposition of the Morecombe and Wise type banter between Vince and Howard, and the sheer surrealism of their subsequent adventures that take them to exotic locations and pit them against bizarre and often quite dark foes.

For me the triumph of the show is due to the breadth of vision that links the fantastic theatrical visual look (based on largely on Noel's sketches), with Julian's love of music, together with the off-beat acting style and witty script to provide an experience that is more than the sum of its parts.

There is nothing else quite like this on TV, you won't be splitting your sides every minute at quick-fire one-liners written by teams of caffeine stimulated comedy writers, but instead prepare yourself for a rather more gentle experience, peppered by some hilarious set-pieces, who's imaginative brilliance will ingrain itself into your heart and mind. It's quite simply lovable.

Not just adolescent humour

[Smirnoffuzz · 9/10 · 20 July 2006]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and comedy is a matter of personal taste. However, don't be misled by most of the negative comments about the Boosch. It is NOT just humour for adolescents. I'm nearing retirement age and I remember Hancock in the early sixties but I think this programme is excellent. I think American sitcoms are generally grossly overrated (I despair at the popularity of that awful smug tripe known as Friends) and have been concerned at the recent trend to try and imitate this style in British sitcoms. The Boosch has no truck with that approach. It is wonderfully uncompromising in following the British tradition of not writing to a ratings-chasing formula (which nearly all US sitcoms do) but says "if you like this - fine but we're not going to water it down just to try and make it more acceptable to a mass audience". Whether you like it will depend on your personal taste in humour but it is right up there with the Goons, Python, the Young Ones, Father Ted and the rest. Future series may not be up to the standard of the first two but so what? There are only two series of Fawlty Towers but that's not exactly branded it a failure. Incidentally, I'm not totally anti US sitcoms. The Simpsons was great at first (well beyond its sell-by date now though) and one of the greatest of all time was, of course, Bilko.

Not at all a conventional sitcom, but excellent nevertheless

[elijahhandley · 10/10 · 23 June 2014]

The Mighty Boosh has always been one of my favourite programmes, sitcoms and beyond. It is nothing like the traditional sitcom - it is far more surreal and outlandish (in a positive sense), with plenty of strange characters that are a lot of fun.

The plots for each episode are almost highly unbelievable and silly, but that just adds to how lovable the series is. There are only 20 episodes at the current time, with no signs of another series being produced anytime soon, but each episode differs completely in terms of the plot with new characters introduced in pretty much every episode - be it a green-skinned hitchhiker with a Polo sweet for an eyepatch, a half-fish deep sea transsexual, or the legendary Yeti on heat, you never really know what to expect in any episode.

If you have a strict sense of humour, requiring the jokes and comical situations to be direct, rather than subtle, the chances are you will not like Boosh. There is no laughter track and the jokes/gags are generally deadpan, or at least low key. This is why the series often puts off American audiences. What they may not realise is that one character (as well as a variety of minor characters portrayed by the same actor), Bob Fossil, usually defies this sense of humour. Fossil, incidentally, is portrayed by an American (Rich Fulcher). He tends to be very direct with his humour, rather than the subtleness as depicted, by the main characters, Howard and Vince, as well as recurring supporting character Naboo the Enigma.

This is definitely a TV show you must not judge based on one viewing. It may take a few episodes to get used to the humour. And in all seriousness, you will often start with the first episode, 'Killeroo', which is the weakest episode of the whole 20 in my opinion. There is no explaining this to my beloved girlfriend who hated the show when I showed her the first episode. On reflection from this, I'd suggest starting with an episode like the 'Nanageddon' episode, one of the best of the bunch. This episode features an army of Satanic old ladies killing people across London using weapons such as OAP free bus passes and knitting material. No, seriously.

It's not to everyone's tastes, but I advise giving it a try. For me, it's a perfect 10. I imagine this show is like Marmite - love or hate. I don't know anyone who thinks the show is "all right", "okay", or "pretty good". It's either "brilliant" or "a load of rubbish/trash/garbage. Give it a try.

If TV were still like this, the world would be more peaceful

[halleluja_lock_and_load · 10/10 · 4 March 2020]

Utterly, shamelessly, relentlessly surreal, funny, and unique in every way. Two deeply contrasting comedians using the full breadth of their imaginations to create a marvellous tapestry of joyous hilarity that ended well before it's time.

Truly, a special moment in the world of entertainment, and our hearts.

Off-beat, surreal comedy brilliance

[grantss · 10/10 · 19 December 2015]

The lives and times of Howard Moon and Vince Noir, zookeepers at the Zooniverse, a badly-managed zoo. They couldn't be more different: Vince the hair-obsessed mod, Howard the dour jazz fan. Yet they're good friends and get up to some weird and wonderful adventures.

Incredibly funny, in a weird, absurdist sort of way. Some of the skits and jokes are incredibly left-field, but they work! In some cases you need to know a bit about modern culture (e.g. A knowledge of the works of Gary Numan or Bryan Ferry might come in handy!) but this just makes it even more interesting and bizarre.

Wonderful, zany creativity by writers and actors Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt, who play Vince and Howard, respectively.

Hysterically funny.

This is my favourite thing in the world.

[georgia_cushion · 10/10 · 6 June 2011]

This is my absolute favourite thing in the whole world. (It is nothing to do with how much I loveeee Noel Fielding...) Julian, Noel, Rich, Dave and Mike are so funny together, and they all work together so well. The first ever episode I ever watched was Eels and I fell in love. Also due to the fact that my favourite band in the world have cameos in two of the episodes. I liked the first series, Really liked the second series, Found the third series freaking hilarious! I would say that if you like weird, physcadellic humour, you will love They Mighty Boosh. Overall I would give 10/10 and say that it is suitable for anyone 13+. YOU MUST WATCH IT OR THE HITCHER WILL COME FOR YOU!

The wonderful world of the Boosh

[lawrenceconwayvulcan · 10/10 · 24 February 2016]

The Mighty Boosh may not to be everyone's taste but if you are in the mood for some most and weird and wacky ideas to hit the TV screen since the days of Monty Python. The following is just scratching the surface.

Human vs Kangaroo boxing matches, slap bass hating bears, creatures made of VHS tape, crimping contests and none other than Roger Daltry having to do the clearing up at the end of the day.

This is a show that is not for people who watch Mrs Browns Boys and Birds Of A Feather on a regular basis. The Mighty Boosh is for those people who prepared to allow their minds to expanded with some of the most weird, crazy ideas in any British TV programme in the last 20 years.

2 amazing seasons of fun. And a third season.

[andrew-hill515 · 7/10 · 14 January 2021]

The first 2 seasons were great and hilarious. Shame about the 3rd season which dropped my rating by 1-2 stars.

Magnificent, ridiculously magnificent.

[chadthurman · 10/10 · 5 August 2018]

You'll probably LOVE it or something else it. The live action with animation is a big plus for me. Also, how the musical numbers, which are more of music videos are popping up all over the place, was a real kick.

It shouldn't work, but it does

[Simon_J_Rodgers · 6/10 · 13 August 2012]

Okay, I have seen a couple of episodes of this programme and I saw a load of people dressed weirdly, talking about strange things and coming up with a few good lines but appearing to fall flat. All the recipes of a really rubbish show. However this show is not rubbish at all!

I wouldn't exactly class it as a comedy though because I personally don't find it a laugh a minute like some people might, although there are some good bits in there.

It really is hard to explain but despite the strange plot lines it is good to watch all the way through. There is the odd bit of language or innuendo, but this is quite commonplace where modern sitcoms are concerned.

This is the sort of programme that you will like, but you won't know why.

Hugely Indulgent and Often Awry

[owlinabowl · 4/10 · 15 January 2007]

In recent years, Channel 4 and the BBC have been engaged in a highly resourceful and relentless comedy sparring match to see who can produce the most eye-catching and consistently funny programs on terrestrial TV. The Beeb has always been confident as it has classic comedy staples such as Have I Got News... and ...Buzzcocks to fall back on. Channel 4 made the opening bid with the superbly funny and very stylish Teachers and Spaced. The BBC then scored massively with Little Britain and The Office and looked set to dominate, yet C4 retaliated with a litany of short-lifespan masterpieces such as Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, Spoons and The IT Crowd (all of which are sorely missed) as well as their larger budget gamble: The superb Green Wing, which preceded to sweep the BAFTAs as well as the nation off its feet.

So, the balls in the Beebs court, so to speak. What do they do? They pinch two of Channel 4 more low-key stars, Julian Barrat and Noel fielding - both staples of one of C4s more impenetrable misfires, the relentlessly uncompromising yet often morbidly hilarious Nathan Barley - and commission them to go free reign on a sitcom than happily allows them to indulge in their 'wildest fantasies'.

At times bizarre, absurdist and often deliberately sloppy and poorly directed\edited, 'The Mighty Boosh' is a intriguing concept. It takes two clearly intelligent and well-educated comedians and attempts to streamline the surreal trivialities of a far-reaching sketch show and condense them into a sitcom. Yet despite the colour and visual flair and enthusiasm its a proposition that just doesn't quite work due to its own sanitised notion of self-disposition.

Essentially, 'The Mighty Boosh' is so ruthlessly determined to be weird and surreal that it comes across as contrived and formulaic owing to its inability to be self-critical. And yet this lack of discipline (particulary in the set-design, layout and presentation of the show) never feels like its adding to the comedy in a particularly relevant way given that the concept of the program doesn't necessitate it. Unlike the aforementioned '...Darkplace', which depended on it and was subsequently brilliant.

Hugely smug and, especially in the second season, very pleased with itself owing to its roller-coaster success. 'The Mighty Boosh' is a textbook example of comedy faltering owing to its need to focus on its target, yet that target by default being unfocused due to its unstable basis. A similar problem was seen in 'Big Train' (which was nonetheless slightly easier to digest thanks to its sketch show format) and can be found in American programs such as 'Robot Chicken' and the later episodes of 'Family Guy'. If you want a example of where a surreal sitcom really works, check out Dylan Moran's hugely entertaining 'Black Books'. In the meantime, give 'The Mighty Boosh' a look-in but don't be surprised if you come out feeling bored and over-stretched.

Very strange, but hilarious!

[miss_niss · 3 August 2004]

It takes a certain type of person to appreciate this type of comedy, and I'm glad to say I'm one of them! This show is cool, its British, it's laid back and it's trippy, much like Naboo I guess. I only just started watching it at episode six, but as soon as I saw Naboo holding up a picture of two kittens I was hooked. "Look at the cat on the left. His name is Phillip." Classic.

It's a great show, something really different and really funny. Vince and Howard are a great couple, their styles compliment each other well, but I have to say I like Vince the best. He has really cool hair.

I hope this show gets another series. I love it. I just went out and brought a poncho!

Its a hubba bubba nightmare!

Stunning...

[eskimosound · 10/10 · 6 February 2021]

These guys are incredible, there's real talent here. The beautiful, surreal, colourful sets, crazy scenarios, insane ideas, great music all add up to a comedy treat rarely seen. It's as beautiful as it is funny. It must have taken months to build the sets and costumes let alone coming up with the script. It's a series I wish was still running. And should be revered as one of the comedy greats.

Comedy for the future sailors

[utgardaloki · 10/10 · 8 September 2018]

For some reason I'm not a fan of the first season, but the second and third seasons are just pure comedy to me! It's a diving board into the phantasmic pool of comedy future. The bar is raised, and the world of current comedy athletics doesn't seem up to par.

For a select crowd, that's for sure

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 22 March 2020]

I cannot imagine normal people watching and enjoying "The Mighty Boosh". After all, the show violates all the things most people want in a television show...rational plots, believable characters and some sort of rational formula. However, in this show you get none of this....and instead it's all very random, bizarre and cheesy. As for me, I LIKE random, bizarre and cheesy...so the show is a natural for me. Now I might want to try comparing this program to other weird and random television shows...but it really doesn't compare to anything else. It's strictly a case where you should watch a few episodes to see if you like it and can take the oddness of the program. Overall, completely unique and quite funny...but certainly not a show for everyone.

GENIUS

[wackydsquaredv · 10/10 · 27 July 2020]

One of the best TV shoes ever made. FACT!! Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt are actual genius. The crimps alone are legendary.

Hilarious and original

[Pukeonthestreet · 10/10 · 11 February 2020]

This show is one of the funniest shows. If you haven't it and enjoy comedy please do.

And I once looked at a hedge, what's your point?

[TheBlackVoodoo · 9/10 · 14 September 2005]

It's good to see so many who appreciate this comedy. I meet few who've seen it, anyone who has loves it and the rest, obviously, haven't seen it. Many here love it which is great, one making ambiguous suggestions to a dislike of it, but with no real depth to the reasons why. Id like to talk about the opposing reasons of what they could have said. I think this is muchly Noel and Julian's personal SOH and I think that that is great because they have really good SOH. I have a similar SOH and so enjoy it. A good alternative comedy should not be written with the masses in mind, and just because you may not understand the humour, that doesn't make it weak. Id never call any comedy weak, especially not because it is the writer's own humour. Do you think all stand up comedians are acting? No. Some do, but most gather information of things they find funny in there daily lives and use them. It is up to the audience as to whether or not their upbringing brought them to this moment in time where they find it funny. I personally think its the best kind of comedy. And if you don't, so be it. I don't like "Bo Selecta" very much, but id never call it weak. I just know that its just not my SOH. I have seen Noel do stand up and think he's great. Fantastical and childlike, with almost infinite energy and ideas.

I am not a big fan of progression either, musical or comical, I think genius can come from anywhere, at any time. The key is originality. We all know that "Friends" being the number one comedy based on the public doesn't make it the funniest or most clever comedy in what I call "The Real World." Something else I've noticed, and I don't mean to sound arrogant, is that the "scally" culture just don't get The Boosh. Probably because it's weird and dark, and the jokes aren't always spelled out for you in brightly coloured letters. It is suited more to "real" music fans, artists, poets and those of an alternative nature.

I think Noel and Julian are very clever, with many other great inputs and inspirations from the likes of Steve Coogan (producer)(Alan Partridge), Matt Berry (Dixon Bainbridge) and Richard Ayoade (Saboo) (Garth Marenghi's Darkplace), Nicholas Burns (The King)(C**t, Nathan Barley) and they have both worked with Chris Morris (Brass Eye, The Day Today, Big Train, Jam) on Nathan Barley.

I believe this comedy, particularly the first series, to be rich in word play and a clever use of language. The use of sets and props is well thought out, artistically, minimally and budget-wise, it's also different and humble. The ideas of such extreme, deep and diverse characters is almost astounding at times, if not for its light heartedness. The jokes vary in style, like "oh yeah the double bluff gag" or "oh yeah they blatantly stupid and weird gag" a lot, and such crammed word wizardry makes it a feast of surreal munchery. The best thing is that they know that some things are funnier if they're said differently. Like everyone knows that "You S**gs" is funnier said in a cockney accent than a Cumbrian one. They also use timing, delivery and camera work to the best they can be. The music. How can you not mention the music… they obviously have good musical ability. They are catchy songs, varying in style with each one, including brilliant lyrics. To do one in every episode is very special.

I would compare it more to the young ones, if I had to, rather than R&M. Mainly because it is a sitcom and although TMB is less slapstick, the central points of the subjects are similar, for example the alternative lifestyle and the thoughts and feelings that come with that, and obviously the characters like animals and weird people are similar too.

I've said a lot, if you've even got this far! That's because I was so impressed and wanted to tell people who are considering watching it. Its now my second favourite comedy, behind "Spaced" and just before "Family Guy" and "Alan Partridge."

I loved this programme as I relate to it and think it is very, very clever. You might too.

A step too far? Maybe, if you're wanting to stay put, if not, Come with us now on a journey through time and space, to the world of the Mighty Boosh. And love it.

Mighty silly

[briancham1994 · 6/10 · 13 June 2020]

I remember seeing this for the first time back in the 2000s and appreciating the zany humour. It was quite surreal and you have no idea where anything will go. Every episode was like Alice going down the rabbit hole, again and again. This is what kept me enticed but it was also exhausting as the style got a bit tiresome.

A must watch

[Ve111 · 9/10 · 1 March 2016]

This is such a beautiful show. So witty, so deep, a cascade of creative settings and dialogues. The interactions between the characters feels fresh, like something not seen before, an inside jokeof sorts. If you are lucky enough not to have seen it, enjoy!

Was thinking what else to say with my remaining lines without giving any spoilers away...the mighty boosh for me is about adventure and magic, and reminds me a lot of the cartoon show adventure time. It also has glimpses of flight of the conchords. Yet ultimately, there are some scenes that just stand in a class of their own. The episodes get progressively better and they all contain an original angle.

It's fun at times

[interestingstuff · 7/10 · 11 July 2022]

This is an interesting show with a unique concept and a lot of funny moments but it could have been better if episodes were 20-minutes instead of 30-minutes long. The storytelling could have been tighter.

I really liked the dialogue and chemistry between Howard and Vince though.

i really don't get it...

[blindstarkid · 1/10 · 12 January 2008]

don't get me wrong. i like surreal comedy, i.e. Monty python, Vic and bob etc. but this just seems to be one big idiotic non-funny joke.

everyone i know raves on about this show, but i have tried, believe me i've tried to get into it, but its just not funny. awful acting, awful pop-culture references, and awful awful songs.

it is one of those shows that is weird for weird's sake. i have seen julian barrett in other things (Asylum and Nathan Barley) and he is genius. i don't even know how he could agree to be in this. noel fielding is one of the most annoying people on this planet. he cannot act, he does the same stupid voice for every "character" he plays, and he laughs at himself when delivering lines.

this isn't comedy. it isn't genius. it's a serious step down for British comedy.

you want funny? go get a reeves and Mortimer DVD.

absolute pish.