I’ve heard the hype, the radio and TV adverts, I’ve heard alot about this show (The Coconuts) in fact. But then I missed the first episode. Luckily I was able to watch it after the pilot was broadcast.
Let’s get right into it. I like the show. I like the idea and I am happy that the black actors don’t remain white for too long (early into the first episode). The makeup wasn’t phenomenal in spite of the 7 hour marathon to put it on, apparently.
What I do like about this show is that it is very politically incorrect. Yes there have been other shows with similar ideas, think Madame and Eve and Going up to a certain extent I suppose. But this show is different, direct and more in your face.
The Coconuts also features something a bit new, black people getting stuck in to other black people. It’s not just about race, it’s about class too! Fantastic.
However it’s not all good. Some of the jokes are old and outdated (however funny). A new approach to a relatively old experience would’ve been grand. Alas I feel as if South African writers stick to what is safe.
A Little britten has opinions about the show too, so pop over there and have a read for yourself.
Jason Von Berg from The Times managed to put together a great video on The Coconuts. Check it out:
Brought to you by: The Times Multimedia
So to end of the post let me answer the title: No, I don’t think this is a new generation of humour or Television in SA. I think this is the old generation in a new hat. Something good needs to happen, something great needs to take place in SA T.V. to make me sit back and go “wow”.
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Popularity: 4% [?]
January 14th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I thought the show was ok. The make up did seem a bit dodgy, but it only lasted a few minutes. Will be interesting to see what the second episode brings, and what kind of story line it follows
January 14th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I agree with the makeup at first, but the content of the show was great. It was funny, but more importantly it was so true too! I think it’s good that even through the slap-stick nature of the show, these issues can be raised and discussed in a humorous nature… I’m bored of this serious race talk, let’s get over it and laugh out loud to a show like this.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
same old same old… didn’t they do the same thing in Soweto Green and almost every Leon Shucster film since 1994 ?? Where is South Africa’s spitting image, Bremmer,bird and fortune or the daily news with jon stewert, our politicians are ripe for a good lampooning,wait don’t say anything about the politicians they are all angels without wings… or south africa’s version of Bro Town,Family Guy or Little South Africa, nowhere we still think this stereotypical racial crap is funny (or at least the small minded writers,producers and schedulers do)
January 14th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
@me – I 100% agree with you, I think we should be starting programs like Saturday Night Live (SNL) here in SA and get some good talk shows going like Jay Leno and others in the same league.
We have more than enough political, economical and social issues to have opinion on and make comments about. For some reason though it’s just not being done.
Do you think it could be the “first one” syndrome? People are a bit apprehensive to be the first one to make a meal out of politics in a one hour show like SNL? I dunno, but I think a change is needed in this respect.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Wow, tough crowd. The Coconuts is trying to do something different, brave, even dangerous and never tried before and yet some people still shoot it down before even the third episode is aired! Well, that’s freedom of speech and I’m all for it, but although comparisons to what’s gone before are unavoidable are you really saying that the idea of a white family turning black and having to cope with South African life in 2008 has been done? Where? When? The scripts are peppered with subversive social observation and politically incorrect commentary that do you don’t see on any other TV show. Give the coconut a chance to ripen.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 pm
HI Andrew, I think you took me a bit to heart in my post. Personally I like it and think it’s good for a laugh, but that’s all. yes there are subversive politically and social commentaries taking place but I think that it’s still semi-dull bordering on almost pretty good.
It needs to grow and develop and maybe the script will excite me in future episodes. I agree that the obvious plot of white family turning black is fresh but the jokes are stale.
March 7th, 2008 at 4:27 am
The Coconuts are the best thing that’s happened to South Africa since independance. Being from Namibia and having to have schlepped along with the “we want independance” thing I find I am justified in commenting. Its high time the country started laughing at itself and the ridiculous things people get up to. The show seems to point out our weaknesess and fears and seeing it on screen in this hilarious makes me realise that both black and white people share the same fears. Some more than others and the more than others leave for Australia. Yay for the Coconuts.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hey! I am an 11 year old and writing this when the series is over. It was really funny and I liked it. The Coconuts is the best South-African show I’ve watched. I really enjoyed it and hope we get something as funny next. Unfortunately it is over, but it brought most of us a good laugh.
Taskeen
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
This is one of my husband’s fave TV shows – and because he’s into it, I watch too. It’s been the only new sitcom on TV that I’ve actually burst out laughing during, and my favourite character is undoubtedly the black neighbour, the guy has the best lines!
Last night’s finale last night was done really well – we were in hysterics. Coconuts reminds me of Marc Lottering comedy – it has that great knack of verbalising and recognising the racial and class stereotypes, and making you very aware that a stereotype is just that, and you’re pretty stupid if you buy into it.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Hi Nic.
Just an email to say ‘well done for this site’, it’s good to see some good stuff going on over there, i mostly hear about the negative, (if i’m honest, i’ve been negative about SA myself lately, mainly due to far too much crime & serious violence etc)! And some of my family have just moved back.
I used to live in Joburg and the east rand, mostly in BENONI (was at Willowmoore high school, so was my niece, obviously not at the same time though).
I would love to see this show ‘The coconuts’ but i doubt it will come out in the uk!!
Is there a website where i could watch some of it?
Cheers,
Dave.
PS: I really do hope the country does well, it’s a beautiful place.