Live Life Team
A funny reality show which airs the views of popular stars is shown in the television series, ‘Grumpy Old Men’. In this series, a group of well-known middle-aged men discuss issues of modern life which irritate them.
The show is a conversational style programme aired on the television channel, BBC2. It debuted in 2003 and the first run of the show was repeated many times before its second series. In April 2006, a third series was aired and 2003 and 2004 Christmas specials were also included. In 2005, an Irish version of the show entitled, ‘Gaybo’s Grumpy Men’, was also shown. The series’ success spawned ‘Grumpy Old Women’ as a Christmas special and later as a full series. Its theme is based on the formula of the original show and features famous women who talk about their pet hates. Together, a group of grumpy old men and women worked to make a series entitled, ‘Grumpy Old Holidays’, where they tackle the frustrations of air travel. It was aired on June 18, 2006. In 2005, a companion book to the series was published, entitled, ‘Grumpy Old Men: The Secret Diary’. Then, the book ‘Grumpy Old Christmas’ followed.
The series is directed against things which several people neither old nor grumpy find infuriating and absurd. It is a fine example of a well-scripted and gentle sitcom. There is great depth behind the programme and it makes the audience see some of their disappointments with the world in context.
