Tough Crowd

How I Made and Lost a Career in Comedy

By: Graham Linehan

Narrated by: Graham Linehan

Having cut his teeth in music journalism, Graham Linehan became the finest sitcom writer of his generation. He captured the comedy zeitgeist not just as the co-creator of Father Ted but also with The IT Crowd and Black Books, winning five BAFTAs and a lifetime achievement award.

Then his life took an unexpected turn. When he championed an unfashionable cause, TV commissioners no longer returned his emails, showbiz pals lost his number, and his marriage collapsed.

In an emotionally charged memoir that is by turns hilarious and harrowing, he lets us into the secrets of the writing room and colorfully describes the high-octane atmosphere of a sitcom set. But he also berates an industry where there was no one to stand by his side when he needed help.

Bruised but not beaten, he explains why he chose the hill of women and girls' rights to die on—and why, despite the hardship of cancellation, he's not coming down from it any time soon.

©2023 Graham Linehan (P)2023 Graham Linehan

Critic reviews

"A must-read. Funny and utterly compelling." (Jonathan Ross)

Shame About Y'er Man

Overall great listen with some very emotional moments from Linehan, though I'd have loved to hear more about his writing and various creative outputs than the trans stuff, important though it may well be.

Tough Crowd? Good read.

I picked up this audiobook out of curiosity. I loved watching Father Ted and am aware of Graham's involvement in the 'Gender Wars.' I was hoping to get some more juicy details, I suppose. There weren't many here. There are places where more details could have been provided.

The heartfelt narration by Graham makes up for any shortcomings in storytelling.

Enjoyable even when he was sharing his worst times

I loved hearing the origin stories of such classics as Fr. Ted and IT Crowd. I laughed out loud many times throughout. While the second 3rd of the book isn't as jolly it is still an important part of, not only Graham's story, but so many more people's lives who have been upended by this cultish anti-speech ideology. Once again, we are reminded that you cannot believe what the likes of Wikipedia and legacy media tell us about anyone or anything. This is not the first time or subject they have been captured for. I look forward to the day when Graham can share his writing talents with us on TV again and happier times for all of us.

Graham Linehan is a literal hero

I love Graham Linehan, as a woman & a same-sex attracted one, a survivor of sexual abuse & assault, I love him and I have since seeing him speak about how he’s doing this- basically publicly and professionally being burned at the stake- for speaking the truth on behalf of the rights of women, girls & all children- including the rights of his daughter- I sobbed, he is a persecuted despite a history as a composite professional- and he is an ideal father and he was an ideal, amazing husband and his wife, a cowardly fool for exhorting him to cease speaking up for the rights of females, LGB, kids or to get lost, there are countless women out there, daughters and wives, who would give anything to have a man in our lives, fathers husbands whoever- who would stand up for us like Graham Linehan is doing, he’s an amazing human being a truly good, great man, and anyone who has a problem with his speaking the truth is a misogynistic homophobic bigot worse than can be falsely claimed about Graham- or a gutless coward- or a Totalitarian Identitarian a Authoritarian bully. Only dishonest crazy sick people have a problem with Graham. He’s a hero. Period.

Raw personal and authentic

Thanks Graham for laying out your story. May this be a turning point! Well written, engagingly read.
—- Jen, IT Manager, 🙂

Graham Lineham’s ghosting - a brilliant writer silenced

It is disheartening to witness the industry shunning Mr. Linehan, who has contributed so much to it, for simple statements of fact that he made. What is more distressing is that this statement was misconstrued as controversial, leading to his ostracization. It is worth noting that Mr. Linehan firmly believes that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, should be free to live their lives as they see fit.

In his book, "Rough Crowd," Mr. Linehan showcases his exceptional talent for crafting hilarious and thought-provoking essays that delve deep into the intricacies of human behavior. His writing style is both engaging and informative, and he fearlessly tackles taboo subjects with intelligence and humor. His work is a testament to his sharp wit, unapologetic commentary, and insightful observations of the world we live in.

It is regrettable that the industry has turned a blind eye to such a talented and important voice. I highly recommend "Rough Crowd" to anyone who appreciates clever, unapologetic commentary on the world around us.

HEROIC

black books and father ted were 2, if not THE 2 of my favorite sitcoms. a week ago, I was watching again probably for the 50th time a father ted episode and saw in the credits at the end "written by Graham Linehan" and some other fella.. I didn't know thing one about either of these guys, not even their names. didn't care. but for some reason, I FINALLY thought "I wonder if these guys ever did anything else".
1st surprise: Linehan also wrote for black books. was surprised because that was my 2nd favorite to father ted , but unsurprised because one that fact was known to me i immediately recognized the style sense of humor.
surprise 2: There WAS more. discovered, watched all of, and loved The I.T. crowd.
Surprise 3: discovered how badly a bunch of trans-terroists destroyed his life. Eventually this social delusion is going to taper off into the background and this guy will stand vindicated in his activision, and I hope sooner rather than later. I loath the whole cancel culture cancer. This is a great read.

History in the making. The man who stood up to the bullies.

The book was fascinating and the audible was a treat! I could listen to Graham read the phone book. He makes me feel better about the situation we’re in. When a man like him rides to the rescue, the bandits clear out.

Thank you, Graham.

This book is brilliant— every page of it. I kept thinking it would only take maybe 20 or 30 more men with Graham Linehan’s courage, compassion, common sense and charisma to end this nightmare and let us get on with boring reality. (Women in my position will understand there’s nothing sexist about that framing: it’s just where we are), so come out come out wherever you are, gentlemen! Any time you’re ready. No? Just the one? Right then.

Legend.

A profoundly courageous and humane work. Graham Linehan is a hero who will be remembered for speaking honestly when few would.