Monday, December 18, 2017

Goodish Bye

As the credits rolled on episode 7 last Tuesday, the continuity announcer said that...
... the series would be concluding next week - and added, "and it'll be an emotional show as it'll be the last ever one of the series."

Which, of course, led to a small flurry of tweets from people, asking if he meant it was the last ever... or just the last of the series... all of which is very flattering. Thank you.

As people have continued to ask me since then if this is the last one or not, I thought it was probably worth writing a few short words about it to try and add a little clarity. Or, more likely, I'll write a lot of words. Let's see how this goes.

The first thing to say is that I love the show and I'm exceedingly proud of the last five years of work. And I'm hugely grateful to have had the opportunity to do quite so much long-form stand-up on TV.

I add the words 'long-form' for a reason.

It seems odd to me that TV largely presents stand-up as something that happens in short sets of 7 or 8 minutes - or even as a quick minute, before "we get on with the rest of the show".

I don't think that's what any of my favourite comics are best at.

In terms of live work, the only times you really watch someone doing something that short is when they're a brand new act doing unpaid gigs as they learn or, maybe, somebody more established trying a new idea out somewhere.

A standard set on the circuit is 20 minutes, a one-person show at a festival is expected to be 60 minutes and a tour show is longer.

If you can get into the position of touring shows in your own name - you have to have worked out how to shape a longer show - and yet the people who have worked that out tend to be the ones being asked to do 7 or 8 minutes of stuff on telly.

I don't think doing an hour is as simple as just doing three lots of twenty. Or at least it shouldn't be. Because the longer form affords you more opportunities to link things up, to draw out themes, to misdirect audiences in more interesting ways and to make things feel more complete. You have to change things up more or they get wise to your rhythm. A short set can be great - but it's the fast food version of stand-up. It's a dirty burger. But long-form stand-up, done well, can be a banquet.

It's why I was chuffed to bits with this Sunday Times review of a show in Series 4.

The idea of 'handling an audience like a DJ at a club' sort of gets to the nub of the difference between long-form and short-form stand-up.

I don't think you can really do that in a short set. I think it's the thing to aim for in a longer show.

With that in mind; what a fantastic opportunity this series has been. When people say they think it's a shame the show hasn't been on a bigger channel, I always ask them to tell me any other channel that has given any other comic the opportunity to do this kind of show? Not stand-up and sketches. Not stand-up and anything else. Not a package of discreet bits that could be edited together in a different order and make just as much sense. Proper, long-form stand-up that actually represents what a touring comic does live? I can't think of many. I don't think I can think of any. Not just now... but for many years.

In that sense it is a dream job. And I have always tried to go about my job without complaint. There's no point moaning about having-to-come-up-with-more-stuff when coming-up-with-stuff is one of the key parts of your job. That's what we're supposed to do for a living.

And I'm not pretending that every last bit of it has been all my own work. I'm lucky enough to have worked with a fantastic bunch of collaborators - producers and writers - all of whom have contributed much. 

So please don't mistake any of what follows for any kind of woe-is-me, moaning. That couldn't be further from the truth. Here's the thing: as lucky as I am to have an almost unique opportunity to do the thing that I love, in the form that I love, on the telly... it's also bloody demanding in terms of time.

We've always recorded the shows in pairs. So when we've made six episodes (series 1 and 4) we had three recordings... and when we've made eight episodes (series 2, 3 and 5) we've had four. During this final series, we've had 9 weeks between recordings. In each 9 week block I've spent the first week having some time off. I've then spent the next five weeks working 40 to 50 hours a week and then, for the final three weeks of each block - which includes doing a few dry runs of the shows in small theatres while I try to properly hone the shows - working in excess of 100 hours a week.

Three or four times a week during that time I start work at 10am, work through to 5am try to get some sleep... and am at my desk by 10am later that morning to carry on. And while it doesn't happen every time, there are plenty of occasions where I work through the night and into the next day without sleep because I won't meet the deadlines otherwise.

And it's simply not possible to keep doing that without making yourself ill. In series 1 we didn't really know what we were letting ourselves in for when it was set up and as a result we only had two weeks between recordings. It's probably not a coincidence that I fainted on stage during the taping of episode 6.

Everyone involved - the channel and the production company and everyone working on the show - has been aware of quite how labour intensive the show is to make ever since we began. There isn't an executive involved who hasn't, at some point, been in a meeting with me when I've been awake for 48 hours and counting. And everyone has done everything they can to make it easier. But unfortunately, there isn't a short cut when it comes to building the powerpoint.

We don't write a paper script and then send it to a graphics department to build. We talk about ideas. We throw ideas around. We talk about a vague structure. And then I build it. And I don't build it to a script... me building it is me writing the script. Nobody involved in the show - me included - knows what it's going to look like until I emerge from my shed having built it.

And then, when I've built it, we talk about it some more, we come up with some definitive ideas for words to go with it. And sometimes that involves me rebuilding it. And then I perform it. And rewrite and rebuild it. Then perform it again. And rewrite and rebuild it. And then all of that a third time. And then we record it.

A regular show has somewhere between 300 and 500 slides in it. (A tour show, will have many, many more) Here, for example, is a version of what a late-ish draft of this series' episode 4 looked like the day before we recorded it:

There isn't a quick way of building this many slides - especially when there are plenty of moving parts.

Unfortunately, whatever we've done to try and find solutions, the nature of the beast is that this much work has to be squeezed into the final two or three weeks before a recording.

There are lots of reasons. For one: doing dry runs will always lead to rewriting and rebuilding because it's only when stuff is performed for the first time that you discover both how long it is and how well it works. And the dry runs need to be relatively close to the recording because a performance isn't learned, it's honed. In so much as things are learned, it's muscle memory - it's about instinctively finding what you did last night because that worked, rather than poring over a script trying to commit things to memory which, in my experience (and perhaps with my limitations) robs a performance of authenticity and immediacy. I don't want you to watch me remembering stuff - I want to relate stuff to you. Muscle memory doesn't last very long. A few days off undoes it. There has to be a churn of performing/rewriting/performing/rewriting for there to be any benefit to that process.

For two: it's unhelpful to build powerpoint for bits until I know what they're going to be a part of. For example, in a recent episode there was a small section about serving suggestions. It's an idea that's actually been knocking around since the start of Series 1 but has never found a home until this series. There'd be no point in me spending a day or two powerpointing it early on because it was one of 60 or 70 similar ideas and we'd never be able to use all of them.

It only earned it's place in a show because I could see a way of connecting it to other bits. It provided a segue to something else, but also created a really easily understood metaphor that improved a later, seemingly unconnected later bit making it shorter to tell and more immediate to grasp. I need to know these things when I'm making it... and I didn't know those things at the start of Series 1. It took a new idea, generated during Series 5 to provide the context in which that old idea could do two jobs on the show.

For three: even if I we were able to come up with a paper script that someone else could create powerpoint for... it wouldn't teach me the timing of the powerpoint. On the night it's me who presses the button to fire the next transition/animation/video/whatever. And it's me who's trying to wrap my words around it. The best way of me absorbing the timings is for me to create them. It's easier to learn a song if you're the one who writes the tune.

Dave have been brilliantly supportive all round. Before we'd finished series 1, we knew they wanted series 2 and 3. And before we finished series 3, we knew they wanted 4 and 5. And before we started work on series 4, we knew that everyone was committed to trying different schedules and finding ways of solving these issues. We tried all sorts. Most of the time it made it harder. But the efforts were sincere. In the end, the reality is that there are no short cuts. And nor should there be. Like I say, I try to do my work without complaining.

It's hard to let go of such a wonderful opportunity. I know that if I wanted to make more I could. But I don't want to do it half-cocked. And I don't want to make myself ill doing it either. And I want to do other things too. I want to do more live work.

In a way, the decision to tour next year, made my mind up for me. It would be impossible to create another series at the same time as creating and touring a new show. So series six was never going to happen in 2018. And I can't help thinking that not-working-100-plus-hours-a-week is probably going to feel quite nice after five years of crazy. So it's probably best to leave it there.

I know that, with ads, each show is less than an hour long... but creating 36 telly-hours in the space of five years is something I'm hugely proud of. There aren't many comics that will get that opportunity. And I like to think I respected the opportunity - and the audience - and always gave my all to it.

In the mean time, I'm having a bit of time off over Christmas - and the channel and I are actively looking for ways of working together in the future.

If you don't know what this rather self-indulgent post is going on about - here's a nice write up of the series from the Christmas Radio Times. (My Mum's chuffed about this)

It's rare for a series to end like this, with everyone involved feeling happy that it happened and nobody bearing any grudges.

If you've enjoyed the shows - thanks for being a part of it. I'm pretty sure they'll be available on UKTVPlay for some time to come. The final episode airs tomorrow, Tuesday at 10pm. I hope you can catch it.

If you want to make sure you know what I get up to next, my mailing list is the best way to find out.

For now, my thanks to Nick Martin, James Fidler, Judy Lewis, Nick Doody, Sarah Morgan, Carrie Quinlan, Carl Cooper, Paul Wheeler, Kumar Kamalagharan, The Bilroth Quartet, Annabel Port, Richard Watsham, Iain Coyle, Jamie Isaacs and a whole host of other people who all came on the ride with me. I've had a blast.



138 comments:

Unknown said...

Your shows have always been such a pleasure to watch. My partner and I recently had the privilege to see one of your warm up shows and we count ourselves fortunate to see such a professional at work.

Thank you Dave for giving us plenty of giggles with MLIG - we look forward to your future work :-)

Anonymous said...

Sad to see Goodish go; excited to see what replaces it. Try to come up with a format that doesn’t half kill you this time...

Unknown said...

So it is the last show?

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear Dave, while I have enjoyed Modern Life is Goodish immensely you're right that its not worth making yourself ill over [especially fainting on stage]. I do hope you make a return at some point once you feel up to it but if not, thank you so much for the top quality work and awesome hi-jinks. Don't forget to keep using your catchphrase [MATHS!! \o/] and I hope the tour goes well

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear this news, the show has been fabulous but all good things must end and it's better to end like this when everything is good than for it to fade away.
I for one have been a fan of yours for a long long time and I'm excited to see what's to come both on the new tour and beyond.

Good luck DG

Joe Lineker said...

Congratulations Dave on creating what’s been a brilliant TV show. The material created has been superb; and it’s an incredible achievement to have produced so much of it for TV. If we are set for a series of Goodish marathons like Top Gear in future; perhaps Dave should finally recognise it was named after you?! ;)
Enjoy your Xmas break and looking forward to seeing you in Portsmouth on your next year. If you are still throwing arrows pre-gig and need an opponent there, let me know!!!

Georgina Stevens said...

My husband and I loved your series. I've been watching you since Are you Dave Gorman? and always really enjoyed what you do, so look forward to whatever you do next!

Adrian said...

I echo what Georgina said. The Dave Gorman Collection was one of the best TV moments of the Noughties and you've been a Reason to be Cheerful ever since. :) MPTYE sir.

Unknown said...

I’m amazed there was more than one series of the show. Anyone with any knowledge of a writing schedule, even at a fairly amateurish way, can appreciate the work intensive nature of the show. It’s been a pleasure to watch!

Kevin Pascoe said...

Thanks for all the effort you and your team have obviously put into this show. It is easily the funniest show I've watched in the past 5 years ( Has it really been 5 years? )

Good luck with the tour next year. I'm hoping to make it to a showing somewhere

Unknown said...

I have loved every minute of MLIG. It has been the best thing on television since the first episode. Thank you for your hard work, Mr Gorman, and I wish you all the best for the future. Also, happy Christmas to you and your family.

Mark Stamp said...

Sorry to see the show go. Goodish and taskmaster are the two most consistently funny shows around so all credit to UKTV.
Once you’re finally free of the channels lawyers can you tell us about the egg wall?

doos world said...

*LOVELY *DOING LOL

Diana Mckay said...

No, no, no! You can’t leave us in the lurch. Shorter, fewer episodes if you must but please don’t abandon us. I love your shows, ther isn’t another that makes me laugh so much - so very, very clever. If you are determined to stick to touring from now on, I’ll only forgive you if you squeeze in a show at Shrewsbury Theatre Severn specially for me! I promise you will love our lovely town. Fingers crossed I get to see you in the not too distant future. Best Christmas wishes to you and Mrs G, not forgetting Gorbaby who must be growing fast by now! X

Unknown said...

Modern Life is Goodish is my favourite TV show. It is both thought provoking and hilarious, a very rare trick.
Have you considered an annual Christmas special instead of a full blown series?
As I write this I can hear the music to "a found poem" playing in my ears.

Vimes said...

Sorry to hear it will be the end of MLIG it has been an incredible funny and interesting series, I wish you all the very best for the future and cannot wait to catch you on tour.

Rhys W said...

Gutted to see this go, such a clever, well thought out show. I’ve enjoyed your work since I’m Dave Gorman and I’ve been lucky enough to see you tour on a few occasions. Hope you have a well earned break and I will wait eagerly the next DG masterpiece

Anonymous said...

Fully understand your reasons, but please don't rule out an occasional Christmas Special :-)

Unknown said...

I for one am disappointed that MILG must come to an end but surely I can’t be the only one who can hear the Bilroth Ensemble as I read these comments.

LOL.

lou van winkle baum said...

Thank you for such fresh ideas to promote your humour. I have seen you live at the South Bank so I look forward to seeing more live shows. You are a father now and I applaud your introspective look upon your life now as family comes first - always.You have always reinvented yourself ( Are you Dave Gorman? - brilliant! And I loved Genius too) and I know you will probably find a fresh fun initiative hopefully for you that is less labour intensive. Enjoy your restful Christmas - true fans will be right behind anything you do.

Anonymous said...

WHY, WHY, WHY

Must this (formerly) Great Britain lose this excellent show.

;-)

Mike Lycett said...

Does anyone else reading your post above hear it narrated by you DG? You have a good way with words and it’s good to see your comments and writing as such giving background to those that enjoy your work (and collobarators). I’ve been a long time fan and follower. I hope to catch another of your live gigs in future and look forward to seeing what you do next. Radio, TV, books or on stage. Perhaps you should go the whole hog and do a film next - oh wait yep I have your DVD’s... Good luck with the tour, if I can, I’ll try and catch it if I can.

wizzy said...

Dave I have loved your shows and books since “Are you Dave Gorman?” Your sense of humour and the hilarious mischief that become your shows just makes me cry with laughter over and over. (I also love that you’re not rude, vulgar or unnecessarily sweary-just telling really genuinely funny stories) I have seen you live and had the pleasure of meeting you after a couple of the shows I’ve seen (Googlewack and PowerPoint presentation) and been impressed with how “the same” you are in real life and on stage. Enjoy your well-earned rest and I am looking forward to seeing you’re next project. I hope you read all these comments and feel hugely proud of yourself. Thank you for the many many laughs!

Frankymole said...

The way that all your hard work isn't made laboriously obvious proves how masterfully that hard work has been done.

What you've written and performed is, simply, a series of perfect comedy gems which combine insight and common humanity, to bring about the purest forms of hilarity.

They are going to be watched again and again (of course, it's the "Dave" channel!). The ones I've seen repeatedly stand up 100%, every time.

I hope in the future you might consider the occasional one-off "special". Modern Life may be Goodish, but all these series have been the Goodest.

oldchap said...

MLIG is brilliant - one of the most consistently funny shows on TV. I hope you can find a format that is less draining in future so you can keep making us laugh. At least this means more live shows - I'm looking forward to coming to your show in Edinburgh next year!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the memories, Dave. A very special and funny show. I shall miss it a great deal, but hope to see what comes next.

Unknown said...

Sad to see Goodish come to an end, especially as it has been brilliant-ish. That said, I still remember your search for other Dave Gormans very fondly. Looking forward to your next project and hopefully you touring over to Lowestoft on the east coast. Best of luck with everything Dave!...and thanks.

Unknown said...

Obviously sad to see the end of Goodish but seeing as everything you do tops the last I'm excited to see what you do next, after a well deserved rest of course!!

Anyway, enough feeling sorry for yourself, I'm coming to see you next year so you'd better get yourself ready to perform monkey, perform!

Unknown said...

So that's how you spell segue, you learn something every day.

Anonymous said...

To everyone,

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

I for one look forward to any and all future ventures.

Anonymous said...

I have loved every series of MLIG, and loved the found poems. Good luck Dave with your future projects and look forward to seeing you on tour next year.

Anonymous said...

And here at the bottom of the Internet, we find... Praise for a genuinely funny man who I've seen live in Stafford and genuinely have enjoyed his TV series. Good luck with everything in the future

WildW said...

Cheers Dave. Pardon my language, but Goodish has been bloody brilliant. I look forward to whatever magic you come up with in the future, and the best of all possible worlds to you.

Unknown said...

Dave, you are absolutely right to go out on a high, still all enjoying your work. The long hours will take a toll on your health both physically and mentally.

I regularly work long hours often away from home and I remember sitting in Salisbury at some stupid hour, tweeting about how I wondered how your show had gone, thinking I'd missed it and you tweeting me back almost immediately to say it's tonight mot last night!

Get some rest and enjoy life with the family. Look forward to bumping into you again in 2018.

Ash

Unknown said...

5 great series. Many years enjoying all you have done since first finding Are you Dave Gorman? And Googlewhack. Thank you for such hard work and many many laughs.

Looking forward to finally seeing you live in Ipswich next year. Enjoy your rest with your family :)

Pat Palmer

AppleMackem said...

It's been a pure unadulterated pleasure watching all five series of Goodish, Dave. The early stuff still stands up well now, if you'll pardon the pun.

I had no idea you'd gone a length in Series 1, mind. Having left a position in 2015 myself because it was that or my health goes to hell in a handbasket, there can be no doubt you're doing the right thing here, especially with your little one coming onto the scene.

I hope the poem you find in this thread warms the heart a little more than the other... hang on... 37 you've recited on the show. May the next door you open bring as much joy as the one you close.

(Especially if there's a chocolate behind it.)

Hope to catch the tour next September in Newcastle.

Best Regs,
Phil Halliwell

RMartin said...

This has been one of my all time favorite shows. Thank you for pointing out the absurd in everyday life, both the good and the bad. I look forward to your next project. Until then, I hope you enjoy your time with your family and have a Happy Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Thanks also to James's son Adil, and the Gorebaby.

Stuart Mackenzie said...

Off the back of mlig we went and booked for your tour next year in Pompey..so see you then. Thanks for the chuckles.

Anonymous said...

I had the privilege of stumbling upon DG via 'Googlewhack Adventures'. Ever since, he's been my primary 'go-to' for comedy and entertainment; just my kinda thinking really. Goodish will definitely be missed but looking forward to whatever else comes up.

Gio said...

It has been, as with everything I've seen you do over the years, an absolute joy to watch (and an honour to have been a part of, even if momentarily...).

Can't wait for the tour to come around, and to find out what you come up with next...

Mosher said...

Sad but happy - sad to see the series end, but happy it's on a high note with everyone feeling positive. There have been better episodes and ones that weren't quite up there in comparison, but not one single episode that could be deemed even remotely "bad".

Unless you've saved that one for tonight ;)

See you next year on tour!

witteringlouise said...

Your blog bought me to tears. Thank you for 36 hours of wonderful telly. Definitely coming to see you tour next year. Pip pip

Rob said...

Thanks a lot, Dave. It really was great.

Unknown said...

Any chance you could come back with "My Name Is Dave Gorman 2" next?

Unknown said...

Hi Dave

As a long standing (well sitting really) devotee of your shows and all things Gormanesque I kind of suspected how much work goes into making the presentation so slick and your delivery so honed. But
I was wrong - it was way way more than I thought and as usual you have astonished us with your dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of making THE BEST audience experience for the likes of us. I was grateful to be at Cambridge for one of your tryouts (the freezer balloon) and it was wonderful but the final show extraordinary.
Thanks for opening up your box of secrets just a tad to let us into the workings of your crazy mind.
Needless to say we are looking forward to the tour and whatever Mrs Gorman lets you get away with next.

best Wishes

Craig M

Anonymous said...

Cheers Dave, 5 series is a great run, and with my memory, gives me years of repeats to enjoy. You are without doubt my favourite comedian, and Britain's greatest R-list celebrity. Have a good Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Thanks

ageing man said...

Great shows and a fine entertainer, thank you for making us all smile very loudly ..... Oh and I do hope you are reading all these comments Dave...... and will provide us with one last 'found poem' .....

Unknown said...

Thanks for all the laughs Dave - my husband and I will be tuning in to the final show tonight and will hopefully catch you on tour again. Last time you toured we went with some friends - I asked my friend if she would like to see Dave Gorman live and she was really enthusiastic, oddly enthusiastic in fact. Turns out she thought I said Dave Grohl. But she really enjoyed it anyway! Best of luck for the tour and whatever new ventures follow that.

Jim said...

It's not PowerPoint though is it....

Danker1990 said...

I presume Dave (the channel) will come to you to ask for a best bits of season 4 & 5 to go with their vol 1-3. If you aren't committed to a full run, I do ope we see you pop up from time to time with seasonal one off specials. I'm sure you have more content you can fit to these.

A Lost Poet said...

WELL WELL WELL,
The Keynoter-in-chief finally admits to Powerpoint.
No wonder he's quitting - I wood.
Wood? like a tree?
I think he's Tree-mendous!
LOL
Didn't he say that he's always used Powerpoint last week?
Yeah, it's on the credits!
Credits, where credits dues.
I didn't see last week as I've never even watched it...
...but I know Keynote when I see Keynote
And whomever he gets to do his Powerpoints
They must do it in Keynote.
What's a Powerpoint?
It's where he plugs his keynote machine into.

Thank you Dave, from 'The collection' through America and back you've always produced top quality work - please don't change and I'm looking forward to the future :)

...well he can hardly look back on the future

@denmarkjon said...

A workload like that, a young family and you still find the time/courtesy/patience to reply to loads of people in Twitter. Go and have a lie down!

Unknown said...

Cheers Dave for all of the series. Your health comes first but I will miss watching it when it was on. It was a massive highlight and I am so going to see you on your tour.

Unknown said...

Top man Dave, the man not the channel. Sorry to hear this is the last MLIG but understand completely. Highlight of this series, for me, the Toot Toot cars. Had me and the wife laughing for days. You deserve a good break and we look forward to your next reincarnation. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

Debby said...

It's been obvious from Series 1 that an impressively enormous amount of work goes into your shows and this was underscored when we saw you live in Chelmsford last year (we've already got our tickets for Southend in 2018). Enjoy your rest over Christmas, enjoy spending time with your family and enjoy touring next year. Thank you for bringing us so much intelligent and left-field entertainment!

Unknown said...

Modern Life is Goodish has been a great series but as you say it's not worth making yourself ill. I do hope that you can team up with Dave in the future for other projects or even one off specials of Modern Life is Goodish. It's been a pleasure to watch you perform your art on the show. I hope you catch one of your live shows soon.
I just want to wish you and the family a merry Christmas and hope you have a well deserved break.

grant harris said...

But you have an Eric and Elk to support. Let’s hope they keep them on ULTVPlay for some time to come.

Anonymous said...

Glad that it has ended on a high rather than peter out!

Unknown said...

Thank you Dave for all the love and laughter (plus damned hard work behind the scenes) to provide an amazing set of series of this show. I love the way you have honed the show to look so effortless and invite the audience in on the jokes, and yet still line us up to fall for an unexpected twist. That is a great skill.

It's sad to see the show coming to an end, but hey, at least it is ending on an absolute high. My only regret is to have never been part of a live audience. Best of luck on future endeavours!

Unknown said...

The title should now be changed to wasn't Dave's Modern Life Great!(ish) had the chance to see episode 4 live this year , properly my favourite of the Found Poems on that one. MLIG Will be missed but DG will be around for a long time- onwards and upwards.
Good Luck Dave!

Phil said...

Dave,

I've loved all of MLIG(ish), it's been great telly. But your timing is perfect - although there have been some absolute gems in this series (life hacks, toot toot cars), it pains me to say that the format is just starting to feel a little tired and formulaic. By quitting now, while you're ahead, you leave behind a classic series that will be enjoyed for years to come like Blackadder or Faulty Towers.

Thanks so much for all the laughs, and I can't wait to see what you do next!

Rick Stivens said...

Are we still getting the band back together?

SomeBloke said...

I suspect the end of this fine show will have people apoplectic with rage at the loss of yet another great British televisual feast. They will vent their displeasure and howl with despair. And when people get upset over things like that, I know there is only one place Dave likes to go. To the bottom half of the internet.......

PurpleGlitter said...

An amazing achievement and every episode has been honed to perfection. No wonder you're tired. With a kid as well now, who can blame you for stopping? And you have shows to your, books to write, etc etc...
Hopefully Dave the channel will continue to commission brilliant original comedy and use the experience to take a chance on other, less established comedians too.
And we'll always have the repeats!
Pip pip!

From The Fang said...

Sorry to see the series is coming to an end but too often things are dragged out beyond their natural conclusion these days. Looking forward to seeing you live in Nottingham next year and to whatever televisual creation you come up with next.

Shame there isn't enough outrage in these comments for you to write a found poem to perform for us!

Anonymous said...

So long and thanks for the memories. Our whole family love what you do. It is one of the few TV programs that we sit down and watch together from young teens to middle-aged oldies. We've seen you live a couple of times. At the RFH I discovered at the 'meet and greet' / book-signing that you are my wife's fantasy shag! Looking forward to seeing your next idea take shape. Have a relaxing Christmas. You deserve it.

Luther Arkwright said...

Loved the show - both the wife and I have become big fans since Modern Life is Good (ish) become a regular fixture on our telly.

Enjoy the tour (I hope to catch one of the London dates) and look forward to seeing whatever crazy project comes out of the Gorman mind next.

P.S.

Your poor wife must be a saint to put up with some of the shit you pull!

Anonymous said...


I am .... what I like to call ... a Found Viewer ...and I am so glad to Dave, Dave, and Mrs Gorman (who needs to be on Telly with you).
Loved it.

John said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dan Poole said...

I don't watch many TV series as they come out, I'm more of a binge watcher. There are three exceptions to this, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead and Goodish, they're the shows that I will go out of my way to watch on day of release, the first two are mainly to avoid spoilers that will ruin my enjoyment of them, Goodish is entirely because I enjoy it so much. Good luck for the future from a fellow pedant, see you on tour next year.

John said...

It's been a brilliant show, Dave. Nothing else like it and something to be proud of. Thanks for taking the time to write this blog entry. Looking forward to following your future projects.

Malidor said...

Also, does anyone know of a catch up location for 'My Name is Dave Gorman'. I've been trying to find it to show my wife, but not much luck

Julian said...

Dave consistently commissions the best comedy currently on TV, Modern Life is Goodish and Taskmaster being 2 excellent examples. I've really enjoyed all the series of MLIG and I hope to see you back on Dave soon!

Anonymous said...

Dave you are an absolute gem, and your right to take the time to look after yourself and your family, loved modern life! Hope to catch another of your tour shows and that your back on the tellybox in good time, take care.

Paul said...

Dear Dave, Thanks very much for MLIGish, we've loved it and have introduced the kids to it too. Good luck with the next venture, we're looking forward to it already. Hope that the extra time you'll have now will mean that you focus on getting more freight onto canals....!!

Unknown said...

Love it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Very funny stuff Dave.
I've enjoyed every one I've seen.
Thanks.

surreyseagull said...

Mr Gorman

Desperately sorry to hear that MLIG is being retired but I can understand your reasonings - it is certainly not worth making yourself ill.
I hope though, that this is not totally retiring from TV - you are, without doubt, the funniest, most intelligent comic working on the circuit and I shall really miss your shows. I have seen you once but am hoping to get to the Royal Festival Hall next year for another gig.
Good luck, thanks for making me laugh and a very Merry Christmas to yourself and Mrs Gorman

Unknown said...

Oh dear. The bottom half of the Internet. I've enjoyed the series, being on-board since the Googlewhack days. But I'm choosing to see this as a silver lining. My kids have just become old enough to enjoy it so now I get to revisit the back catalogue without having to pre-watch it to make sure it's suitable (you know the episodes I mean) safe in the knowledge that my kids are getting a balanced comedy diet that's clever and witty, thought-provoking and hilarious. So cheers for that. They'll be ready for stand up and long-forgotten soon, so good timing!!

Unknown said...

I came here to say what has been said already by countless before me, so at risk of repeating others... thank you for the consistent laughs, you toot toot c... and for some of the best and wittiest observational comedy we are ever likely to see on TV, I suspect.
Looking forward to the tour next year.
Now go get some sleep!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the fun, the infectious giggle and of course the checked shirts, best of luck with the tour x

Unknown said...

Bugger, what am I supposed to do on a Tuesday now.
Thanks for some brilliant telly and I suppose I'll have to ho to the live show.

Scaramanga Silk said...

Dave,

Modern Life Is Goodish is a fantastic body of work to add to your already impressive portfolio.

Thank you so much for five series of humour, insight, entertainment and inspiration.

A DVD boxset would be welcomed.

Thank you also for this article. It is amazing to read how you work as an artist and to see just how much goes into making the phenomenal episodes. The hard work has truly paid off and has resulted in a masterful television series from start to finish.

I look forward to seeing where your drive, inspiration and creativity take you next.

This show has been unique, special and important and visual comic mastery of this nature is a glimpse of when modern life is amazing-ish!

Thanks so much!

SS

Anonymous said...

Well I hated it. It was as funny as an empty bin liner. I cannot stand Forman or his incessant stripey shirt. I am glad he is finally off the TV. We don't need people like this on Channel 5. He was much funnier in his double act with Tim Brooke-Taylor.

Anonymous said...

...But serizly...

Dave, MLIG is our fave TV show and we are gonna miss you. Thanks alot for all the amazing work you have done.

Good luck in your future projects!

sjp0406 said...

OH and I have thoroughly enjoyed all your MLIG series, can hear the series music in my head as I type! Please visit Yeovil again when touring, saw you the last time and as per usual - excellent. Enjoy your very well earned break with Mrs Gorman & Eric. Thank you

Gav said...

Fabulous show, will be missed, but I'd rather have no goodish than no Gorman. Have a super Christmas and a relaxing 2018 & tour (not sure that's actually possible) cheers & good luck

Anonymous said...

And here I am... reading the bottom half of the Internet... in your bloody voice...YOUR BLOODY VOICE....
LOL

Seriously. Thanks for an awesome series. I’ve not laughed out loud to the TV for a while. I want to track down your original PowerPoint shows now. It’s been mane many years. Sarah x

Paul B said...

I have followed you since your hunt for Gormans in the USA. I have enjoyed all the “Goodish” series and been to see you on tour twice. It was really interesting to attend one of your “dry runs” from this series and to watch the “ blancmange” develop into the final product. I can see how subtle and how time consuming that must be.

You and Mrs Gorman should take time to recharge and I like forward to seeing you on tour next year.

Many thanks for all the laughs, to date....

Unknown said...

I had NO idea what it took to go into the show, fair play to you. Me and my husband have discovered it fairly late on but downloaded the rest on catch up. Congratulations on all your success in it.... because it is very hilarious! And I think it's a good(ish) reason to finish up. We hope to hear more of you Dave in some way or another in the future

Unknown said...

Are these comments merely an opportunity to prepare for a "Found Poem"

I for one.......

Anonymous said...

Where can buy all 5 series on DVD?

Unknown said...

I guess I will never be a part of a found poem.

Love your work, keep doing what you love.

Unknown said...

One thing I would love to know, is it you would ever consider doing the shows that you did before "Are you Dave Gorman" again.

It feels sad to never have known about you sooner so I could see even more of your material.

Unknown said...

Thank you Dave, and thank you "Dave"

One of the best TV series ever, I have loved every bit of all five series.

I hope to see you out on tour.

Mitch said...

That’s a very long winded excuse for being so unproductive and lazy that you can’t be bothered to make another series! ;-) good job you don’t have a real job: most middle managers produce 3 50 slide PowerPoint presentations before 10am each day...I know as I’m often on the receiving end of them!

Mitch said...

...on a slightly less sarcastic and more positive note, thanks for Goodish, it’s been brilliant fun to watch. My standout moments have to be when he production team booked you as your own lookalike; when you switched the toy cars; and when Mrs Gorman out did you with the DIY balloons Hack! Thanks!

Mitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I doff my cap in your general direction. It’s been a blast. Thanks for all of the laughs.

Bring on the next project. I can’t wait. I’ll miss the found poems the most!

Martin Hearn said...

Sorry to see you finish Goodish, Dave, it's been great.

But totally understand your reasons. Hope to see you on tour next year, but take care of yourself.

All the best to you and Mrs Gorman for Christmas

Dan Brown said...

Thanks for the show Dave and everyone who worked on it with you. You helped my life -for one- be a little bit more good-ish.

Unknown said...

Yay I get to be the bottom half of the internet!
Always wondered how the hell you managed to write, perform and come up with a scheme beforehand...that always seems to be off the cuff. You made the impossible possible and we're all just glad we were around for the ride.
Nothing is worth your health.
:')

Unknown said...

Thank you for the years of laughs,I understand why the show needs to end sadly my life will be I little less goodish without it. Best wishes to Dave , Beth and little Eric for the future and thanks to all that helped make the show brilliant. :-) Allison

Cuillinguy said...

Hi Dave
Just to add to all these great comments and echo them. I’ve really enjoyed all your shows since the start and you have remained refreshingly unique. This post just goes to show how much work goes into creating them which I’ve often wondered about. All the best for your new ventures.

Vladimir Lensky said...

Very sad that it is over, but then again also very sad to hear how difficult producing these brilliant episodes has been for you!

I am doubly glad I picked up a ticket for your 2018 tour now, I was caught in two minds because it will be awkward to get there, but I am really looking forwards to it!

Anonymous said...

Laughing my way through the last episode, only to be sad at the very end. But a brilliant episode to close a brilliant show, a very definite TV highlight of the last 5 years. Thanks for all the laughs and all the best for future endeavours!

Unknown said...

The time you "made a unicorn" will always be comedy gold to me

Jake Smith said...

Dave, my wife and I came into contact through your show, and now are massive fans. I've come home from a late shift at 2am many a time and refused to sleep until I've watched your latest episode, (and then binge watched several old ones)

On that note, never known a comedy show with such a high rewatch value as yours, I find myself searching uktv play for."the one with the dog man" or "the one with the Alan sugar jigsaw."

Genuinely devsastated, but happy to have "met" you, and look forward to whatever the next work you produce is. I'm sure it'll be amazing.

Will see you in Hull in October, hopefully get a chance to meet you In some fashion and tell you in person how much you have brightened the lives of Mrs Smith and I.

Ps: tell mrs Gorman, the life hack was bloody genius. Had to pause the telly to laugh.

InternetMale said...

Did you ever consider using Microsoft Sway instead of PowerPoint? In the later series did you take advantage of the new features only found in the Office 365 PowerPoint version?

Rae said...

Where can I buy all 5 series on DVD? For a Christmas present for someone.

Anonymous said...

I fully understand. I’m glad I didn’t find out it was the last one until after I’d watched the last episode. Thank you for 5 series of genius comedy and good luck on the tour. Bittersweet is the only word to describe how I’m feeling

Unknown said...

Stopping on a high definitely seems like a good idea! I'll miss this show, but I think there are a few episodes I've still not seen yet... But we all know what Dave likes best.

Also, will these comments generate a found poem?

Anonymous said...

Is there a Found Poem in this bottom half of the internet?

Asking for a friend.

Chris said...

Having found this relatively late (Dave wasn't on Freesat until recently) it has become a huge favourite. The humour is exactly in tune with my own and I have spent plenty of time pondering how I could quit my desk job to spend it doing something that looked so fun for a living. But the slickness of the performance belies the hours upon hours of effort that go into it.

If it meant another series - I'd volunteer to be your Powerpoint Bitch...

Chris

Steven W said...

Thank you for your comedy craft. I love the way your observational humour is a carefully constructed, subtle art which resonantes for far longer than a noisy quick joke. I still smile for days after one of your shows as I remember it.

irevans2 said...

Assuming that you've still got time to read the bottom half of the internet... Thanks for a brilliant show, and to Dave for showing that there's a place for intelligent, well constructed comedy shows.

I'm sure I will continue to discuss the merits of Gormanuary and Intermission with my kids for years to come. Thank you

ronnie.turford said...

Have loved all 5 seasons, Dave; unmissable stuff and my favourite TV comedy. How about an annual Xmas* special, so we can look forward to something goodish each year...?




*or if you prefer Easter special... or non-denominational bank holiday special...

Unknown said...

It would be terribly fitting if this comments section descended into such outrage that Mr Gorman could make a Found Poem out of it.

And I, for one, am INCENSED by the end of the series...

rux said...

Kudos from this Canadian living in America. Sad to see you're leaving after only just discovering your show, but at least I have 4 other seasons to go through

Debbiecolhoun@hotmail.co.uk said...

Hope you will be back in 2019 you are the only funny man I watch as I just don't find them funny I have enjoyed the way that you look at the world and feel sorry for your wife as she must put up lot of you testing your suff out looking forward to seeing you again x

daro2096 said...

Really enjoyed the show over the last 5 years Dave. Sad to see it end but they say you should always leave leaving the audience wanting more.

Spirit Surfer said...

Thanks to Dave and all involved in providing some of the best nationally available entertainment in recent years.

Can't wait for the tour and future projects. Life will be an echoing void without new MLIG.

Thanks also to a lot of the subjects/victims for providing some of the inspiration.

Mitch said...

This is a shame, but I empathise greatly. It's been a pleasure to watch.

Whilst I don't usually watch those tedious 'best bits' episodes, they should definitely pull together a compilation of the 'Found Poem' as they're utterly hilarious.

Good luck with future endeavours, Dave. I'll certainly be attending one of your live shows.

Anonymous said...

I was so lucky to see you live in Belfast especially as I was in hospital and allowed to go. I was in my pyjamas and a blanket hiding this. Thank you, oh and are you still in touch with the other Dave Gormans? Stay well, your health is your wealth, have a wonderful first Christmas with Eric. We all love you, and have a wider perspective thanks to you

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your sharing your amazing creations with us. Watching this show got me through a really hard time and made me giggle when I thought the wold was ending around me. I hope you have a nice time off over Christmas and I can't wait to see what you do next. ��

Carl said...

Modern Life is Goodish truly is a joy to watch, and if the higher profile TV channels can't see the value of giving comedy of this intelligence and quality the long format it deserves, then more fool them. Every episode is superbly written and delivered and from a very high starting point I think each series got better. The best and most distinctive aspect for me is the 'warmth' of the show, owing directly to Dave Gorman's personality. He obviously has a great connection with the live audience in the studio, but he also manages to translate this through television screens into the viewer's living room in a way very few entertainers can. I'm sorry that the show has come to an end, but I appreciate the amount of effort that goes into making something look that easy and relaxed. Thank you, Dave (Gorman and TV channel), it's been fun!

Teat_Owl said...

Whilst I'm sure everyone thanks you for it, there really is no need to apologize! The past five years have given us a superb, consistently well-made run of series'; I thank you for the dedication and laughs you gave! Intuitively, I knew the last episode would be just that, the last. It had an almost punctuated conclusion. The meta nature of the Paul Ross and 'shows that remember' segment was of great satisfaction and climactically, not until a movies big twist ending!

Thanks again Dave, we look forward to seeing what new treats you bring this year!

Carla said...

Very sad to see the end of a much-loved show but glad you are on the road again, missed seeing you live. Tickets for our 4th live show bought - see you in Preston!

G Cot said...

Doo-doo, doo-doo, doodle-doo-doo.....
Even the theme tune brings a smile!
Really enjoyed the original work / format that was MLIG.
However, this blog 'series end explanation' really should have been a downloadable PowerPoint.

G Cot said...

Doo-doo, doo-doo, doodle-doo-doo.....
Even the theme tune brings a smile!
Really enjoyed the original work / format that was MLIG.
However, this blog 'series end explanation' really should have been a downloadable PowerPoint

Paulo said...

Great show...looking forward to seeing you in 2018..
Is there anyway I can get a copy of the astrological experiment from years ago ??

Simon D said...

Just caught up with the final show - as excellent as usual , enjoyed by adults and teens in our house, thanks for your efforts, we look forward to the live show later this year and maybe another book soon?

Paul said...

Well done Dave, sad that it's all over but health and family must come first. Thank you for all the laughs. Me and my son, Owen, will probably be laughing at Big Ben's and Horsemeat's found poems for years to come !

Anonymous said...

Been a blast Dave.
Good luck with everything you do. You seem like one of the good guys.

Anonymous said...

"and on that bombell" 😁. Thanks for MLIG Dave.

Anonymous said...

Go on Dave, say it one last time....... "Maths!"