Manchild

Think HBO's Sex in the City transposed to England and the four females transformed into four men facing age 50. As with the HBO show, virtually all they think or talk about is sex. some of this is very amusing. some not at all.

A focus on characters well out of the advertising industry's favored demographic is refreshing in and of itself. The acting is very good. The show will live or die on the basis of writing. These characters and their libidinous fixations could become tedious before long.

For fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, be warned, the character Anthony Head plays says and does some very, very un-Gileslike things.

Well done show from the UK! It draws some comparisons to HBO's "Sex In The City", but it goes deeper than that. The men show their hopes, fears, and quirks more than most other male characters I have seen on TV. They aren't goofs, they aren't losers. They are middle-aged men who have figured some of life out, but like most people, still are finding out there are a lot of things to learn about life. Their takes on women are funny as well as insightful. One of the best episodes had the guys partying with a confirmed playboy all night. They begin the night impressed with the guy's lifestyle, but as the evening goes on, they like less and less of what they see in him--and themselves. When a tragedy ends the fun, they all learn sobering lessons. More shows like this should be produced for TV.

Superb. Unique. Long awaited. Much needed. Something for the lads, something for the non-teeny set, something for someone older than 30! There are millions of shows that cover every corner of girlhood and womanhood, so at long last - something for older men and women who love them or at least have to put up with them!

They may be very 40+ or even 50+, but the script, dialogue, imagery and inspired scenarios read like real fantasy life set to comedy lyric music. Superb. Ladies will love it too because the narrative is explored in a format that is uniquely female owned, hence relatable. It is revealing to see men dialoguing in such a female 'type' format, but also deeply endearing. Men will love it, because at long last they have their own show where they get to 'win' even when they are loosing!

Why has it taken so long to create this masterpiece? Superb writing, superb realization, superb acting, superb characterization, superb exploration of themes, superb comedy writing. A pure joy, even when tackling the most human flaws revealingly it's rawness is embarrassing yet joyful and real! We need this male comedy realism. More! More! More! Superb!

I loved this series! Four wealthy friends about to turn 50 - one single, two divorced and one married - all but the bachelor with children -- are now ready to enjoy the material delights of life in a way they trust will flatter their pride as desirable men. They have ups and downs - and we come to hugely enjoy them despite their ovious lust for decadence, their selfishness (except in reality - they are not) and their self-regard. It's very funny! I'd strongly recommend the series! Nigel Havers as the lead - and voice-over in every episode - is just perfect in his cadences and intonations - and wild sensitivity about his male pride. But all the actors in truth win your heart.

I'm only 24, so why do I relate to this series about aging British guys? I suppose men never change, regardless of age; we're always out for sex. Since that's what this show is all about, Manchild has been billed as "Sex in the City for men." But, unlike its US counterpart, Manchild is frequently willing to poke fun at its oversexed leads as they indulge in their quest to nab younger women. They're lame... lovable, too, but lame.

Great performances all around, which helps to make the characters sympathetic despite their flaws. I've liked Havers ("Chariots of Fire" and the wonderful "Sleepers") for a long time, and it's nice to see Anthony Head in a series that doesn't stink (*ahem*). The big surprises, though, were two guys I'd never heard of; Ray Burdis is extremely cuddly and funny as a worn-out husband, and Don Warrington gives a totally insane performance as everyone's arty, rich, totally crazy buddy.

Like most British shows, Manchild comes and goes quickly; it's only seven half hour episodes. Maybe that's all you need to tell this kind of story. American shows, by contrast, just repeat themselves endlessly...so there may as well only be seven episodes!