Finally coming to UK screens tonight (April 7), You're The Worst is the hot new hit comedy from the US starring British actor Chris Geere as lead character Jimmy.
Chris Geere as Jimmy in You're The Worst
We got the chance to chat to Chris about differences working in the US and UK, some of his favourite comedy shows and much more...
What is the main thing you've noticed from working in the US compared to the UK?
The main difference is the wonderful thing called Kraft service, which I don't believe they have on many comedies in England. It is a little van in America that you can go to and make your own sandwich. And there's all these treats, and by the end of season one I'd put on half a stone so season two I decided to curb that a little bit.
The main difference for me was the weather. Because I remember doing Waterloo Road and driving to work Monday to Friday, sideways rain, and there was weather cover, so if it rained, which it did every day we had to go inside.
In America, there's no such thing. You're always outside, it was brilliant. The American people have been so welcoming, so it's exactly the same as it is in England; you have a family of people and you're working together to produce this wonderful piece. So that's quite similar.
In terms of the style do you think there's more different types of comedy?
It depends on the piece. I think there are quite slapstick-y comedies in both countries. What makes You're The Worst different is that it doesn't have one identifiable tone. It can be slapstick one minute and then quite heartfelt and emotional at other points. This is the first comedy I've ever done that has allowed us to go [with] all the emotions in one episode.
Where do you see British and American comedies going? In the same direction?
Yeah I hope so. I hope they all just become more real. I like studio sitcoms but there's a part of me that thinks they've had their day and I like to see real people and real relationships and relatable situations now, and I think that people like Ricky Gervais have changed that, changed comedy for the better and for good.
In terms of the actors you've worked with both in the UK and US, how were their processes different?
Everyone has different processes. Every actor does, and the first couple of weeks is working on what the process is and how, from my point of view, how you fit in with their process rather than them trying to fit in with yours. Everyone has a different process.
I remember working on UK projects and people would learn their lines on the morning of the scene and that's the same in America. Other people would learn their lines four weeks in advance, that's the same in America as well.
Collaborating with three brand new people with an American delivery is different. It does feel different to English deliver and there were points in the first few episodes where I thought maybe I was being too broad, too big but actually when you watch it back, I'm just being British. As Jimmy I need to articulate every single thing, that's important. I'm really not a fan of slurring. I think anyone who performs; I think with cinema these days, there's a tendency for people not to be audible. And it works for some people, but I like articulation.
In terms of the writing, what are the main differences you see between when you get a British and an American script?
I've worked with some incredible writers over here that I'm proud that I have worked with but Stephen Faulk is, not only a great writer and a funny man, he's a very intelligent man. He knows these characters inside out whereas some writers may just write jokes in England, but not necessarily know the character back to front. But from what I've experienced from Steve's writing, every word is said for a reason because only that character would say those things.
I think on some British comedies, anyone could play those parts but in American sitcoms, why the casting process is so long is because they have to find that specific actor for that role. But I still think British comedy is superb and it's changing all the time which I think is really important.
Finally what is your favourite British and American comedy?
Favourite British comedy is still The Office, and favourite American comedy is You're The Worst!
You're the Worst, tonight at 10pm on 5STAR.