Car Share (2015–2020) User Reviews

Excellent new British sitcom

[Red-Barracuda · 9/10 · 19 January 2016]

A manager of a supermarket and woman from promotions are thrust together as part of a company promoted car sharing scheme.

Every so often a great comedy appears on British television and Car Share fits that particular description. Like most successful comedies its strengths lie in the fact that it's well-written and well-acted. And while it is frequently successfully funny, it also is genuinely heart-felt without being naff about it. But, while all the above is true, what elevates it even higher is that it has a pretty original format. Practically the whole show is set in the confines of a car, with each episode split into two - the journey to work and the trip back home. We learn everything about the characters via their car conversations, with little in the way of traditional 'action'. The only other accompaniment is the constant radio banter and retro tunes, while once an episode one of the characters daydreams themselves as part of a music video for one of the songs playing in the background. In other words, this really is a proper minimalist sitcom. On paper, it sounds like a possible disaster but it works so very well because the script is very good and, in Peter Kay and Sian Foulkes, it has two actors with great chemistry with one and other. Essentially, besides all the laughs, what we are watching is the progression of a friendship. Another reason it works so very well is because it's a set-up that most people can immediately relate to, i.e. sitting in a car, listening to incessant radio chatter while going to and from work. All-in-all, this adds up to a very good series indeed, one which has a second series in the works – I have confidence that season two will continue the excellence.

U could always...... 'jump'....' on yer bike.....'

[EvanCunW8t · 9/10 · 17 May 2020]

Comedy, like most genres, is a personal preference and, from my own viewpoint, I had a blast this afternoon as I became immersed in the Car Share onscreen camaraderie that I stumbled across. I guess an upside of the covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to watch various programmes I'd probably have otherwise overlooked...this being one programme where I wasn't disappointed.

Personally, for me as a viewer, I'd be inclined to say Peter Kaye and Sian Gibson are naturals...I'm sure there are other viewers who found the show entertaining and, are with me when I subtly express ....

• ok maybe not the right use of the word ....pedantic much ........let's adopt the word .....succinctly ...

....when I 'succinctly' convey to Peter and Sian to...'come back my car share buddy......'

Thanks to all involved for much needed laughter.

Car Snare - You Round The Neck & You Can't Stop Watching

[LouieInLove · 9/10 · 14 April 2017]

Excellent. The BBC really can pump out some dreadful programming that places more importance on the minutia of political correctness above entertainment, nevertheless, in the case of Car Share they've allowed solid writing & performance to take centre stage; as it always should.

Car Share is accessible, well written & beautifully performed; much in the same way as Detectorists - which is another BBC show.

Phil Kay is wonderful in the role of John & the girl who plays Kayleigh is equally on song. Her performance really encapsulates that Greater Manchester chip-hipped Bacardi Breezer feminine chic.

We witness the two central characters fall in love as they drive the roads of Greater Manchester. Shenanigans ensue - as does pis*.

Kay you've nailed it!!

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 23 April 2017]

Car Share is everything I want in a comedy, it's a show I can sit down, watch, laugh my head off, and feel good at the end of it. As someone that does love a black comedy, it's nice to have a show that is so fresh, uplifting, and truly brilliant. Peter Kay can do no wrong in my eyes, his very definite Northern humour has always struck a chord with me, and it feels like the majesty we were given in Phoenix Nights, has been found and reborn in Car Share.

Kay and Gibson are both hugely likable people, and their enjoyment and pleasure in working together is so infectious that we as viewers get caught up in the fun and enjoyment that they are having. The music all the way through appeals to me, as being the same age as the cast I appreciate the journey. I'm so glad the second series has been the same high quality as the first.

Peter Kay I applaud and thank you. 10/10.

A wonderful show

[studioAT · 10/10 · 21 November 2017]

Although it had Peter Kay as one of the leads this comedy really did take people by surprise, and quickly became one of the biggest hits of 2015, to the point where the press and fans went crazy for its second series, and petitioned in their thousands for it to return again for a finale after Kay had said it would end on the series two cliff-hanger.

It's a marvellous, simple show, that sucks you in and makes you smile and cry in equal measure.

Kay and his co-star, the lovely Sian Gibson play out the stories of two people commuting to work beautifully, and their off screen friendship shines through.

I cannot recommend this show highly enough.

Car Share....classic Peter Kay

[trevorpugh20 · 10/10 · 11 September 2015]

Peter Kay's done it again with his latest series Car Share. Subtle, touching and in places, laugh out loud brilliance coupled with a simple concept, this is a masterclass of how to make a sitcom that's actually funny. On paper the idea of a comedy with basically just two characters in a car, talking, sounds rubbish but when it's got Mr. Kay in it you know it's going to work. A special mention must surely go to the superb Sian Gibson. What a hidden gem she is and perfect as the likable Kayleigh. Her comedic timing and delivery are an ideal match for Kay's character, John. Quite where she has been hiding and why we've never seen her in any other comedy is beyond me. I'm just hoping there will be a second and indeed third series and why not when you consider the amount of dross that's around pretending to be funny.

Comedy at its best !

[gorrd-1 · 20 May 2016]

I first watched on i-player and thought it was brilliant, Then watched the complete series and was so impressed . the characters work so well together and the whole scenario is so true to life. Hope this returns . The two main characters were really convincing in their portrayal of a couple of strangers brought together in a car share. I thought the episode with the fishmonger on his way to work was brilliant - just how people react in reality. I liked the way the series ended too , no happy ever after ending but just how things usually pan out and also leaves one with the thought that there may be the possibility of another series

Feel good, refreshing comedy

[MUFCOK · 10/10 · 21 August 2015]

A feel good, refreshing comedy.

I have been a huge fan of Peter Kay since his 'Top of The Tower' stand up days, Phoenix Nights is comedy gold in my eyes and Max and Paddy was a solid spin off to that. Car Share is his latest 6 piece comedy show and it is vintage Peter Kay!

Peter Kay plays a manager at a Supermarket; his company have introduced a car share scheme and Peter matches up with a woman from the promotions team.

The episodes are 30 minutes each and are evenly split, the first 15 minutes are the trip to work and final 15 minutes are the return home. Pretty much the entire show is shot in the car and simply follows them on their work commute and their every day; general conversations with each episode will have a vague backdrop story, a general topic of conversation. The episodes link on loosely and give the impression that the episodes are spread out over weeks at a time as many personal situations change and their relationship develops.

The on screen chemistry of Peter Kay and Sian Foulkes is completely perfect, they bounce of each other in such a way that you would see them as a married couple. They are hilarious together, their style and approach are almost identical and they complement each other faultlessly.

Through all the laughs and silliness of the show, it does manager to reach out to the viewer, offering some emotional, touching moments. Even with a mere 6 episodes, the characters are developed and the chemistry of the two actors is developed very well.

My negatives would be that I didn't like the musical animated scenes in the middle of the episodes. I didn't really get them at all. It was also disappointing to see that there were only 6 episodes, with the series ending in a way that I don't see a second series being made.

10/10

Laugh out loud

[leroypico · 10/10 · 28 April 2015]

Peter Kay has struck gold again in this laugh out loud comedy. Fans of Phoenix nights will not be disappointed with Peter Kay's return to the small screen. The writing and acting is in turns funny, witty, and poignant. The first episode will have you laughing out loud and as the series progresses you will build an affinity with the characters that makes them endearing. This is a do not miss programme which will no doubt be a talking point in any workplace, with abundant quotations and subtle humour that will require the viewer to replay episodes to see what they missed. Hopefully the second series gets commissioned as I cannot wait for series two

Best since the rising of the Phoenix

[spioncap · 9/10 · 7 May 2015]

The best comedy on British TV for years. Peter Kay at his best - likable, subtle and very, very funny. You need to watch the episodes a few times to catch all the background humour from the radio station and off shot signs etc "Husband Missing. Last seen entering....." "Brillington College ......"

A comedy that slowly turned into a love story that will surely be recommissioned sooner rather than later.

Mr Kay was predictably good and Sian Gibson was more than a match.

For a change the Beeb didn't let a new comedy stew for a series or two on BBC 3 or 4.

Superb. Can't wait for more.

Smaller can be better

[richard-a-scales · 9/10 · 19 June 2015]

I saw trailers for this which led to a splurge watch on iplayer before its TV appearance. Thoroughly enjoyable. Excellent performances from the cast, the characters are believable within their own world, though just a little exaggerated of course, but there is the familiarity to ensure a connection. Very good chemistry between the two and i wonder how much was ad libbed, some of their own amusement at each in the car seems genuine mirth with a hint of corpsing at times. Good support too from some familiar faces. I'd love to see a second series but wonder whether the format can carry that to the same level (as was the case with the Trip and the Trip to Italy which struggled a little). DVD soon please.

Dreadful and stupid

[DavidYZ · 1/10 · 11 April 2017]

This is one of the worst sitcoms I've ever seen - and I've seen loads of sitcoms. A very boring man and a very annoying woman bang on and on about a load of trivial stuff. It's not funny in the slightest and I've no idea why this is popular.

I've only watched the first episode. I hoped that Kay's character would car share with someone different in each episode. I therefore intended to watch the second episode, hoping that the format may work with a better co-star. When I found out that he was sharing with that same painfully annoying and idiotic woman in every episode, I decided to never watch any more. She's the sort of really irritating, garrulous, self-important woman whom most of us have had the misfortune to suffer the presence of - at work, in a pub, at a gathering etc. She's the type who really talks a lot - but doesn't say anything worthwhile. If the humour is meant to come from how annoying and stupid she is, then that's just one bad joke repeated incessantly.

I've enjoyed some of Peter Kay's other work, such as Phoenix Nights - but Car Share is horribly bad.

Lovely understated comedy

[Pithyoneliner · 9/10 · 26 April 2016]

A return to form for Peter Kay, and I was pleasantly surprised by his costar Sian Gibson who held her own.

Car Share rates as the best new British Comedy of 2015, building into an unlikely romance - two ordinary Co-op (?) employees finding each other on the daily commute.

Filled with subtle throw-away gags, many hidden in the scenery or soundtrack and the occasional surreal daydream the whole effect is adorable and heartwarming!

Can't wait for the US remake with some better looking stars - Ashton Kutcher & Jennifer Anniston perhaps?

Perhaps leave this one to the Lancastrians...

Can't fault it.

[minidriver-18540 · 10/10 · 27 June 2020]

Just absolutely superb. Well written, clever observation, fab acting, so absolutely funny amp moving. Great characters, and heartwarming. Didn't see it when on originally but friend could not believe I'd not seen it! Yes, I'm from the North West so maybe I'm a bit closer to it but even if not give it a go. I've watched them all twice in the last few weeks and every time I see something or hear something I missed. Attention to detail is second to none, soundtrack superb, comments on society are spot on, and I could go on and on about how superb it is but I think anyone reading this would get the gist. Perfect!!!!!!!

A comedy I hope is renewed

[tr91 · 8/10 · 24 May 2015]

I've never really been a massive fan of Peter Kay so I was quite surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this show. Each episode provided enough laughs to keep me coming back for more.

I liked the whole concept of the show, 95% of the time is just John & Kayleigh in the car together (occasionally some other characters join them) going to and from work. This comedy is unique in that way because we learn a lot about the characters just from their conversations, we don't actually see anything about their personal lives. If we did I suspect it may have been a bit generic.

Peter Kay and Sian Foulkes had a great on screen chemistry and I liked how their friendship developed by simply sharing a car and getting to know each other as we the viewer also got to know them. Sian Foulkes stole the show for me with great comedic timing, she is just a very quirky character.

The jokes were very funny and each episode had it's main subplot to follow which kept it fresh. The jokes never seemed repetitive. My favourite episodes were when Kayleigh and John were discussing dogging & also when they give a lift to a colleague (Reece Shearsmith). Also when Peter Kay had a laughing fit it made me have one too.

Some parts that I didn't think worked so well was there seemed to be too much singing and also the daydreaming stuff was a bit tedious after a few episodes.

Overall it was a comedy that I enjoyed and I hope to see it renewed for more episodes. I hope the two of them can carry on car sharing but I have a feeling that if there is another series then Peter Kay may have a new car sharing partner. A nice lite comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously.

8/10.

Surprisingly Funny

[tommysettle · 10/10 · 20 January 2022]

When My wife and Myself first watched this, We didn't know what to expect. We barely got through the 1st episode without wetting ourselves. So Funny!!🤣🤣👍👍🤣🤣.

Absolutely brilliant Peter Kay is awesome !!!

[chloegalley · 10/10 · 7 January 2021]

Car share is 2015/ 2018 comedy series starring Peter Kay and Sian Gibson as the main characters. The storyline is Peter Kay Assistant manager and Sian Gibson are forced to commute together every day in a car. First and second series are both fantastic this boxset will have you laughing off your seat. The acting is so good they both are incredible talented people. You could easily binge watch this easily and when it finishes you will want more. You certainly won't get bored with Peter Kay he sure is hilarious. So if you want something to watch during lockdown this is the box set you should watch. Incredible funny 😄get watching.

Kays Car Share Is A Cracker !!

[Sausage1 · 8/10 · 7 May 2015]

After a very poor run for British comedy, Peter Kays Car Share is a breath of fresh air. Comedy on the mainstream TV channels as been extremely poor these last few years, and if we get anything like car share to break up the mediocrity, it is more than welcome. It is no Phoenix Nights, nor is it up there with other greats such as Blackadder or Partridge, but it is certainly much better than most things labelled as "comedy" on TV these days. Kay & Sian Gibson both work brilliantly together & hopefully we can look forward to repeat series in the future !!

8/10 from me.

Peter Kay's Car Share

[jboothmillard · 8/10 · 14 June 2015]

Peter Kay has written and directed many successful British situation comedy series, from Phoenix Night to Max & Paddy's Road to Nowhere, I was hoping for something good with this new series he brought us, and he did not disappoint. Basically a major supermarket has suggested a car share scheme for the workers to save on staff parking spaces at the store. This scheme brings together John (Peter Kay), a level headed Assistant Manager, and Kayleigh (Sian Foulkes), a ditsy Promotions Rep, day by day he picks up from her house and they drive the out-of-town journey to the store they work. Each journey they fill the awkward silences with talk of their lives, current events and media, and sometimes embarrassing incidents occur on the way, and also they are accompanied along the way by the catchy and enjoyable tunes, daft competitions and repetitive adverts of Forever FM on the car radio. The action most of each half hour episode takes place in the car, only stopping to get in at the start of the journey, stop arriving at the supermarket, re-entering to go home, and stopping for drop-off, they only occasionally get out to stop along the way, but also episodes see John or Kayleigh hearing a particular song play on the radio, and they will imagine themselves in a music video scenario miming along to the song. It is obvious as well, that despite sometimes having daft disagreements and sometimes misunderstandings, John and Kayleigh become good friends in the car journeys, and both being single, John not looking and Kayleigh keeping options open, it is possible that they may have held-in feelings as well, especially by the last episode. Also starring Danny Swarsbrick as Ted 2 and Reese Shearsmith as Ray. Kay as the down-to-earth man driving with a sense of humour is very likable, and Foulkes is very talkative and slightly annoying, but at the same very lovable, together they are a perfect at first awkward but perfect couple as they talk and laugh with each other in each journey, a simple but brilliantly written and played out comedy sitcom. Very good!

Really?

[prylands-389-567480 · 3/10 · 18 July 2020]

This programme baffles me - what is the point of it? Dull conversation between two dull characters. To be honest I was surprised to see that it is described as a comedy. If you find this amusing then you'l love the queue at the supermarket - the same calibre of material.

This is what we have for comedy now? I despair.

I found this show a bit overrated.

[Steve-0001 · 3/10 · 6 March 2020]

The BBC states this is a comedy. However, I never laughed once during any of this series. The BBC just does not make any decent comedy shows anymore.

Pointless

[gogg-05075 · 2/10 · 26 September 2021]

Peter Kay as a comedian isn't the best but he does have some good ones this is definitely not one.

Car share is a pile of drivel but as it is, it appeals to the BBC and their viewer base which is why crap such as car share which is basically two people sitting in a fancy new car talking crap is so popular. There is no substance to it, and a sa result the show is t worth the time it takes to watch it.