khaeotic Satirical comedy shows with a distinct lean towards current affairs and politics appear on the world's television stations in a variety of forms. British offerings include the long-running "Have I Got News For You?" and "Mock The Week" while, on the other side of the pond, "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" are the shows which quickly spring to mind.In 2006, the Australians jumped onto the bandwagon of satirising current affairs with "The Chaser's War On Everything". The spiritual sequel to the award-winning CNNNN (the Chaser's Non-Stop News Network), Chaser's War follows the exploits of the titular satirical quintet - Julian Morrow, Chris Taylor, Chas Licciardello, Andrew Hansen and Chris Reucassel - as they embark on a voyage of irreverent discussion and sketch comedy, poking fun at everything from television advertisements to political/celebrity scandal.With the exception of the celebrities and political figures - most of whom would only really be known to the Australian viewers - the vast majority of the Chaser's victims are members of the general public; something which helps to keep the humour away from matters of location which may otherwise have impeded it.Donning a Teletubby costume in order to gain entry to nightclubs catering to the gay community, posing as bouncers and manning the doors of security firms, attempting to use bricks as legal tender, testing the waters of just what could constitute eligibility for disabled seating on public transport and even constructing a fake motorcade (complete with one of the Chasers dressing in bin Laden-esque attire) in order to infiltrate the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference; the Chaser's aren't afraid to employ what some would consider to be near-the-knuckle stunts in order to get their laughs and, for the most part, are better off for it.Nevertheless, as with many comedy shows, viewer enjoyment is a highly variable affair. If possible offence at some of the Chaser's brasher sketches is something which doesn't easily affect you, then there is a lot to be had in the way of hilarity here. While their more infamous exploits, such as the infiltration of the APEC conference or the "Make A (Realistic) Wish Foundation" sketch which earned them a two-week suspension from the airwaves do potentially paint Chaser's War in a rather negative light, the fact that they were human enough to admit when their brand of satirical black comedy went too far does go some way to redeeming them.If you're the sort of person who enjoys watching people poke fun at all manner of things simply because they can, then Chaser's War is a well- constructed offering of satirical sketch comedy which is certainly worth your time.

atomius For one used to the comedies on television now- whether sketch, sitcom or animated, it's nice to watch something truly refreshing.The Chaser has to be the best comedy of this decade, Seinfeld being the last's triumph. It follows the hosts urban crusades to fix situations, do 'ad road tests' and try to get the facts from our politicians the good old fashioned way.Despite being very controversial at times, the shows excellent quality, from the well made and truly funny opening credits to the sketch style investigations (sketch style only in time, they are not scripted, at least, not the ones at the other end of the joke) is certainly worth watching. Even the most cynical and intellectual viewer won't be disappointed, and the show deserves ten stars.All in all, well done to the ABC for showing this and i recommend it highly.

gotagofast_23 If I was only allowed to watch one program in my entire life, I would definitely have to pick "The Chaser's War on Everything". Of all the satirical shows that have been on Australian television, I found "Chaser" to be the funniest of all. It is just so Amazing, the boys aren't afraid to do anything.Whether it's dress up as Hitler to get into a Polish Club, or push a MASSIVE ball of string around Melbourne to try out the tourism ad's or rock up to the Coke factory naked in a bath with $2.40 to buy some water. The Chaser boys will go there.In agreement with the comments above (and/or below) "The Chaser's War on Everything" is more popular than their previous program "CNNNN". But CNNNN was just as funny. Some unforgettable moments from that show... Clean up Cambodia!!! Classic.So anyway to stop me from Ranting further, I STRONGLY advise you to at least give Chaser a chance, you'll more than likely find it HILARIOUS!!!!

maz underscore When you think of brilliant Australian comedy you don't think of Skit shows (Although I'm quite partial to a bit of 80's and 90's Full Frontal) or even Sitcoms - you think of SATIRE! Something that we Australians really know how to do well. (Eg: Front Line, The Micallef Program) We know how to take the pi$$, and The Chaser's War on Everything, is a classic example of how to do it, and how to do it really well. I've been a huge fan of Chris Taylor and Craig Reucassel for a long time. I remember listening to them on Triple J's afternoon show. They were, and remain, two of the funniest comedians around.Although I was sad when they left Triple J, I was excited to find out what they were investing so much time in that made them have to leave. (They were doing CNNNN and Triple J at the same time, so I figured this was something much bigger) And what an amazingly HILARIOUS show Chaser is. Biting political and social satire at it's best.I'm also pleased to say that it has recently received a MUCH better time slot than Friday nights and has been moved to Wednesday nights right after Spicks and Specks. THANK YOU ABC!! Finally I don't have to tape it! :)