Watch Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment

Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment is a British comedy series created by James Acaster and produced by Roughcut Television for BBC Three. It first premiered on August 7th, 2014, with six episodes in total. The series' concept was to showcase the stand-up comedy skills of Nick Helm, one of the most popular comedians in the UK stand-up comedy scene.

Nick Helm, who is best known for his loud and brash comedy style, is the host of the series. He opens each episode with a short stand-up routine, followed by a variety of sketches and guest performances. The format of the show is similar to a variety show, with each episode featuring a different theme such as love, revenge, and failure. The sketches are often related to the theme, and Nick Helm himself is often featured in them.

One of the most notable features of the show is the use of music. Nick Helm is also a musician, and he often incorporates musical performances in his comedy shows. In Heavy Entertainment, he takes this to the next level, with elaborate musical numbers that are sometimes hilarious and sometimes poignant. The music is usually cheesy, and the lyrics are often self-deprecating, but the performances themselves are always impressive.

The sketches in the show are varied and range from parodies of popular TV shows to absurd and surreal comedy pieces. In one sketch, Nick Helm plays the role of a detective investigating a crime scene, but his incompetence leads to more confusion rather than solving the mystery. In another sketch, he plays a character who is so bad at handling a job interview that he ends up getting the job out of pity.

The guest performers on the show are also worth noting. Nick Helm invites fellow comedians, musicians, and actors to appear on the show, and they often take part in the sketches and musical performances. Some notable guests include Sara Pascoe, Romesh Ranganathan, and Tim Key. The guests always add a fresh perspective to the show and bring their own unique comedic style to the table.

While the show is primarily a comedy, there are moments of sincerity and vulnerability. Nick Helm is known for being a very emotional performer, and his stand-up routines often touch on deeply personal issues. In Heavy Entertainment, he continues this trend, discussing topics like mental health and relationships. These moments are a refreshing contrast to the over-the-top comedy, and they serve to humanize Nick Helm and make him more relatable to the audience.

The show's production values are high, with elaborate sets and creative use of lighting and camera work. The sketches are well-executed, and the musical numbers are often quite impressive. The show manages to strike a balance between high-quality production and the DIY aesthetic that is often associated with comedy shows.

Overall, Nick Helm's Heavy Entertainment is an entertaining and often hilarious show that showcases the comedic talents of one of the UK's top comedians. The show's variety format allows for a wide range of comedy styles and keeps the audience engaged. The use of music is a unique touch that sets the show apart from other comedy shows. While the show is not for everyone, those who enjoy brash and over-the-top comedy will find a lot to like here.