Benidorm

My cousin Brian recommended this show to me. Available on Netflix UK (if you're in the US, I'm sure you'll be able to watch it with a little ingenuity.) British humor alludes many Americans. I, however, appreciate it very much. The writing is simple and the comedy bits well worn, but there's something quite endearing about this show which takes place at a fictional "all-inclusive" resort in the seaside town of Benidorm, Spain.

The characters are outlandish and VERY funny! From a swinging older couple to a bragging liar who visits every year with his Mum to a very much in love gay couple who excel at barbed humor to a cheap as hell son in law who relishes verbal sparring matches with his mother in law...the character development draws us in. Like I said in the title, it's campy British humor. It allowed me to escape to Spain and laugh at these very entertaining people for an hour. It's ironic that Brits and Americans share a common language, yet have so little in common when it comes to humor. I think Americans are decidedly more conservative in their acceptance of comedy compared to folks from the UK. A quick example would be the character "Les/Leslie" who plays a transvestite on the comedy. As I was watching him, I kept thinking to myself.. ."Hmmm, this would NOT play well in Texas or Kansas !"

One of the funniest characterizations came from Geoffrey Hutchins, who plays entrepreneur Mel Harvey on the show. He really made the first couple of seasons work. A very funny actor with a rich voice, the comedy he brought in his interactions with the other actors was memorable. I was so sad to read that he had passed away after the 2nd season wrapped up. I was looking forward to seeing much more of him. He did an ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS version of "Lonely Girl" by Eddie Holman on the show in the karaoke bar at the fictional resort...NOT TO BE MISSED...he was actually amazing with his falsetto voice!

Watch Benidorm! It's pure British CAMP at its best!

I remember going to Spain with my family and living Benidorm, don't get me wrong this is not for everybody, but there are many people out there who can totally relate to this. And I don't believe things have changed that much, I think the values nailed in this series are relational to today's audience. Well represented and every stereo type covered and then some. Highly recommended to all who lived the Costa dell sol life or anybody who wants the real fly on the wall experience of Brits in Spain. This isn't about factual events; this is entertainment, with so many people with so many issues on so many things. I don't think there has been anything quite like Benidorm before and I don't know why? So if you're looking for some mindless entertainment that steps back in time to when Spain was Spain, then look no further.

First 3-4 series were great, but as the show went on the story line and cast got progressively worse.. Eventually it became unfunny and too silly for adults to properly enjoy. The plots were too obvious and acting very poor. At the beginning the stereotype cast portraying British tourists was very clever and made the show very funny, but it ended up just too far fetched for it to be entertaining and was just annoying and disappointing. Should have stopped after series 4.

This review is for the first 7 season. A great classic British comedy that is hilarious. The characters in the beginning are well developed and likeable, even though they are constantly getting into classic. There is a fine line between creating uncomfortable moments and just driving into the ground. The difference is with the Garvey's they managed the art between creating those uncomfortable keeping them funny. I simply liked all the characters that were in those first seasons and the remaining season I'd have to rate 4 stars, I can see why it was cancelled its seemed to get more ridiculous up to the last season.

Again a fantastic show that the writing and characters lost their mojo at the end.

Brilliant script, great characters, amazing cast, a true comedy all-around and a very good depiction of the British culture. There's been episodes where I literally can't stop laughing out loud! Lesley is my all-time favourite character! Keep up the good work 👍