Flat TV

Flat TV is a British comedy series, first airing on BBC Three in 2016. It’s a refreshingly innovative show that takes an amusingly unique approach to the commonplace theme of ‘buddy sitcoms’. Consisting of six episodes, the series is built around the chaotic, yet endearing bond between two mismatched flatmates, Tom and Naz, played by the delightful duo of Tom Rosenthal and Naz Osmanoglu. While they navigate through the complications of their mundane life, the audience is taken on a surreal journey into their imagination where they view their shared flat as different television genres, reflecting their daily experiences with a humorous twist.

First introduced to audiences via the online outlet BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC's Comedy Feeds pilots, Flat TV reimagines the comedic potential of the 'flat share' scenario, capturing the essence of twenty-something life in urban Britain. Tom Rosenthal, well known for his role in Friday Night Dinner and Plebs, portrays a character quite opposite from his costar, Naz Osmanoglu, who is actually part of the Turkish royal family, hence his natural flamboyancy and charisma. Both characters are emblematic of their generation - educated, optimistic, mildly arrogant yet lacking in direction.

Tom, the more pragmatic one, is the obsessive, timid, adorably geeky flatmate who is constantly grappling with life's inconsequities. Naz, in contrast, is the more flamboyant, reckless, and outrageously upbeat of the two, with a certain knack for leading both himself and Tom straight into the pit of chaos. Together, they attempt to navigate adulthood with as much flair and dignity as they can muster. Yet, despite all their differences and chaotic daily lives, their friendship remains at the heart of the show, a testament to the power of camaraderie.

Flat TV is an enthralling blend of realism and fantasy. There is a palpable sense of authenticity in the portrayal of modern city life and the confusion of youth. Yet, this authenticity is ingeniously juxtaposed by the recurring fantastical elements. During the course of the show, the flatmates’ everyday affairs are transformed into various TV genres, from gritty crime thrillers, cookery shows, sports commentaries, to melodramatic soap operas. These imaginative scenarios provide a fresh and innovative backdrop for comedic exploration – taking mundane situations and giving them an extra, eccentric layer of humor.

One of the key strengths of Flat TV lies in its engaging writing. The dialogue is sharp and entertaining, filled with clever banter and comical exaggerations. The premise of the show, too, is a unique concept that demands noteworthy execution and Flat TV delivers on that front, mixing a variety of genres and cameras angles with expertly crafted scripts.

Incorporating different television styles and visually diverse segments, the series employs a wide variation of camera work and cinematography that heavily contribute to its stand-out character. This is not your typical sitcom with static, one-room shots. Instead, it raises the bar in cinematography, giving audiences engaging, high-energy visual treats, symbolic of the dynamic and chaotic lives of its central characters.

Moreover, Flat TV seems to touch on social topics with a barely veiled satirical edge, cleverly taking a dig at popular culture, millennial lives, and topical issues. Interestingly, the series explores these topics through its television genre concept, making these narratives both engaging and thought provoking.

Flat TV is a series built on the terrific chemistry between its leads. Their performances breathe life into their characters, making it both believable and endearing. Rosenthal and Osmanoglu not only manage to make their characters relatable but also manifest their flaws and quirks with effortless flair, inspiring laughter and empathy in equal measures.

To sum up, Flat TV is a creative fruit of innovation that combines the delight of the surreal with the grounding of the real. It is an observant, imaginative, and appealingly idiosyncratic sitcom that brings something fresh to the comedy scene and reflects the experiences of a unique generation. It's a must-watch for fans of British comedy that's fearless in its ambition and driven by its genuinely humorous depiction of everyday life.