Rowan Atkinson's brand new Netflix comedy series, Man Vs. Bee, which is launching on June 24th, looks to be just as bizarre as audiences may expect from the actor and comedian. For fans of the performer or those looking for these physical and slapstick types of projects, there are plenty of productions out there that tick all of those boxes.
There's a very distinct style of comedy that accompanies Atkinson's shows and films, which has been mimicked by those looking to the actor as one of the best in the world for inspiration. These narratives usually have a great heart to them, but they are incredibly dry and heavy on the visual gags. Man Vs. Bee could certainly be compared to these classics
The Thin Blue Line (1995-1996)
Stream on BritBox
Written and created by long-term Atkinson collaborator, Ben Elton, The Thin Blue Line is a sitcom centered on the British Police force. Following the station manned by lead Inspector Raymond Fowler, the force was home to all kinds of quirky and unexpected characters.
It dealt with genuine social issues based around policing but was always full of the quick and sarcastic style of dialogue that Atkinson had become so fond of delivering. Indeed, this old-fashioned officer's barbs as certainly dry, but they always allow for some kind of discourse concerning a citizen's rights, institutional racism, or even environmentalism. Man Vs. Bee may also rely on that kind of straight-faced humor.
Only Fools And Horses (1981-2003)
Stream on BritBox and Acorn
The other end of the spectrum is Only Fools And Horses, a show celebrated for its larger-than-life personalities, boasting quality gags, and as heavy on the slapstick, as it is on the verbal banter. It's a fantastic combination of what makes British comedy so great and is surely an influence on Man Vs. Bee.
While the Netflix show might picture a quest for one disgruntled homeowner to get rid of a bee, thus focusing on an obsessive quest, Only Fools And Horses had quite a different obsession. Del Boy and Rodney dream of the high life, knowing that one day they're going to be millionaires.
The Return Of The Pink Panther (1975)
Stream on Starz
The tremendous Pink Panther quotes alone put this in a league of its own.
Rowan Atkinson is often known to play the fool and that's exactly what Inspector Clouseau is here. The character is a brilliant vessel for plenty of physical jokes, combined with a complete ignorance to what's happening around him. While there might be a mystery to solve, the fun is watching how it's handled.
Johnny English Strikes Again (2018)
Stream on DirecTV
Another Rowan Atkinson project that's sure to get fans in the mood for Man Vs. Bee, this is the third installment into the series but perhaps one of the best. Once again, the lead is a fool, despite being a quite competent spy. A modern problem fuelled by technology gone awry is the catalyst of the picture.
An out-of-touch member of an elite agency being thrown into an adventure with technological elements is already a recipe for disaster. Johnny English, as cool as he may seem, is a character that allows for plenty of jabs at the action genre in general. It's a parody as much as it is a genuine adventure.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Stream on Hulu
There's sure to be some kind of action within Man Vs. Bee as the battle intensifies between the two combatants. Hot Fuzz has to get a mention. It really carries that unique flavor that only Edgar Wright's pictures feature.
Officer Angel and Constantble Butterman are on a very peculiar case as several dark and mysterious 'accidents' take place across a sleepy town. The twist reveal is truly something to behold and this film manages to balance a number of paradoxical elements, including a high-stakes shootout.
Love Actually (2003)
Stream on Netflix and Hulu
Love Actually might actually seem a little out of place here, but it's the work of long-time Atkinson collaborator Richard Curtis, and features the Man Vs. Bee actor in a short sequence. Its stellar cast really carries the charming piece, which balances themes of romance, and cynicism in equal measure.
Ultimately, this production manages to show the full range of what British comedy truly is, from sincere attempts at a rom-com to the silliest of situations and several visual gags to match. It's a classic in every sense and highlights how Atkinson can so easily steal a scene, even as a ing character in Love Actually.
Mr. Bean (1990-1995)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu
Rowan Atkinson will forever be associated with Mr. Bean, whose own form of comedy barely involves any dialogue at all. It will be interesting to see where Man Vs. Bee lands on that spectrum in regards to the slapstick versus the dry sense of humor the actor is often known to portray.
Mr. Bean manages to turn the most mundane situations into comedy gold. While the spin-off movies are absolutely worth checking out, that original run of episodes is completely iconic. From the turkey on the head to the armchair on the car, there are hundreds of unforgettable moments in the fabric of the show.
Friday Night Dinner (2011-2020)
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
Featuring a brilliantly well-rounded cast, Friday Night Dinner is the kind of situational comedy that British audiences love. The absurdity of Man Vs. Bee yet the realism of the concept is the kind of tone that these largely bottle episodes look to achieve as well.
Centering on a family having dinner together every Friday night, as the title suggests, it descends into chaos as best friends, nosey neighbors and other odd characters come bursting into their lives. Sibling rivalries and big carrots are just the tip of the iceberg for what the Goodman family gets up to.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1075)
Stream on Netflix
The comedy troupe known as Monty Python has produced some of the most beloved comedic programming of all time. Their TV show is stellar and Life Of Brian can't be ignored, but it's The Holy Grail that fans should revisit before watching Man Vs. Bee.
The ridiculousness of some of the jokes and yet the way they are delivered with such sincerity is truly astonishing to watch. These are experts at the top of their game, much like Atkinson, with the merest of noises or movements immediately creating laughter, as if it's an easy feat.
My Family (2000-2011)
Stream on Pluto TV
My Family is another sitcom centered on a traditional family unit, but one that somehow never gets stale. It's worked out its formula and it absolutely thrives, thanks to the chemistry of its two leads. The hopeful yet controlling Susan and the grumpy and cynical Ben can make any situation interesting.
Over the course of the show, every kind of comedy is utilized to maximum effect as the writers and performers show off their full range of talents. Bottle episodes, as Man Vs. Bee will probably rely on, become pretty normal, yet the audience never feels trapped in the house as the characters' dialogue is perfect for watching the leads verbally battle one another.