'Little Britain USA' branded 'tasteless'

Rex Features

Little Britain USA has received mixed reviews from American critics.

Matt Lucas and David Walliams' latest sketch show debuted on HBO yesterday and will air in the UK this Friday on BBC One.

Variety's Brian Lowry was scathing of the British comic duo, writing: "Little Britain's laughs are as puny as its ambitions."

He added that the show's humour "seldom rises above what's scrawled on a school bathroom wall".

Reviews in The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle were also critical of the programme.

However, USA Today's Robert Bianco lauded the comedians' "speed, skill and good humour", while IGN and The Hollywood Reporter were also positive about the series.

Speaking before the show's first episode aired, Walliams insisted the duo's intentions weren't to shock US audiences.

"I would hope, though, that whatever we do, no matter how outrageous, it's done with warmth," he commented. "There's a feeling of silliness there, which stops it being unpleasant."

> Click here to watch preview clips of Little Britain USA