Nathan Barley

Nathan Barley has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. 43 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Nicholas Burns is the obvious draw, but the whole ensemble earns its laughs. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Nathan Barley earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Nathan Barley from the crowd. Nathan Barley is a Channel 4 sitcom written by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris, starring Nicholas Burns, Julian Barratt, Charlie Condou and Claire Keelan. The series of six weekly episodes began broadcasting on 11 February 2005 on Channel 4. Described by his creator as a "meaningless strutting cadaver-in-waiting", the character originated on Brooker's TVGoHome – a website parodying television listings – as the focus of a fly-on-the-wall documentary called Cunt. Between them, Nicholas Burns and Julian Barratt carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It first aired in 2005. The timing in Nathan Barley is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Nathan Barley is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. The tonal similarities to Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Are real, though Nathan Barley carves out its own identity quickly. The complete run is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Nicholas Burns is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

Nathan Barley wrapped up in 2005, created by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris — and 1 season is available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.