We just "discovered" this show on NetFlix two weeks ago and we are addicted to it! We have watched all the episodes on NetFlix and are watching them all again already. (Thank goodness for the subtitles because some of the slang we can't understand, haha.) Great actors, clever scripts, so funny! We just LOVE Victor, Jack and Winston!! This show is unique because it's funny and has genuine "heart". The cast is top notch and we truly care about them so when Jack is missing his wife or Jack and Victor go to visit Winston in his awful new apartment out of town, the viewers really care about these characters in their sad situations (this proves what great actors they are). There are too many great episodes to pick a favorite! So many lines from this hilarious TV series have crept into our every day language, like "cheery-bye" (haha). We love how they make reference to many famous American entertainers that we love (like Perry Como, Jack Lord, "Quincy," Abbott & Costello, etc.) We are so excited to hear that they are filming a new season this summer although we don't know how long it will be until American viewers can see them. Unfortunately, we can't find the series on Region 1 or 0 even though we would love to own them on DVD. We love, love, love "Still Game"! Thanks, NetFlix, for bringing this amazingly clever, creative, fun, unique show to American viewers! (This show is funnier than any new American TV shows/movies!)
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shominy-491-6523558 July 2016
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jimel9820 September 2015I found this on Netflix. I've always loved the humor of Ireland and Scotland and figured, eh, I'll watch an episode or two. 13 were available (seasons 4 and 5) and I watched every one and laughed like hell. OK, I admit there were times I wasn't sure just what was being said, but even when I missed a joke (accent or local reference) I still laughed. It's that good.
If you want to have a summary of what this show is about, there are loads of places for that, but this is a review, not a summary so, no summary.
The lead actors are just amazing and can do deadpan so well, it seems like they're really just engaging each other, we're looking in on real people in their normal every day lives and, like every day life can be, we laugh.
There are occasionally poignant moments, but they seem almost like a tease, the humor is right there to push you back and say, "Oh come now, this IS a comedy after all." One side note, in the episode where the boys take the tour of the distillery, I could identify. My son and I took a tour of a brewery and were actually more interested in getting to the tasting room than how it's made. These guys took the idea of 'revisiting' to a whole new, hysterically funny level.
Worth every second, even if some of the dialogue slips by, sometimes if you just take what was said, figure in the goings on, you still get the joke, and it's still funny.
C'mon Netflix, bring on all those earlier seasons and let me enjoy every moment.
I had to amend my review and THANK Netflix for putting the first three season into the mix. I'm dancing through the heather with joy. Plus I have to add something that I neglected to put in the first time around, the supporting cast is as wonderful as the leads (though they have the edge of being the stars) and each one's little quirk and eccentricity makes them all the more fun to watch. Enjoy, ya bastards! hee hee hee. -
Artimidor8 March 2017Back in the days NBC's "Golden Girls" pioneered in discovering a fresh comedic potential according to the premise: Pensioners are also entitled to some post-prime fun before a career-move that involves pushing up the daisies. Especially when they're operating from Miami, Florida, of course. Now picture this as good old Sophia would say: How about we give the whole retiree idea more edge, relocate the girls to Scotland (complete with heavy accent), change their gender and language to something way stronger and offensive (yet in its own way endearing), and replace the picturesque Miami-scenario with fictional "shitehole" Craiglang "somewhere near Glasgow" with prospects being hee-haw as a Scot would say. You'll see: The fun refuses to concede defeat. Quite to the contrary. Welcome to "Still Game"!
Spun off from Ford Kiernan's and Greg Hemphil's sketch show "Chewin' the Fat", "Still Game" features strong 70+ characters ranging from the comedic widower duo Jack and Victor (Kiernan/Hemphil) over curmudgeon Winston, blabbermouth Isa and tight-arsed Tam to Indian-born shop owner Navid, who sports a rare talent for one-liners of the side-splitting kind. Now pleasures may be limited for old duffers, but life goes on and as such revolves around the local waterhole "The Clansman", the bookies, and the grocer's, with Isa's rumor mill working incessantly. Romance is a mere footnote. In that sense "Still Game" is not that far off the mark as real old geezers go. But in Craiglang there's a bright side to the shadow of old age: Death for example is a constant companion, accepted and dealt with in creative fashion (two words: hypothermia sweepstakes), and in the meantime as far as shaping the rest of one's life is concerned: disaster, small or large, is always around the corner. "Still Game", while out-and-out hilarious, occasionally dark-humored and sometimes over-the-top in a memorable way, also has its powerful dramatic moments. Character developments feel palpable and add another layer to the show and depth one wouldn't want to miss. The nine year long pause between season 6 and 7 is hardly noticeable. Following popular demand, "Still Game" is back again, as stand-up comedy and sitcom. So brush up on your Scottish, or turn on the subtitles. You don't want to miss this. -
scotty2hotty_280825 June 2004Still Game is fantastic - taking on board some of the other peoples comments - the humour has been crude at times, and you could see some things coming - but the best thing about it is that a joke comes completely out of the blue (eg. Series 3 Ep1 with the tacky souvenirs and the "Canadian Beaver" t-shirt).
Either way, it's worth a shot. Like many TV programs, it may take a few episodes to get into. In Scotland this series has been highly popular in the ratings, but not shown Nationwide in the UK.
There is some talk about toning down the language - It is a disgrace trying to change it, as this is a representation of part of Scottish culture. If we apply the BBC's attitude to Still Game to other comedies then Only Fools and Horses would have contained no Cockney Rhyming Slang (and no where near as funny as it actually is)
One interesting thing noted is that as a series it appears to be taking a leaf from "The Simpsons" and branching out with many supporting characters who appear from time to time. I think this is keeping the series fresh.
For those brave enough to visit where the series is filmed - you'll no be able to get a pint down the Clansman - as the pub you see from the outside was knocked down sometime between April and May 04.
Like most of the other comments about this show - I would recommend this to anyone. -
I have noticed that a few other reviews have been commenting on how people south of the border (the English) will not relate too or understand this Scottish comedy? However I am an Englishman living on the south coast of England (which is probably as far south as you can get from Scotland on mainland Britain) and I am an absolute Still Game fanatic!
I have been brought up on virtually all of the British gems of the comedy world i.e Only Fools & Horses, Men behaving badly, Open all Hours, Porridge e.t.c so I was therefore a little surprised and sceptical when my best mate recommended a Scottish comedy called Still Game which hardly anyone in England had heard of, including me. One episode later and I was hooked!
For me Still Game in terms of humour was not worlds apart from virtually all the other British Comedies whether they originated from the South or North of the border, I could personally see elements of humour & comedy that could appeal to fans of 'Only Fools & Horses' right the way through to fans of 'Men behaving badly' and all the other comedies in between.
Next to the humour, the acting is superb with clever story lines and quotes that define it as a true gem. I only wish I could have followed this sitcom from the very beginning but unfortunately for some reason or another Still Game was never aired on English primetime TV (which seemed a bit stupid seeing as how England accounts for most of the BBC's viewers). -
'Still Game' is to my mind the finest sitcom of the 21st Century. Like the earlier 'Rab C. Nesbitt', it originated from a sketch show which in this case was 'Chewin' The Fat'. Each week, the wily pensioners from Craiglang, played by Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan would show us how they fought to live another day.
The first sight of Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade was a curious sketch in which we see Victor drinking a glass of his own urine ( which he claims is all to do with his detox diet ), much to the bewilderment of Jack. The characters caught the public's attention so much that they were later spun-off into a stage show entitled 'Still Game'. Ford and Greg reprised their roles as Jack and Victor while Paul Riley was brought in as their friend Winston. The play saw the three men in Victor's living room, swapping various opinions, stories and memories in a bid to pass the time. 'Still Game' was a sell-out not only in Scotland, but also in England, Ireland and, surprisingly, Canada. Three years later it became a sitcom for BBC Scotland and within weeks established itself as unmissable Friday night viewing.
As you already know, Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade, along with their friends Winston, the tight-fisted Tam ( Mark Cox ) and incorrigible gossip Isa ( Jane McCarry ) are pensioners who refuse point blank to grow old gracefully. The three places in Craiglang they like to frequent most are the bookies, their local pub The Clansman which is run by the surly Boabby ( excellently played by Gavin Mitchell ) and the local newsagent, manned by the foul-mouthed Navid ( Sanjeev Kohli ) and his grumpy wife Meena ( who is only ever seen from behind ). Each episode would see Jack, Victor and co coping with whatever life threw at them, whether it was trying to survive against the cold weather or the local thugs making life hell for the residents of Craiglang. The reason for 'Still Game's' phenomenal success was because the public could identify with the characters. Each character has a grain of truth to them. For instance, who hasn't met someone as nosey as Isa in their time? As Jack and Victor, Ford and Greg are outstanding, though Paul Riley as Winston is undeniably the funniest. Also hilarious were Mark Cox and Sanjeev Kohli. Jake D'Arcy ( who sadly passed away not too long ago ) was funny in the episodes he appeared in as Pete the jakey. The late Ronnie Letham appeared from time to time as Isa's estranged husband Harry, as did Maureen Carr as Edith, a friend of Isa's who has teeth like a row of condemned houses and a voice that could grate cheese. Later in the series, Tam got married to local librarian Frances, who was portrayed by Kate Donnelly, who many people may remember from 'Naked Video'.
Among the impressive list of guest stars were Robbie Coltrane as a manic-depressive bus driver, Clive Russell as an old friend of Jack and Victor's, Celia Imrie as a surly home help, David Hayman as a food-van proprietor and life-long enemy of Winston but the best one of all was boxing champion Jim Watt, who appears at a charity event that Boabby is holding at The Clansman.
'Still Game' was initially only screened in Scotland by BBC1, but as the show began to rise in popularity, it eventually moved to BBC2 in 2005 for a national viewing ( with the earlier series broadcast nationally in reruns ).
In 2007, the show came off the air for a long time following a fall-out between Ford and Greg but in 2014 returned in triumph when it was revamped as a stage show ( shown at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow ). In October 2016, it returned with a hilarious seventh series. Two more series followed between 2018 and 2019, both of which also were better than they had a right to be and things were tied up neatly in the final episode 'Over The Hill'. Indeed, the final sequence is bound to bring a lump to the throat of any true 'Still Game' fan. -
schlagzeugplayer7 February 2019Ok first the accent is thick but it's perfect. The funny thing is the caption are not corrected English but how it's said. So you get cannea, Boabby, Disney, our etc. That's just the icing on this Scottish cake. The situations are so damn funny. The characters are so real but the humor is genius, cheeky , kinda adult but still familyish. All I will say is make it your go to show. Tytyty Netflix.
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jlangford-32 December 2009I think it is important to begin by stating that I was dubious about any show made since the influence of American television on the British Isles. But this is Scottish! Perhaps the independence of Scottish spirit buttresses their humour against the negative influence of U.S. productions. The writing is brilliant in the sense that, unlike American TV, little, if any, is predictable. The timing is spot on and the laugh tracks are in sync with the punchlines instead of used as a constant background. Witty is the best one word description I could use to entice others to give the show a chance. The visual expressions combine with subtlety to present the kind of humour I thought was lost on television. Sit back, put your feet up and enjoy television, once again.
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VictorianCushionCat17 April 2005Still Game is an absolute little gem of a comedy taking Victor and Jack from their sketch's in 'Chewin the Fat'into the wider world of fictional Glasgow scheme estate Craigland.
Victor and Jack are two elderly widowed gentlemen living in a grim world of scraping by on their pensions trying to keep warm in their high storey flats. But they make sure they make the most of their situation and it's pretty inspirational stuff.
The best laughs come from the other characters, crafty Winston, gossip Isa, shopkeep Naveed, barman Boaby etc, plenty of good story lines and sharp put downs make for the type of show where if you buy the DVD you watch one episode and keep on until the end, then go out and buy the another series Sadly on the network the BBC has seen fit to screen only a select few episodes. Okay the accents and certain jokes/references require a knowledge of Scottish culture/dialect but like Rab C Nesbitt the comedy is strong enough to shine through.
The laughs are often dark, and set amongst the bleak black drops of old age, poverty, crime, loneliness you name it! But like say 'One foot in the Grave' it is adept at handling serious situations then bringing us back to the comedy with just one hot line. For a spot of spirit in adversity look no further. -
SelfDestructACowPatT6 August 2021Watched it thousands of times. Watch it every night before bed and still laugh every time. Excellent comedy.
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blonde_jim4416 December 2022Great chemistry between characters and it reminds me of a better time! I wish my grandfather was alive to watch this with me.
I feel like it will be timeless and approachable by all. Incredible writing. It gets a little wackier towards the ends but still highly entertaining. I do love the earlier seasons. I am not scottish and love the accents and the concept. Showing our elderly as playful and young minded. On of my all time favorite shows.
Usually a show only has one or two favorite characters. This show its hard to decide because tam and winston are hilarious and so are jack and victor. Bobby the bartender plays the fool brilliantly. A ttue gem. -
The following is NOT meant as an insult to anyone: Most Americans seem to have difficulty understanding strong Scottish accents. And, I assume, most Scots have a hard time understanding us. That being said, despite the difficulties, I enjoyed watching re-runs of "Still Game" on Netflix even though it was occasionally difficult following what they were saying. Fortunately, Netflix IS captioning the program now and it really helps with my enjoyment of this cute series.
The show centers on two Scotsmen who are roommates. Neither wants to grow old gracefully and both have a variety of strange friends who they associate with...including some they don't even like! In many ways, the show SEEMS slow and mundane but keep watching. Like the wonderful Canadian show, "Corner Gas", the seemingly mundane becomes very enjoyable and you really grow to love the characters and weird situations they've gotten themselves into. Overall, "Still Game" is a marvelous show...full of wit and cleverness. -
I am perhaps lucky that I grew up, and live near to where the show is based, Glasgow. So I have no issues with the accent and pretty much that is the way many around this area speak. My only gripe is the overuse of swear words, to try and get a cheap laugh. Not necessary guys the show is funny enough without that. After a slowish start, as with most sitcoms, as we get to know the characters, the show is on a steep incline in terms of laughs and quality. First 6 seasons are very good and as good a comedy as you get anywhere. The 2 main actors had a bit of falling out, I believe, which is why there is a big gap between season 6 and 7. They patched up their differences, had huge sell out tours in 2014 and brought back the show in 2016. There are some decent episodes in season 7, 8 and 9 but generally the quality took a nose dive, like many sitcoms that outstayed their welcome Last episode is very poignant, which leaves the viewers to decide for themselves the ending, Some memorable characters, Naveed, and his wife, Isa, Tam and Winston
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hobsonw9 October 2021It was like Last of the Summer Wine, how people find it that funny is surprising, especially a British sitcom. Would class it as lighthearted entertainment.
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brass_eye_marv15 September 2005The fourth series of Still Game recently finished on BBC2. This was the first time it had been shown nationwide and, thankfully, the unthinkable didn't happen. The slang. the swearing, the banter and the accents were all present and correct. You've got to hand it to the BBC for choosing not to tone down the dialect, if they'd been allowed to anglicise Still Game it just wouldn't be the same. I recently met the show's creators Ford Kiernon and Greg Hemphill at a book-signing and when they were quizzed over the possibility of Still Game being toned down, Kiernon replied, "Naw, they can get it up them!". Rapturous applause followed.
You wouldn't think this programme was now in its fourth series, it still feels as sharp and fresh as it did back in 2002. While most programmes, like Ford and Greg's own Chewin' The Fat for example, tend to go downhill after a couple of runs, Still Game seems to improve with each series. Admittedly most of the laughs consist of old people swearing at each other but the excellent cast deliver their put-downs with gusto. The two leads, Kiernon in particular, make very convincing pensioners; little touches like shuffling slightly and muttering under their breath work well.
The supporting cast are excellent as well. Jane McCarry, who plays "nosey old cow" Isa, sounds frighteningly like an old woman and her double act with Paul Riley's Winston is uproarious. Gavin Mitchell as Bobby the barman and Mark Cox as tight-fisted Tam are also excellent. But the absolute standout is Sanjeev Kohli as the acid-tongued shopkeeper Navid, Still Game's ultimate scene-stealer. Scottish dialect delivered in an Indian accent is funny in a way you've never heard and his horrific remarks to his wife Mena (whose face is always hidden) are comedy gold.
Along with being consistently hilarious, Still Game is occasionally very touching; Jack memories of his late wife and Victor's strained relationship with his son are bring a real pathos and humanity to the proceedings. These moments are quiet and understated, giving Still Game a maturity that Chewin' The Fat lacked.
Whether or not the folks down south got it or not is still unclear, some dreadful reviews would suggest not, but who gives a toss as Scotland once again has a sitcom it can really be proud of. Easily a match for Rab C Nesbitt, Still Game is a hilarious, bittersweet and thoughtful look at life through the eyes of the elderly - and a real celebration of Scottish, particularly Glasgow, culture. Long live Still Game! -
lindasue-5013320 March 2019Since discovering this series not all that long ago, I think I watched it three times! Each time it gets better <3 Great stories - some hilarious, some poignant - endearing characters. What more can an audience ask for? I don't watch comedies often because they're quite honestly don't as a rule make me laugh, but I get a lots of laughs out of this one! I just love the show and send out a thanks to the creators !
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trevwmail-other3 March 2008Having 'found' Still Game on BBC2 a couple of years ago it has consistently delivered great comedy. I was fortunate enough to be given the Series 1-5 on DVD at Christmas which has brought the opportunity to view the 'Scotland only' episodes. So many things explained..so many laughs I would not have had!
As for criticism of the accents / language etc. - it's nae for wee bairns noo.. Put the subtitles on or roll back the DVD scene. Easy.
Like all good comedy programmes, Still Game has the power to engage its audience in taking them on an emotional journey ranging from sadness to hilarity - as evidenced in Jack and Victor's trip to Canada followed by the gift review at The Clansman.
Good writing that has improved as the characters develop (check out the early episodes of 'The Fast Show' and see how their characters do the same). Most episodes have the ability to make me laugh out loud.
Sadly, I'm now at the end of Series 6 so have to wait and see whether there will be Series 7.. Just don't kill Jack or Victor yet please.
They may be old but they're definitely Still Game! -
ygwerin112 January 2023Still Game is a television comedy that I stumbled, upon purely by accident while programme skimming on Netflix.
I quickly became hooked by the humorous banter of the characters, this was a new world to me especially as I have no knowledge of its antecedents.
It is very broad Scots and I can quite see, how many viewers can be put off by that, but then I am not a novice at Scottish humour.
My introduction to it was way back in the days of the TV show the White Heather Club, which used to be seen on our TV screens south of the border around Hogmanay.
For me this was very much a mixed blessing especially what passed for humour, the least said about that the better as personally it was dire.
It wasn't until the broadcast of the telly show Naked Video, that I really started to take any notice at all. That led to the frankly seminal Rab C. Nesbitt, we'd been prepared for it as Rab and Mary's characters had been trailed in Naked Video.
This show for me sets the scenario for Still Game, with similar neighbourhoods, bottom of the barrel characters, situations and lives.
When my son Jamie first saw Still Game he immediately pinpointed something that I had ignored, that these were merely youngish blokes, simply camouflaged as older codgers.
While I freely admit that is the case I prefer to, ignore that and concentrate on the comedy, character banter, and the hilarity of the yes, often absurd but still very funny, situations that the characters become immersed in.
There is often strong language used between them, but this is one of shared experience, and genuine attitudes and feelings, between people who have to, let's face it effectively sink or swim in the same surroundings.
I can appreciate Still Game more now because I am, of the similar age group as Jack and Victor at 74.
They are a great cross section of humanity having to, survive in this small community of Craigland, all of whom are deftly drawn by the brilliantly observed character acting. -
Started watching the show my expectations were not too high but boy was I wrong.
I've only just finished the final season and I miss Jack & Victor already along with the other characters of Craiglang.
What a great show, hilariously funny .... -
dimcnamara-0049630 January 2021A great antidote to a pandemic. For us Americans: closed captions required.
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taz121_22 June 2004There are some mixed opinions i see, and i guess thats what its all about. However firstly may i add that this series is massive North of the border and you do need a Scottish sense of humour to really enjoy this. I can't see the English enjoying this at all since either side of the border differ greatly on tastes.
The 1st series was outstanding, the 2nd not quite as good but still up providing plenty of laughs. The 3rd has just finished and i have to say it was fantastic!
You really won't get this if you need it translated south of the border and i hope they don't decide to screen it in England as BBC Scotland has been told they must tone down the Scottish slang if they do.
Its a fantastic outlook on how poor weegie OAP's go about their daily routine, still thinking they are in their 20's, quite simply a breath of fresh air from the traditional American and English comedies
Bring on series 4 lads! -
MrTelly17 December 2022Netflix analytics was certain I'd like Still Game. I resisted for a while but eventually succumbed and I'm very pleased I did.
I've now watched all 9 seasons twice. The second viewing was made even more enjoyable with the knowledge that Boaby (which, on the face of it, is a Glaswegian pronunciation of Bobby) has a slang meaning ;-)
I recommend giving this series a chance. It just gets better and better. The cast are a delight.
Greg and Ford say that there will be no more episodes with the original cast. I've read talk of a prequel. To be honest, I will be watching whatever they produce next. -
ilyazmuhammed-7886930 January 2021Best thing which can happen to you.lots of love.Thank you.
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VastDeference1 April 2019One of the least funny things I've ever seen. I've honestly got no idea how so many people rate this so highly. There must be something I'm missing, but I've no idea what it is.
Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner; this one is best left to Northerners and Scots I guess. Very bizarre. -
daveogilvie10 September 2002Jack and Victor from Chewin' the Fat now have a show of their own and if the first episode is anything to go by then success is a certainty. The first episode was about Victors next door neighbour dying and Jacks attempts at getting the house and removal day. A nice little subplot was the grandson trying to be a boxer. As per usual there was lots of originality and typical Scot's humour. One of the best scenes was all Jacks worldly possessions going up in flames in a dodgy removal van. Of the new characters I liked was the Asian shopkeeper and his wife. The wife you never seen her face, that sort of reminded me of the next door neighbour in Home Improvements. Shot on location in Maryhill, Glasgow its good to see old characters played so well. Possibly only Harry Enfield has ever made being an old git so funny.