Softly from Paris (1986-1991)

Costume dramas are usually not the stuff of yuks, but Série rose, a French TV series, proves that powdered wigs and pantaloons can strike a viewer’s funny bone. But it’s that other bone that makes this a skin-worthy entry on the television dial. Not only is there cross-dressing, which provides some les-be-friends moments, but it’s no secret that France’s fancy-pants like to take off their underpants at every opportunity, and, while this historical comedy may give them more intricate costumes to remove, they do get naked enough to start a revolution. It’ll be Bastille Day in your pants as the semen break free of their ball chambers when Penélope Cruz lets her soft guillotines out for a public execution of the audience’s sperm.