The Sarah Silverman Program season 2

Sarah Silverman is one of the most divisive comedians in the world. It's not hard to see why - she goes out of her way to offend people by adopting a vain, self-obsessed persona that some take too seriously, and others find too close to audience-baiting - but for those who like a bit of meta in their comedy, The Sarah Silverman Show is like a good ball-tickling: an occasionally uncomfortable pleasure.

She's supported by a killer cast too: her sister Laura (no comedic slouch herself) plays herself, long-time co-writer Steve Agee appears as gay neighbour Steve Myron and Mr Show alumni Brian Posehn and Jay Johnston appear as Steve's boyfriend Brian Spukowski, and Laura's boyfriend Officer Jay McPherson, respectively (and in this series he's partnered, delightfully, with his old comedy partner Paul F Tompkins). There are plenty of crass gags and incredibly low-brow humour – few shows would seek to base an entire episode around being caught licking the arsehole of one's dog, for example – at its best it uses its feigned stupidity to make some trenchant points about religion, gay rights and racism… and then it's right back to the poo jokes.

Lovers of political humour will find the crassness distracting, and lovers of fart jokes may find the politics preachy, but for those in the sweet spot this is pretty perfect.

Extras: commentary, Behind The Scenes, 2007 Comic-Con appearance, digital shorts

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