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Laughter is the best form of medicine and trust me, for some of the television comedy we've seen in 2008 you'll need a good dose just to curb your nausea (see my later comments on painful to watch' shows), Thankfully though, we have been treated to some absolute delights over the course of the year that, as a comedy enthusiast lets say, have restored my faith and urged me to pay my television license ready for 2009.

Having been brought up with the likes of Fawlty Towers and Monty Python with my father in fits of laughter, comedy has always been a passion of mine and there is nothing I like more than finding a gem. For me, 2009 has brought about a trio of diamonds which will hopefully have the longevity of the aforementioned British classics.

The prize for the most original and jaw-dropping comedy of 2008 has to go to Summer Heights High. For those who haven't heard of it, this was a show that was savaged by the media for its well over the line gags about racism, ecstasy deaths and Down Syndrome. Naturally, as the first episode came on I was quite sceptical as to whether Summer Heights High would push the boundaries to far for a comedy and just become offensive. Thankfully, it was so much more than this. With yarns about Asians, homosexuals, Polynesians and Eastern suburb princesses, Summer Heights High doesn't discriminate against anyone in particular, it will probably offend us all somewhere along the line.

Summer Heights High is the creation of the brilliant Chris Lilley who has never maintained that his mockumentaries are to be taken at face value. He spotlights three characters, all of which he plays himself in a chameleon like fashion. In fact his portrayal of a teenage schoolgirl (Ja'mie) is frighteningly realistic and at times you start to forget that she is actually a man. Lilley also takes on the part of Year 8 school bully Jonah Takalua and rather effeminate music teacher Mr G.

The range of acting shown by Chris Lilley is quite amazing. He is superb within every scene of the eight episode comedy which always leaves you wanting more. There are many critics that still don't understand his humour but comedy fans will be blown away by this show and its unique way of telling a story that is both funny and cringe worthy. Lilley reveals his characters in a similar way to how David Brent was revealed in The Office, with excruciating obviousness. The self indulged egos make for some great storylines such as the 16 year old Ja'mie dating a 12 year old boy, Mr G

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