Surprised that with all the appreciation of British humor, no-one has mentioned Blackadder. It underwent a strange metamorphosis, with the first (medieval) episodes being totally unfunny, IMHO, then improving out of all recognition in the Elizabethan segment, and reaching its humorous zenith in the Georgian episodes.

One of the most endearing (not to say redeeming) qualities of the USA is this understanding of British humor. Even more remarkable, and encouraging is that everyone with whom I have discussed this loves Monty Python, and shares my distaste for Benny Hill, despite Hill's inexplicable popularity in the US.

Murray