10+ British Comedies You Need to Watch (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one British comedy? ›

Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003):

Regularly voted number one at the top of British comedy lists, Only Fools and Horses, created by John Sullivan, is a beloved sitcom that follows the lives of the Trotter family and their pursuit of get-rich-quick schemes.

1. Only Fools And Horses. Sitcom about two market traders, Del Boy and his brother Rodney.

What are some good old British sitcoms/comedies you could recommend? “Drop the Dead Donkey” - fun series about a TV newsroom in the UK, was a favourite of mine, but isn't often mentioned now. “Vicar of Dibley” - Dawn French & a great cast! Never gets old.

Quite simply, Last of the Summer Wine is the longest-running comedy programme in the world. It premiered thirty-seven years ago, in 1973, and, after thirty-one series it finally came to an end—even though all its original protagonists—Compo, Foggy, even Nora Batty—are now dead.

Ten Percent is a British comedy television series based on the French series Call My Agent! (titled Dix pour cent in French, which translates as 'ten per cent'); both are set in talent agencies that see turbulence when their founder unexpectedly dies.

British TV Shows Have Smaller Writing Teams

As such, smaller writing teams mean fewer episodes, as the workforce does not exist to craft 20+ episode seasons like in the United States without severe overwork.

Pinwright's Progress is a British television sitcom that aired on the BBC Television Service from 1946 to 1947, and was the world's first regular half-hour televised sitcom. The ten episodes, which aired fortnightly in alternation with Kaleidoscope, were broadcast live from the BBC studios at Alexandra Palace.

Only When I Laugh is a British television sitcom made by Yorkshire Television for ITV. It aired between 29 October 1979 and 16 December 1982 and is set in the ward of an NHS hospital. The title is in response to the question, "Does it hurt?".

What BBC comedy inspired all in the family? ›

Norman Lear, who died Dec. 5 at 101, had a huge influence on television history. He turned the British sitcom “Till Death Us Do Part” into the massive hit series “All in the Family,” which ran for nine seasons and revolutionized what type of topics were acceptable on television.

W1A is a British mockumentary sitcom television series that satirises the management of the BBC.

The title of the longest-running sitcom goes to the Brits once again. BBC's “Last of The Summer Wine” ran for 37 years and 31 seasons from 1973-2010. Comedy writer Roy Clarke's series followed three Yorkshire seniors reminiscing on their youth and scheming adventures.

1 Only Fools And Horses

Only Fools and Horses wasn't an immediate hit in the UK, but it has since gone on to become one of the best-loved comedies in the world. Following the exploits of wheeler dealer Del Boy Trotter (David Jason), Only Fools... balanced hilarity with character.

Doctor Who originally ran for 26 seasons on BBC One, from 23 November 1963 until 6 December 1989. During the original run, each weekly episode formed part of a story (or "serial")—usually of four to six parts in earlier years and three to four in later years.

Friends. This show is considered one of the most popular comedy series of all time. The show became an instant hit and had a massive following. The show revolves around a group of friends and their lives in New York City.

Alan Partridge has been named Britain's greatest comedy character. Steve Coogan's alter-ego made the top of a list decided by a panel of comedy performers and writers for the Gold television channel tonight. The names in the top 30 were decided by public poll and are always likely to be subjective.