Along the same kinda lines as The Detectorists, another great comedy drama, whereby it's funny and i care and believe the interactions of the characters.
52 Reviews
Funny and poignant
BigJimNoFool23 April 2020
Family comedy that's not embarrassingly childish.
grahamstreek22 January 2020
Surprisingly Good
stemc-157502 December 2019
With UKTV venturing into making actual television programming, I somewhat doubted it would be any good. But this was a great short series; just wish there were more episodes. Coming from a family torn apart from divorce and separation I could really identify with some of the characters. I just hope more episodes are planned.
Crying with laughter
jackiewaterfall16 November 2019
I wasn't sure what 'genre' we were watching for the first ten minutes and then just started laughing. By the end of the third episode, we were truly crying with laughter. That hasn't happened in a long time. Sue Johnston and Bobby Ball are wonderful but June Watson, in the third episode is hilarious and the stand out performance. Fantastic ensemble piece. Watch it for Nigel Havers' hair alone!
A Gem
helenfurn23 January 2020
I've just started watching this and I love it. It's a gentle, very well observed comedy. Bobby Ball is a revelation and I think the strongest member of the cast. His face when confronted with the tarty middle aged entertainer he fancies, whilst on a care home visit, is comedy gold. What a great actor he's turned out to be.
First season was brilliant.
SanzaStark26 March 2023
Bobby Ball stole the show in season 1. It was light-hearted and reminded me of the equally excellent Detectorists. Typical British humour, well acted and beautiful locations.
Unfortunately, season two fell flat. Bobby Ball was poorly recast after he sadly passed away of Covid. Their neighbour that likes a drink was also recast with one of the worst actresses I've ever witnessed. The humour felt childish (passing wind jokes that only someone under the age of eight would find funny). I went from belly laughing in season one to cringing in season two and could only stomach two episodes. Such a shame.
Unfortunately, season two fell flat. Bobby Ball was poorly recast after he sadly passed away of Covid. Their neighbour that likes a drink was also recast with one of the worst actresses I've ever witnessed. The humour felt childish (passing wind jokes that only someone under the age of eight would find funny). I went from belly laughing in season one to cringing in season two and could only stomach two episodes. Such a shame.
Absolutely Hilarious
bowdenperry14 November 2019
I have lived every minute especially Bobby Ball.
Classic British humour. I hope we see more of this it could become our new Royle Family.
I have read the other review I'm not sure what they were watching must have had a sense of humour bypass!!! LOVE IT!!!
Clever kids
lol23413 December 2021
I have a fondness for the actors and creators of this show, but it's a bit off the mark. There's basically one joke; it's 'look at how these cosmopolitan visitors observe obtuse rural folk.'
There's an underlying smirk to the humour.
It's trying to be The Detectorists, except that show took the passions of the oddballs seriously and portrayed them with humanity and sincerity. Here they're just target practice for quips.
There's an underlying smirk to the humour.
It's trying to be The Detectorists, except that show took the passions of the oddballs seriously and portrayed them with humanity and sincerity. Here they're just target practice for quips.
Chuckle... that's as far as I can go
gd-parry23 December 2021
There are some funny moments... more from the extras than anything. Got through about 8 episodes but most of it is samey.
Apart from the girlfriend (which changes between Series 1 and 2) I could spend time with any of them and that includes Joe who it seems we're supposed to side with against his stepfather (admittedly played well by Bobby Ball and then Gregor Fisher), his socially awkward stepbrother and then the downtrodden mother who is forever guilt tripping him (whether she knows or not). Problem is he just doesn't do anything funny for a comedy, and most of the jokes are in the "...okay, that's different" mould.
The stepbrother though is most annoying, really feel like pushing him off the cliffs either when he says something, especially when being talked down to by his father and coming out with more drivel.
Most 'comedy' produced on UK Gold seems to be the same now. Make the characters quirky but with no real redeeming features. Bring back Fletcher, Arkwright and co.
Apart from the girlfriend (which changes between Series 1 and 2) I could spend time with any of them and that includes Joe who it seems we're supposed to side with against his stepfather (admittedly played well by Bobby Ball and then Gregor Fisher), his socially awkward stepbrother and then the downtrodden mother who is forever guilt tripping him (whether she knows or not). Problem is he just doesn't do anything funny for a comedy, and most of the jokes are in the "...okay, that's different" mould.
The stepbrother though is most annoying, really feel like pushing him off the cliffs either when he says something, especially when being talked down to by his father and coming out with more drivel.
Most 'comedy' produced on UK Gold seems to be the same now. Make the characters quirky but with no real redeeming features. Bring back Fletcher, Arkwright and co.
Absolutely Joyous
mickeygreyeyes11 November 2021
Let's face it we live in a time where humour is dead and everything upsets someone. Well not in this case, this series is the warmest, funniest least upsetting of any comedy series of the last 10 years or so. The acting and the writing is impeccable. The first series was magical and the second series is on a par and I just want more. What a coup for UK Gold. I don't want to single anybody out because they are all great, but, I have to make a special mention for Joe Wilkinson, what a talented guy. If you want to feel good about life then watch this fantastic series.
These are my in-laws!
kathiow28 December 2019
I live on the Isle of Wight and it's nice to see it being portrayed geographically correct for once!
Everything from the washing machine on at 0630 to the white bread and plastic cheese is my 70 odd year old in-laws when we would visit their holiday home abroad.
I was absolutely howling at the awkward moments because they are so true!
This will be marmite, unless you recognise the same dynamics in your own family, you may not find it funny.
This is the first time I've written an IMDb review. Just had to!
Everything from the washing machine on at 0630 to the white bread and plastic cheese is my 70 odd year old in-laws when we would visit their holiday home abroad.
I was absolutely howling at the awkward moments because they are so true!
This will be marmite, unless you recognise the same dynamics in your own family, you may not find it funny.
This is the first time I've written an IMDb review. Just had to!
Could have been much better.
harmonyjb-9999712 November 2021
What a shame about this potentially great programme. The writing was good and really funny but it was let down by some miscasting. It was written by Joe Wilkinson but I feel he would have been better off not playing the role of Simon as it just wasn't the greatest acting. He kept laughing at simple statements that just weren't funny and weren't supposed to be. Susannah Fielding was so irritating and insipid that I struggled to get through the second series because of her nauseating and patronising demeanour and it was only the humour and the talent of a couple of other actors that made me determined to push through it.
As for the soundtrack - it made me realise how important it is to get it right. They did not get it right here. Apart from a couple of excellent old tunes that I like anyway, it was so excruciatingly bland and sugary that I wanted to bang my head against a wall and had to keep skipping forward.
What a shame, it could have been so much more entertaining.
As for the soundtrack - it made me realise how important it is to get it right. They did not get it right here. Apart from a couple of excellent old tunes that I like anyway, it was so excruciatingly bland and sugary that I wanted to bang my head against a wall and had to keep skipping forward.
What a shame, it could have been so much more entertaining.
Lovely
gemb10028 November 2021
Having recently discovered the Chattabix podcast with the writers David Earl and Joe Wilkinson, I found out about The Cockfields. It's a gentle meander about a family and their interactions with each other, and other people. Funny, annoying, tender and odd moments occur, just like with my family (and probably yours). Hope there's a 3rd series.
Fantastic
daydarrenday23 November 2019
Great Observational Comedy
iainwilson8723 April 2020
A joy to watch
alisonb1234514 November 2021
I absolutely love The Cockfields. I came across it by chance last year and was excited to see a new series had come out recently with 6 episodes Thai time! My 14 year old enjoys watching it with us. It's a well observed comedy with every day situations & a few poignant moments thrown in that may bring a tear of joy to the eye. The scenery of the Isle of Wight is lovely and relaxing and makes me want to visit. I was apprehensive with the replacement of the late Bobby Ball as Ray, but Gregor Fisher of Rab C Nesbitt fame does the character justice. Also like the new girlfriend Esther-previously seen in Alan Partridge. Can't wait for the Xmas special!!
The cockfields
sandrinechemicals-1846614 November 2019
Dreadful
eamonn-1914 November 2019
I have watched the first two episodes and they were dreadful. When I saw the cast I was looking forward to the show but I will never get back the hour that I spent watching it. After the first episode I had hoped that the second would be better but it is appalling rubbish.
Great British comedy
johnmansfieldips9 January 2022
I must be getting old. This is gentle, observational British humour at its best. I started watching at series 2 and glad I missed series 1 as some cast changes had to be made.
Time and again I found myself reliving an old experience I had with my parents through some great writing. All of the cast are terrific. The scenery is fabulous.
This isn't LOL hilarious, it's not meant to be. It is relatable, gentle humour that will have you chuckling throughout. Best enjoyed by a more mature audience.
And to its credit, there is zero box ticking or wokery.
Time and again I found myself reliving an old experience I had with my parents through some great writing. All of the cast are terrific. The scenery is fabulous.
This isn't LOL hilarious, it's not meant to be. It is relatable, gentle humour that will have you chuckling throughout. Best enjoyed by a more mature audience.
And to its credit, there is zero box ticking or wokery.
Can't wait for S2!
paulawoolven6 November 2021
Just revisited The Cockfields S1 in prep for S2 - for some reason I remembered Anthony Head as playing Joe's dad, but of course it's the lovely Nigel Havers! :laughing: Sue Johnston is phenomenal as his mum, and reminds me a bit of Penelope Wilton portraying Shaun's mum in 'Shaun of the Dead'. They were both in Downton of course :) Bit of trivia there! All the other characters are fab too - you can't beat a bit of Diane Morgan. I also spotted Sarah Parish this week when revisiting 'Keith and Paddys Picture Show', she's amazing. Looking forward to next week :)
Sublime, gentle, poignant and emotional
georgebandedwardb30 December 2021
I have watched every episode, but the Christmas special was so wonderful. This is not about raucous belly laughs, or side splitting guffaws. The story is about real family relationships, embarrassing silences, love and commitment to family visits, even when its awkward. The acting is perfection, I feel I am eavesdropping on a real family, but I watch with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.
Sue johnstone is especially wonderful, but the whole cast is truly talented.
The story is well written, full of pathos, that could easily go over some peoples heads, this show is not about in your face comedy, it's about feelings, embarrassment , duty, and love, combined with warmth and affection .
Well done Joe and David, and the cast.
Sue johnstone is especially wonderful, but the whole cast is truly talented.
The story is well written, full of pathos, that could easily go over some peoples heads, this show is not about in your face comedy, it's about feelings, embarrassment , duty, and love, combined with warmth and affection .
Well done Joe and David, and the cast.
Brilliantly funny
jackjack112 November 2019
Absolutely loved this. Just watched episode one and already looking forward to tomorrow's instalment.
Well written and great to see Sue Johnson again. She steals every scene, a genius.
Joe Wilkinson is as always terribly funny and brilliant in everything he is in, and he co-wrote it too
Well written and great to see Sue Johnson again. She steals every scene, a genius.
Joe Wilkinson is as always terribly funny and brilliant in everything he is in, and he co-wrote it too
There Needs To Be A Zero Star
BoringBoo1 November 2021
What is going off on Gold? To have such utter rubbish like this and the equally garbage Sandylands and they both have second series. To put this unfunny tripe alongside greats like Open All Hours just further highlights what absolute crud this show truly is.
Nothing is funny about it at all and most of the reviews saying it's great are very suspect. This should be a 4 star rated show at best and that's pushing it. It should never have been commissioned.
Thankfully it appears Diane Morgan has left this pile of dung I would like to believe it's because she doesn't want to be associated with such tripe.
There are no belly laughs or side splitting moments it's not gentle comedy it's not comedy at all. Please do not give it another series and stop re-running it as it's painful to my eyes, ears and health.
Nothing is funny about it at all and most of the reviews saying it's great are very suspect. This should be a 4 star rated show at best and that's pushing it. It should never have been commissioned.
Thankfully it appears Diane Morgan has left this pile of dung I would like to believe it's because she doesn't want to be associated with such tripe.
There are no belly laughs or side splitting moments it's not gentle comedy it's not comedy at all. Please do not give it another series and stop re-running it as it's painful to my eyes, ears and health.
WE NEED MORE EPISODES!!!
mike-2815411 January 2020
If you want to forget about the strains and stresses of day to day life and drift off with good clean relative humour then this is a must watch. It is so well written,acted,directed and produced it has to be commissioned for more episodes!
I loved every minute of this show,every character is relative and hilarious, thank you Mr Joe Wilkinson
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