The popularity of American comedy shows is an intriguing insight into the collective psyche of the USA.
Witness the wildly popular Friends, now starting to show its age, with dialogue lines turning towards children, marriage and leaving behind the joys of youth. Also witness the plunge in popularity of Ellen, after she decided to 'come out' as a lesbian on her long-running TV series. Although the episode in which she did had top ratings, audiences subsequently deserted her in droves. The show has since been dropped from UK television.
Latest in the long line of hits to appear on the small screen on this side of the pond is Ally McBeal (Wednesdays, Channel 4) the story of a young woman lawyer, a partner in a go-ahead firm full of neurotic characters . It has already built up a loyal and enthusiastic following with good ratings.
