It's very unfair to describe "Lead Balloon" as a fifth rate "Curb Your Enthusiasm." To be more accurate, it's a second rate "Curb Your Enthusiasm", which means that while it doesn't reach the dizzying heights of Larry David's show it's still one of the best sitcoms on TV at the moment.

Like "Curb" it relies on the social ineptitude of its lead (and the spiraling consequences of his actions) for its laughs, but while it lacks Larry David's spark of genius it has something "Curb" doesn't - an equally well-rounded supporting cast. Magda is a great character as is the dopey Ben and witty American sidekick. And the passive-aggressive cafe owners's performance is a joy to watch. So while "Lead Balloon" may not reach classic status it's certainly bears watching repeatedly and is a welcome addition to anyone's DVD collection.

'Lead Balloon' is simply one of the funniest TV sitcoms of the last ten years. Everything about it is so finely tuned and brilliantly realised - from the Rick Spleen / Jack Dee lead character, through all of the superb support characters, bolstered by an inventive and delightfully understated script, 'Lead Balloon' just works incredibly well. It burns slowly but surely, and Rick Spleen is but the latest in a long line of brilliant Brit comedy curmudgeons. Learn to love him!

In response to Johnny S's comment about this series I would just like to say that I don't believe it is in the same league as Curb Your Enthusiasm. In fact I believe it to be far better than the American programme, this is probably one of the best comedies to come out of Britain in years. Jack Dee is in my opinion the best stand up comedian out there and this series has shown what a genius he is.

As sit-coms written by stand up comedian's go, it's not bad. Dead pan comedy done reasonably well.

I live in the United States and I'm dependent on British humor to satisfy my funny tooth. I need vocubulary, dialogue, and wit. I'm waiting for 'Lead Balloon Series 2'.