Talks to Watch

That Mitchell and Webb Look - Gift Shop Sketch I'm looking for a gift for my aunt

2.2M views · Jul 21, 2010 · 2:17 · 0 HN recommenders · 4 mentions · discussed 2015–2023

A That Mitchell and Webb Look sketch in which a customer tries to buy a gift for his aunt in a shop that keeps pushing him toward extras.

Why Hacker News points people here: Invoked as a joke when discussing ad creep, second screens and overbearing commercial or online experiences.

What Hacker News said 4

JokejoshstrangeAug 2015

“This Mitchell and Webb sketch shows this off perfectly”

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> TV shows try and adapt by regularly recapping what has happened before the last ad break This Mitchell and Webb sketch shows this off perfectly this video When they do this they ruin the experience watching it later on DVR/Netflix/DVD/etc.

in “To combat falling ratings, TV networks are increasing ads up to 10%” · view on HN
JokewvenableAug 2019

“The Gift Shop Sketch”

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The Gift Shop Sketch this video I used to love watching Myth Busters but it became so much like that it was ridiculous. There was a time you could download torrents of Myth Busters episodes with all the recaps removed.

in “TV networks vowed to cut back on commercials but stuffed in more” · view on HN
Jokenitwit005Dec 2019

“I always think to this Mitchell and Webb gift shop sketch that parodies the worst of this”

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Aside from being about a quarter commercials, TV shows often feature quite a bit of filler/padding content. It'd be odd if people didn't pick up on some of it and play with their phone when they have the option. I always think to this Mitchell and Webb gift shop sketch that parodies the worst of this: this video

in “88% of Americans use a second screen while watching TV” · view on HN
JokeandersrsOct 2023

“It's similar to 'The Gift Shop Sketch' [1].”

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[I know you feel that this technique is helpful and you want to save the world. That's double plus good of you.] [For me, I think that] all the padding makes the conversation diluted, watered down and boring. It's similar to 'The Gift Shop Sketch' [1]. [I feel] this is very disrespectful of my time. [In my opinion] it would be great to use another model to strip all the feely words, condense the meaning and generally un-fuckify all the AI waffle. [What are your thoughts about that?] [1] this video

in “AI offers improved civility for polarizing online conversations” · view on HN