As a connoisseur of British comedy, I must say that these listings are simply smashing! From the witty banter of Fawlty Towers to the poignant and humorous journey of Fleabag, it’s clear that British humor has a unique charm that appeals to audiences worldwide.
If you eagerly anticipate new episodes of your favorite comedy series and find the wait between seasons excruciating, don’t worry! Expanding your horizons to include popular British comedies, or “Britcoms,” could offer an exciting array of fresh perspectives. Surprisingly, many of these shows are so well-crafted that they are often remade for American audiences due to our preference for more straightforward humor. Unlike traditional American network comedies, which heavily rely on stereotypical characters and overused themes, even at its most outrageous, British comedy delves deeper into the complexities of human nature. Additionally, these shows often have a slightly darker tone.
Even though some fans of British sitcoms might recall a period when these shows were only accessible through syndication on PBS, streaming platforms now eliminate any excuse for missing out on the finest British humor. With less recognition given to these shows in the U.S., locating the greatest British TV comedies can be challenging, but we’ve got you covered. This list includes a witty sci-fi sitcom that explores humor at the brink of humanity’s extinction and an awkward buddy comedy focusing on the trials of cohabitation – here are some British comedies to consider adding to your watchlist, ranked in order of preference.
10. Red Dwarf
A cult classic sci-fi comedy, “Red Dwarf” revolves around a low-level tech named Dave Lister (Craig Charles) on a mining spaceship called the Red Dwarf. After getting himself chunked in stasis for smuggling his cat Frankenstein onboard sometime in the 21st century, Dave is in for something of a shock when he wakes up to find millions of years have passed, he’s the last living human, and his original crewmates have long since died from a radiation leak. His only companions are the ship computer Holly (Norman Lovett), a hologram version of Dave’s neurotic boss Arnold Judas Rimmer who caused the accident (Chris Barrie), a humanoid cat descended from his original pet (Danny John-Jules), and a sanitation android (David Ross).
Red Dwarf offers an unconventional take on high-tech sci-fi, delivering down-to-earth storytelling with a distinctive working-class flavor, which is seldom found in today’s productions. Warm and entertaining, the series stands out as one of the most rewatchable science fiction television programs ever made. The show’s humor primarily revolves around the unusual dynamics between characters Dave and Arnold, who are compelled to work together on the fringes of the universe. Red Dwarf frequently references or satirizes famous sci-fi works such as “Alien,” “Westworld,” “The Terminator,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Star Wars,” as well as other genres, making it a fun treasure hunt for cinephiles.
Cast: Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Danny John-Jules
Creators: Rob Grant, Doug Naylor
Years: 1988–1999 and 2009–2020
Runtime: 74 episodes
Rating: TV-14
IMDb Score: 8.4
9. Inbetweeners
A show centered around the experiences of four teenage boys as they navigate through adolescence at Rudge Park Comprehensive School, located somewhere in England, resonates particularly well with viewers who appreciate young adult comedies such as “Skins” and “The Misfits”. Similar to the series “Peep Show”, “The Inbetweeners” is a cringe comedy that may not meet today’s more politically correct standards but includes a good amount of mature humor.
The television show unfolds through the perspective of its protagonist, Will McKenzie (Simon Bird), who shifts from a private school to Rudge Park following his parents’ separation. This transition thrusts him into the social fabric of Rudge Park. Throughout the series, Will and his friends grapple with teenage trials such as academics, societal expectations, intimacy, and bullying. Despite delving into some heavier themes, the show maintains a humorous tone, often poking fun at the universal awkwardness associated with high school. A significant factor contributing to the appeal of this popular series is its ability to evoke nostalgia for British viewers who have lived through their own teenage years. It’s not surprising then that the show was honored with a BAFTA Audience Award for TV in 2010.
Cast: Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley
Creators: Iain Morris, Damon Beesley
Years: 2008-2010
Runtime: 18 episodes
Rating: TV-14
IMDb Score: 8.4
8. Blackadder
Blackadder,” initially titled “The Black Adder,” is renowned for launching some of the UK’s top comedic talents onto the world stage. This mock-historical comedy series charts the adventures of Edmund Blackadder (played by Rowan Atkinson), spanning several generations, including a prince, a Tudor nobleman, a royal butler, and a World War I soldier. The story unfolds across different eras, starting with a late 15th-century alternate history under the reign of fictitious British monarch Richard IV in the first series. Here, Edmund Blackadder strives to win his father, King Richard IV’s favor while secretly plotting to overthrow him. The subsequent seasons follow his great-grandson during the Elizabethan era, set during the Regency period, and on the Western Front in 1917, respectively.
Besides the character played by Rowan Atkinson before his famous role as Mr. Bean, this comedy also includes early performances from Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, with the latter gaining worldwide recognition for his portrayal of “House, M.D.” Similar to other comedies that are hard to resist binge-watching, this series effectively piques curiosity about each era despite its occasional illogical and time-misplaced humor. The most delightful aspect? The series becomes increasingly amusing as it continues.
Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie
Creators: Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson
Years: 1983-1989
Runtime: 24 episodes
Rating: TV-PG
IMDb Score: 8.0
7. Extras
In a more realistic, behind-the-scenes take on the entertainment industry, “Extras” follows two struggling bit actors, Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) and Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen), as they navigate their way through auditions and on-set experiences. The show offers an unvarnished look at the everyday people who contribute to TV and film productions, striving for the next paycheck. A bond of friendship between these two actors adds a warm touch to the series, as they lend each other support during their shared struggles.
A significant number of the show’s most humorous scenes center around the duo’s encounters with actual famous personalities, where Andy, frequently unsuccessfully, attempts to navigate, finesse, and network his way towards better roles. This results in cameos from stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Johnny Depp, Patrick Stewart, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, Kate Winslet, and Orlando Bloom, along with a side-splitting musical performance featuring David Bowie singing a song about Andy that goes something like “The small plump man who sold his soul / The small plump man who sold his dream.” In 2007, Ricky Gervais was awarded an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of Andy, and the series itself received a Golden Globe for best television series – musical or comedy in 2008.
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant
Creators: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Years: 2005–2007
Runtime: 13 episodes
Rating: TV-MA
IMDb Score: 8.3
6. Black Books
The sitcom “Black Books,” located in a quaint but eccentric bookstore in London owned by the grumpy Bernard Black (Dylan Moran), is a peculiar, dark comedy that gained cult status. Although it seems like an ordinary slice-of-life comedy, the show takes place in a bizarre and sometimes surreal world where life can be absurd and dreamlike. For instance, in “Fever,” the neighbor Fran’s (Tamsin Greig) walls mysteriously start closing in during a sweltering heatwave. Similarly, in “Blood,” guests are swallowed by a sofa while Bernard and store employee Manny (Kevin Cecil) fight against unseen, chattering creatures that appear to be evolving. There’s also an episode called “Travel Writer,” which introduces a budding real estate tycoon who just so happens to be a tiny cat.
Furthermore, numerous eccentric and surreal aspects within the show are often dismissed or taken for granted by its principal characters. Remarkably, this imaginative production garnered BAFTA awards in 2001 and 2005. It also boasted guest appearances from notable figures such as Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Olivia Colman, Lucy Davis of “The Office,” and many more.
Cast: Dylan Moran, Kevin Cecil, Andy Riley
Creators: Dylan Moran, Graham Linehan
Years: 2000-2004
Runtime: 18 episodes
Rating: TV-PG
IMDb Score: 8.4
5. Ghosts
In the vein of the 2021 US remake, “Ghosts” is a delightful comedy where my spouse Mike (Simon Farnaby) and I live alongside an assortment of ghostly roommates hailing from different eras in our run-down country manor, Button House. As we work tirelessly to restore this dilapidated property that was passed down to us, I’ve stumbled upon a peculiar twist of fate: The power to perceive the friendly spirits lurking within our walls.
As a fan, I’d say that “Ghosts” from across the pond is just as delightful as its American counterpart, but with a unique British twist. Instead of Alison helping ghosts live their best afterlife, she turns our old family home into a B&B. The storyline may be similar, but the humor here is more nuanced and occasionally tinged with a touch of melancholy, giving it a more authentic feel compared to its U.S. sibling. Unlike the U.S. version which can sometimes feel like a typical sitcom, the characters in this show are more multi-dimensional, and the episodes are less predictable, keeping me on my toes!
Cast: Charlotte Ritchie, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Lolly Adefope
Developers/Producers: Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond (Natural and easy to read paraphrase)
Years: 2019-2023
Runtime: 34 episodes
Rating: TV-14
IMDb Score: 8.4
4. Peep Show
Speaking about offbeat humor, “Peep Show” stands supreme. It’s as funny as it is awkward, with its narrative coming from what’s supposed to be the inner monologues of flatmates Mark Corrigan (played by David Mitchell) and Jeremy “Jez” Usbourne (portrayed by Robert Webb). Mark is a rigid history enthusiast and corporate drone, while Jez is a chronically unemployed aspiring musician with zero life skills. Both characters are burdened with dismal self-understanding and terrible judgment, frequently landing themselves in cringe-worthy professional and social predicaments – each one more laughable than the last.
As a gaming enthusiast who often finds myself pondering over that peculiar moment at work from the previous day, I can wholeheartedly recommend “That Mitchell and Webb Show” – a sitcom that’ll have you giggling from its clever blend of visual and situational humor. The comedic rapport between these talented duo, reminiscent of their work in “The Mitchell and Webb Look”, is truly enchanting and elevates the show to new heights.
Cast: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Olivia Colman
Creators: Andrew O’Connor, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain
Years: 2003-2015
Runtime: 54 episodes
Rating: TV-MA
IMDb Score: 8.7
3. The Office
Despite being shorter in its run compared to its American counterpart, which gained immense popularity, many viewers hold the British version of “The Office” in high regard, regarding it as the superior show. It’s also the series that catapulted Martin Freeman into stardom, with his portrayal of Tim Canterbury, Jim Halpert’s counterpart, who shared an equally endearing relationship with Dawn Tinsley (Lucy Davis), reminiscent of the iconic love story between Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim (John Krasinski).
Before Steve Carell became famous for using his World’s Best Boss mug at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Ricky Gervais had already blazed a trail with David Brent, an awkward and compassionate middle manager at the Wernham Hogg Paper Company in Slough. In 2004, this series triumphed over “Friends” and “Will & Grace” to win two Golden Globe Awards, including best television series – musical or comedy. Notably, Ricky Gervais was awarded best actor – musical or comedy for his acting prowess.
As a gaming enthusiast, playing a game that captures the essence of “The Office” is like diving into a pool filled with cringe moments. The humor in this series often stems from the awkwardness that ensues when characters are around the eccentric protagonist, reminiscent of the character David Brent. Although the American version can veer towards the extreme, bordering on the absurdly farcical, the British original maintains a strong grounding in reality, making the uncomfortable situations feel all too relatable (in a good way).
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Lucy Davis, Martin Freeman
Creators: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Years: 2001-2003
Runtime: 14 episodes
Rating: TV-MA
IMDb Score: 9.0
2. Fleabag
Fleabag,” an unconventional blend of comedy and drama, is a series that originated from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s one-woman play. The show centers around a character named Fleabag who frequently breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the audience throughout each episode. This isn’t just a narrative gimmick; instead, it feels like Fleabag is sharing her life experiences with us, giving us insight into her thoughts and feelings. The narrative primarily revolves around Fleabag’s emotional odyssey following the death of her best friend, an event that has left her burdened by guilt.
As a die-hard fan, I must confess that what initially drew me to “Fleabag” was its sharp wit and candid portrayal of the protagonist’s romantic escapades and complicated social dynamics. Yet, upon deeper reflection, I realized that the heart of this remarkable series lies in its exploration of personal growth and redemption.
Cast: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Andrew Scott, Sian Clifford
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Years: 2016-2019
Runtime: 12 episodes
Rating: TV-MA
IMDb Score: 8.7
1. Fawlty Towers
Drawing inspiration from a genuine hotel where British comedy icon John Cleese stayed during the filming of “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, “Fawlty Towers” presents a fictional British coastal hotel managed by the tormented hotelier Basil Fawlty, portrayed by Cleese. The exaggerated and frequently comedic storylines revolve around Basil’s attempts to improve his hotel, despite persistent obstacles, which lead him to frantically react and eventually lose control, displaying his short temper and passive-aggressive behavior.
The series is brimming with hilarious visual humor and recurring jokes such as Basil’s frequent meltdowns, which give it an exaggerated feel. Unlike most British comedies that are characterized by dry wit, the absurd humor in Cleese’s work makes it seem more akin to American sitcoms like “Cheers” or “M*A*S*H”. This might have been the reason for some initial negative critic reviews. However, as time passed, viewers grew fond of it, and “Fawlty Towers” ultimately earned six BAFTAs during its broadcast.
Cast: John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs
Creators: John Cleese, Connie Booth
Years: 1975-1979
Runtime: 12 episodes
Rating: TV-PG
IMDb Score: 8.8
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2024-12-06 22:30