As Carleen and Sam can attest, Twenty Twelve was thoroughly entertaining, and not just because of the comedy the writer, John Morton, strives for. While everybody can understand and assume the ineptitude of networks and Olympic committees as they prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Carleen, Sam, and I have first hand knowledge of it.
The three of us were chosen by NBC Sports to intern for the network during the 2012 London Games. While obviously excited for the opportunity, it seems as though the entire network is run by Graham Hitchins, the bumbling Head of Infrastructure (we need bike lanes). We were late to find out whether we were accepted to the program, we were late (by two months in my situation) to find out where we would be working–in New York, Connecticut, or London–and as far as I know, nobody has had communications with the network in almost six months to discuss any further logistics or anything. Because of this, I feel I was able to enjoy Twenty Twelve on a different level, after having the first-hand experience of how incompetent some people can (at least appear) to be.
Now that that is out of the way, I actually thought that Twenty Twelve was a smart move for the BBC. While we learned the BBC dominates the audience share in Britain, it is obvious that numbers are dwindling and the Corporation is under heavy attack from digital channels, satellite, and fed-up license fee payers. By poking fun both at itself and at the signature event that the BBC has exclusive rights to, the BBC almost humanizes itself through Twenty Twelve. While I suppose the argument could be made that it actually shows how incompetent and bumbling they actually are, I feel it does the opposite. It makes the audience realize how much actually goes into the set-up and broadcast of a major event like the Olympics.
According to the Wikipedia page for the show (so take this information with a grain of salt), the show has never pulled over half a million viewers. However, it did win Best Sitcom at the 2011 British Comedy Awards. Perhaps by by humanizing itself like it does through Twenty Twelve, the BBC will continue to survive as a Public Service Broadcaster in Great Britain through the next license fee commission and report.
Well said on all accounts: NBC is really bad at sorting out real-life internships until the last minute, and the BBC does a great job at making fun of itself! Don’t quote me on that first comment as I will be working for the Peacock upon graduation, but I just wanted to join in on that vent session.
I enjoyed Twenty Twelve for its realistic humor and grounded format. Its believable, entertaining, and appropriately scheduled leading up to this summer’s games. It felt similar to 30 Rock with its behind-the-scenes look, and should do just as well in Britain.
I was going to say what Grace mentioned. It seems a lot like 30 Rock in the way that it just makes fun of both the people in charge and the event that they’re putting together (I’m sorry, but I still can’t help but giggle whenever I see or hear something about “Kabletown” on 30 Rock). I think it does a good job of both looking like it’s making fun of itself, but at the same time, since the show isn’t about people at the BBC, it does a good job of distancing itself. It essentially says, “Look at those Olympics planners, aren’t they crazy? By the way, watch the Olympics on the BBC this summer! We’re way more up on things – we even know how crazy things are behind the scenes and we’re not even there yet!”
I just unabashedly love Hugh Bonneville, so I was destined to love this show from the beginning. It almost seemed to me like the closest the British could get to Parks and Rec. As Becker mentioned, Leslie Knope herself wouldn’t really fit on British TV, but the exasperated, well-meaning Ian is a close enough approximation. He’s kind of a mix between Leslie and Ben…….HE’S WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF LESLIE AND BEN HAD A BRITISH BABY! I just made my own day.