Ali attacked by American critics

Around a million viewers tuned in to see Ali G's American debut on Friday night - but the critics were far from impressed.

The HBO network, home of such shows as The Sopranos and Sex And The City, launched the Staines homeboy with post-midnight spot.

But the reviews have been largely critical, seeing nothing funny in mocking those trying to deal with Ali's moronic questions as politely as they could.

The first episode was entitled Law And Order, and dealt with America's problems following "7-Eleven".

Tom Shales, of the Washington Post, said Ali "Nothing excuses joking about 11 September. The word 'tasteless' doesn't even begin to cover it."

The Boston Globe's Matthew Gilbert said: "He resists making real points about America, falling back on the more small-minded fun of saying dirty words in front of unsuspecting people."

Showbiz bible Variety said: "Da Ali G Show is all over the map - funny in parts, overlong and out of steam in some taped bits and generally very inside in the humour department."

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Tim Goodman thought the show "childishly undeveloped", though he admits the character "can be ridiculously funny at times".

And he described Cohen 's other characters ­ hapless Kazakstani TV presenter Borat Saddiyev and gay Austrian fashionista Bruno - as "one-note jokes".

RD Heldenfels, of Ohio's Beacon Journal called the show "Nitwits times three".

However, there was some praise, with Mike Duffy of the Detroit Free Press saying: "It's inventive, unpredictable and loonily shameless ­ say howdy to what may be the funniest British comedy invasion since Monty Python."

But the overwhelming response was similar to what Associated Press's Lynn Elber concluded before the show was aired:"Nice to meet you, Mr Cohen. Now go home. Please."

The series will be screened on Channel 4 this spring.

Published: 23 Feb 2003