While you can stumble through a stand-up set with a handful of witty observations or ride the story for a half-hour sitcom, a great sketch show has to be a collection of mini-masterpieces. At its best, The Fast Show is just that.
> 'The Fast Show' returns: 'It's either us or Steps'
> Best Ever Sketch Shows: Friday Fiver
Following its six web episodes from 2011, we were lucky enough to watch the next three in the comeback, which starts tomorrow.
While it's inevitably still hit-and-miss, we also think that it's stepped up a gear and is nearing some of its 1990s form in places.
As too many younger career-focused comics tiptoe around the work of their peers, it seems up to the oldies to stick a friendly (or not) boot in to their rivals.
So, as well as a Brilliant Brian Cox and gentle ribbing of The Trip, the finest moment in the new episodes is a deconstruction of Ricky Gervais so spot-on that Stewart Lee, Gilbert Gottfried and the late Lenny Bruce would be proud.
© Tyson Benton
It's been ten years since the second and final series of our favourite ever sketch show Big Train aired, and sadly the BBC has no intentions of renewing the often-inspired That Mitchell and Webb Look.
We're excited about BBC Two's upcoming Watson & Oliver and any other new kids on the block, but whether on the web or on TV, we should still hold The Fast Show close to our hearts.
The brand new series of The Fast Show continues from Thursday, February 16 at 1pm at Foster's Funny
What's your favourite ever sketch comedy show? Let us know in our poll below.
