There are three things I find inherently funny: styled moustaches, Ron Burgundy, and British people. British people are either witty and dry or uptight and proper, both of which are hilarious. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some great shows on TV, but American television is suffering as a whole. We need to import some British brilliance to keep quality alive. We would do well to emulate some UK “programmes” that aren’t available to most in the US.

Balls of Steel
This show, hosted by Mark Dolan, involves performers who execute stunts or acts that often leave their victims looking quite foolish (which is the worst thing a British person can be). One of the best segments is called “Neg’s Urban Sports,” which includes pasting civilians with fast food, evading mall cops, and mounting strangers. The only way to properly escape these shenanigans is by yelling, “leg it” and pumping your fist in the air, accompanied by primal whoops. Another classic is “The Annoying Devil,” who believes that a red suit justifies being a complete and total ass. Balls of Steel would be golden in the United States.

Top Gear
Top Gear is a show about three guys who test drive cars and get really into it. The premise doesn’t necessarily seem appealing to all audiences, but the hosts often make it incredibly entertaining. The show not only involves test drives, but also such unusual scenes as drifting semi-trucks and watching a British man sweat himself to death in a car without air conditioning or windows. The cool gadgets and cars as well as the humor make a delightful mix that is utterly enjoyable for any viewer, limey or otherwise.

Spaced
If you took all the British charm and humor from Shaun of the Dead and put it in a TV show, you would have Spaced. Not coincidentally, Simon Pegg (star of Shaun of the Dead) portrays Tim Bisley, the main character of Spaced. Tim is a rather woeful man who doesn’t have a lot going for him, but that makes his sitcom al the more entertaining. Spaced is rife with dry humor and enjoyable acting. The jokes are quick and witty, and often go over your head if you aren’t paying attention. The show isn’t shy about employing Simon Pegg’s nerdy charm, and the result is a hilarious sitcom.

The humor across the pond is a bit different, granted, and some people may not enjoy it as much as the boorish straightforward humor of some American broadcasting or the humiliating and shameful reality shows. But there is something to be said for quality television from England. Who says an adaptation couldn’t work? It worked for The Office. Even if the Brits do have guards with tall, funny hats, they appreciate humor as much as any other nation.