View from my sofa: Simon Bird

As a fan and admirer of James Buckley, I find his life experiences and perspective on TV quite fascinating. From sharing a set of primitive earphones with his wife while watching TV in bed to his deep dive into documentaries like “The Last Dance” and “99,” his love for entertainment is evident. His competitive nature and jealousy towards good comedy might make him an unlikely contender in the field, but it’s precisely this intensity that has driven him to success.

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What’s the view from your sofa?

In a more relaxed setting, I often find myself yearning to know more about something as my wife and I end up watching TV in bed while hunching over my small, worn laptop, using a pair of basic, tattered headphones together, so as not to disturb our eight- and six-year-old children [Bird shares this family life with author Lisa Owens]. This scene can be quite melancholic and heartrending.

Which perhaps answers the second question: who controls the TV remote?

The outcome of their daily, escalating physical altercation is uncertain, as my son and daughter both have unique advantages. My daughter’s taller stature and extended reach give her an edge, but my son’s propensity for unscrupulous tactics makes predicting the winner difficult. To maintain harmony within our household, we strive to find entertainment that appeals to everyone – shows like Bluey, Gladiators, Race across the World, and other timeless favorites.

What have you enjoyed watching recently on the laptop?

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself captivated by documentaries that delve into the human spirit, such as “The Last Dance” and “99”. My partner and I are equally hooked on “Couples Therapy” available on iPlayer. This series follows couples through their counseling sessions. Interestingly, we often find ourselves empathizing with different members of each couple. The moment the therapist validates my perspective, it brings me a sense of validation that lasts for days.

Any TV turn-offs?

I’ve been struggling to enjoy comedy these days for a couple of reasons. First, it sometimes feels like a break from my usual work (similar to what a bus driver might feel on a day off), but more significantly, I’m deeply competitive and envious by nature. If the comedy is well-done, it stirs up a desire in me to be part of creating it myself.

What was your biggest TV influence?

The Office was an extraordinary comedy that didn’t rely on typical jokes or exaggerated storylines, instead satirizing everyday conversations and behaviors in a relatable way. As a teen, I found it incredibly captivating. At one point, I could have recited the entire Christmas specials by heart.

People still shout Inbetweeners lines at me in the street

Did that inspire you to start acting?

I didn’t dream of becoming an actor, instead, I joined Footlights at uni just for fun. We performed a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, and Iain Morris, the creator of The Inbetweeners, noticed us and began hiring Joe Thomas and me to write jokes for his XFM radio program, paying us £25 each per week. After university, we established ourselves in his office and wouldn’t budge. Eventually, after two years, we convinced him to let us be a part of The Inbetweeners.

Did you ever worry about being pigeonholed after The Inbetweeners?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I had the fortune of being a script editor on various shows, but it was Friday Night Dinner where I got my big break, thanks to a bit of family favoritism. This brief stint eventually led me to move on swiftly. Yet, to this very day, people still quote lines from The Inbetweeners at me in the streets. Even when I’m out walking my kids, they hesitate before yelling “briefcase w****r” at me, but it’s a tradition that will endure until my final breath – and rightfully so!

Is “Everyone Else Burns” a change of pace for you, as well as for typical sitcoms, since it deals with Puritanical Christian cults preparing for the end times, which isn’t the typical subject matter?

It sounds edgy to set it inside a bizarre Christian sect, but the comic challenges the Lewis family face are universal. Me and Kate O’Flynn are parents struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing world and our kids are dealing with overbearing parents. On one level it’s a Manchester family in a puritanical cult, on another level it’s very relatable.

You’ve played a teenager in two sitcoms. How does it feel to finally play your age?

It seems I unexpectedly matured while portraying a father role. Just recently, as I celebrate my 40th birthday, I strained my back almost instantly. Whenever I mention this to someone over 40, their usual response is, “Well, you’re officially part of the club now.

The Christian press love the show. Has anyone been offended?

As for me, I haven’t heard any complaints about “Friday Night Dinner” from the Jewish community, and I must say it feels like one of the most authentic productions I’ve been involved with. It’s a classic family sitcom, yet cleverly enveloped within something unconventional – a perfect blend of tradition and subversion.

2024-10-22 20:03

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