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One of the few genuinely outstanding British comedy shows of the past decade, Black Books unites excellent comedic performances, very funny scripts, and plenty of rewatch value. The concept is simple enough. Bernard (expertly played by Dylan Moran) runs a bookshop. The only problems are he can't stand people, hates customers, and would far prefer to be barking out cutting remarks and drinking wine. Still, it's after drinking much of the aforementioned wine that he offers Manny (Bill Bailey, again in terrific form) a job. Manny accepts, and finds his daily life involves taking abuse from Bernard, while remaining strangely and resolutely upbeat. Fran (Tamsin Greig) meanwhile also likes her wine, and finds herself stuck between the two of them, with a few odd encounters of her own thrown in too.

So far nothing particularly out of the ordinary, right? Well, mix in some of the creative force behind Father Ted, combine those aforementioned performances, and simmer to the point where episode after episode garners a cocktail of sniggers and belly laughs, and you have something really rather special. Like many of the best shows, the curtain has come down on Black Books after only three series. But the long-lasting legacy are episodes that are set to be enjoyed for a long, long time to come. --Simon Brew
How Can This Not Be Funny ?!!, 2008-11-16
One reviewer gave this series just 1 * & seemed almost regretting having to do that ! Quite where that reviewers humour lies I really cannot guess. When so much that passes for "humour",either from the UK or the USA,is utter dross with shallow,vacuous & wooden characters churning out lines that could only be responded to by "canned" laughter, Black Books came like a breath of fresh air - well observed,with sharp,acidic yet truely funny script writing. I have watched this with many friends,some who work in either bookshops or record shops, & all could relate to much of the content of these shows & all found it seriously funny. In fact all of us give it 5 ***** !

The show, for those new to it, follows the wonderful Griffin family, headed up by the daft but loveable Peter and the happily oblivious Lois, through to their teenage kids Chris and Meg. But as any seasoned Family Guy viewer will happily tell you, the gold of the show lies with the two characters who are the brains of the family. On the one hand there’s Brian the dog, and then on the other is the little baby Stewie. He, surely, is the absolute highlight, a maniacal evil genius of a child, who in this season seven set finally manages to kill Lois. Insert your own evil laugh here.

The 12 episodes on offer in the Family Guy season 7 boxset aren’t all vintage, but there are some cracking inclusions. The 100th episode special is a good place to start, and then there’s the small matter of President Bush’s underwear going walkabout. Throw in a bit of time travel for Peter, and it’s the usual oddball mix that helps make the show so strong.

With plenty of rewatch value and a continued ability to generate laughs, Family Guy is a show that’s still thriving on the evidence with this set. And frankly, the next collection of episodes on DVD can’t come quickly enough. --Jon Foster
Family gut rocks, 2008-12-11
I bought this for my husband last week and I love it. I hated Family Guy when we first met but after a few watches of the goings on of the Griffin clan I was hooked.
This series isnt as funny as the last few and some of the gags are overdone and we have seen them before but it will always be classic comedy at it's best.
I know we are behind and mixed up with the American side of it and all the extra's and stuff were a bit of a let down but I always enjoy the programme and I agree with the people who say that the true comedy lies with Brian and Stewie (who I believe is getting more gay as the show goes on).
I will sya one last thing if you love Family Guy you will adore American Dad which is by the same people who created Family Guy.

Never forgetting its comedic roots, Gavin and Stacey now follows the pair, and the collection of characters around them, as they adjust to married life. It doesn’t take, for instance, for Stacey’s homesickness to kick in, while the programme also takes time to spend time with their friends, Nessa and Smithy, as they too evaluate their relationship (and impending baby!).

In lesser hands, Gavin and Stacey’s ingredients could easily go sour. But thanks to some terrific scripting, and quite exceptional performances, it gels superbly well. Much of the credit should go, of course, to Mathew Home and Joanna Page’s endearing performances in the title roles, as well as James Corden and Ruth Jones for their exceptional writing work (the pair also play the aforementioned Nessa and Smithy in the show).

Eschewing gimmicks and cheap lines in favour of three dimensional characters and genuine laughs, Gavin and Stacey is a television gem, and one that deserves to find a wider audience. Hopefully, this DVD release will help to redress that. --Jon Foster
AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEY ALL IS SAID AND DONE!!!, 2008-06-25
What a fantastic comedy, Britain has been lacking a good heart warming comedy for years and now its here Gavin and Stacey,What a fantastic bunch of characters from Smiffy and Ness to Gav's mum and Dad, I bet everyone knows a family or a character they can relate to,I know i do!!!
Its the type of programme you can watch again and again and you will pick up on a few puns you missed before. Cracking highly reccomended and the 2nd series does not let you down just like the 1st.Watch it...