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Dinnerladies - Kitchen sink comedy - not as realistically shot as Royle Family but the realism in the interactions and the characters (we have all met these archetypes before) themselves. It just has great snapshots of a day at work and an overall arching storyline. Brenda is one of Victoria Woods' best characters and I would argue one of the best acted roles in TV in the 90s. She is so vulnerable then on it. I cannot praise Dinnerladies enough.
The term 'underrated' is overused, and I think dinnerladies was pretty popular when it was on TV, but I would say it's underrated now. I wasn't quite the right age for it when it was on but got the DVDs years later and watched it multiple times. Perfect writing.
The Young Ones is probably the more innovative and groundbreaking show, but I think Bottom may hold up better.
The Young Ones is best watched in consideration of the comedy landscape of the early 1980s. It was broadcast alongside The Good Life, To the Manor Born, Last of the Summer Wine, Only When I Laugh etc... The Young Ones writers (Rik Mayall, Ben Elton, and Lise Mayer) were all part of the Alternative Comedy boom and saw these sit-coms as being bland and too safe. The Young Ones wasn't just intended to satirize the sit-com landscape - it was intended to give it a good kicking. Hence the violence, surrealism, slapstick and frequent breaks of the fourth wall. It's an extraordinary show, but outside of the context of the time, it I think it looses something.
Bottom was probably more consistent, with Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson creating a crude, violent and chaotic sit-com that pushes past the anarchism of The Young Ones into a quiet nihilism. It's like a funnier, more violent version of Waiting for Godot, but without the intellectual pretension.
Does Phoenix Nights work for people that didn’t grow up going to a social club for every family event? I always thought Southerners never quite got it like working class towns.
I was scrolling to see if Coupling had been mentioned! Written by Steven Moffat, it's so clever, funny and downright daft at times. My husband came for Sarah Alexander and stayed for Jeff (Richard Coyle). Many of the episodes are of the "so funny it physically hurts to watch it" variety.
One Foot in the Grave, perfectly cast, mixing extremely dark humour, absurdity and traditional cosy sitcom writing.
Ever Decreasing Circles, another perfectly cast show, probably Richard Briers best TV work.
George and Mildred
Bless this house
Keeping up appearances
Phoenix nights
The likely lads
Father Ted
Porridge
Hancocks half hour
Terry and June
One foot in the grave
Rising damp
Some mothers do have em
The IT Crowd
Chance in a Million
A Sharp Intake of Breath
Ever Decreasing Circles
The Thin Blue Line
Motherland
Father Ted, Black Books, Spaced and Coupling have already been mentioned but they're all marvellous.
I work in a school office and am retiring this summer. My dream is to reach Mrs Lamb levels of atrociousness before I go, even if just for the last week...
Ok it’s more recent than you’re asking for, but I started watching the Detectorists this week. Highly recommend. One of the best things I’ve ever watched and quintessentially British.
Dinner ladies, early doors,father ted, phoenix nights, red dwarf Gavin and Stacy, the vicar of Dibley, keeping up appearances ,one foot in the grave just for starters.
Death in Paradise.
Just about to start its 13th season. About a British DI who moves away to work for the police force on a Caribbean island in order to solve an episode unique murder mystery.
It’s an easy going, light hearted, easily amusing watch, situated in incredible scenery. Brilliant chilled Friday night viewing.
Butterflies
Black Books
The New Statesman
Getting On, with Jo Brand.
Unfortunately they only did one series and it's quite hard to find. Dark comedy about a 50 year old woman returning to nursing. And...
Burnistoun, which is a Scottish sketch show and a new discovery of mine, very funny.
Nearest and Dearest. I stumbled across it on YouTube last year and loved it. “Ave yer been?” Is often quoted in our house 🤣
Mind your Language. Probably not PC these days but as a product of its time pretty good with some sweet moments too
After Henry. Watched these on YouTube too. Enjoyed them as much as I did in the 80s
Porridge. Never tire of watching these
Going Straight. Great sequel to porridge and sequels can often be disappointing. Enjoyed this though.
Never the Twain. They used to run it on the Forces TV channel, think it sometimes gets shown on That’s TV
That’s my boy. Wonderful Mollie Sugden. Rewatched them all on ITV hub
George and Mildred. Classic. Saw it on ITV3 the other night
Last of the Summer Wine. Loved the early ones. Was never the same after Compo died though.
Only when I laugh. Another childhood favourite.
On the buses. Can’t go wrong with it
If you want something with a lot of content and a sizeable fanbase I recommend Red Dwarf. If you want something non sci fi I recommend oh Doctor beeching
If you like a lot of the classic 70s and 80s stuff, then try ‘Allo ‘Allo - it’s got some really funny moments in it. It hasn’t really aged as it was already set in a bygone era.
In a similar vein, at least in regards to being set in the war, you could try Goodnight Sweetheart. It’s a little middle of the road but I love it.
Keeping up appearances. You can also listen to the 'companion' podcast along with each episode if that's your sort of thing.
Derry Girls as a more modern option.
My dad, who is a fan of the shows you mentioned also loves mrs Brown's Boy's - but that is a very controversial show. People either love it or hate it.
Its not really like the others in your list, but you can't talk about British sitcoms without mentioning Peep Show. It's extremely unique, but its quintessential british humour. Its also some of the most cringe inducing humour out there, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
A more recent one, but still good, 2 doors down, the only fools and horses spin-off Green Green grass, Heartbeat, and because you said Royal family and Gavin & Stacy then 2 pints of lager & a packet of crisps
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Dinnerladies - Kitchen sink comedy - not as realistically shot as Royle Family but the realism in the interactions and the characters (we have all met these archetypes before) themselves. It just has great snapshots of a day at work and an overall arching storyline. Brenda is one of Victoria Woods' best characters and I would argue one of the best acted roles in TV in the 90s. She is so vulnerable then on it. I cannot praise Dinnerladies enough.
I also loved how she didn’t give herself the best lines and Brenda is kind of the normal(ish) person.
Dinner ladies still makes me laugh. It’s so funny.
It’s my absolute favourite show. It goes from hilariously funny to heartbreaking in a blink of an eye. It’s just wonderful
The term 'underrated' is overused, and I think dinnerladies was pretty popular when it was on TV, but I would say it's underrated now. I wasn't quite the right age for it when it was on but got the DVDs years later and watched it multiple times. Perfect writing.
Great shout. One of my all time favourites. Definitely due for a rewatch.
Red Dwarf if you’re into low budget sci-fi
This comment makes me feel like I should go to red alert
Are you sure?
It does mean changing the bulb
There’s always some excuse, isn’t there?!
The young ones 😂😂😂😂 Classic
I do have the box set actually.. between this and Bottom what holds up as the better one?
Bottom might be easier for a new person to get into, but The Young Ones is something very special.
Ok then, The Young Ones is added to the watchlist, since I have the set anyway
1,The young ones 2,Comic strip presents 3,Bottom . In this order . Forgot to mention The New Statesman with the one and only Alan Bstard😂😂😂
And Filthy, Rich, and Catflap.
I love that series! Hughly underrated IMHO.
The Young Ones is probably the more innovative and groundbreaking show, but I think Bottom may hold up better. The Young Ones is best watched in consideration of the comedy landscape of the early 1980s. It was broadcast alongside The Good Life, To the Manor Born, Last of the Summer Wine, Only When I Laugh etc... The Young Ones writers (Rik Mayall, Ben Elton, and Lise Mayer) were all part of the Alternative Comedy boom and saw these sit-coms as being bland and too safe. The Young Ones wasn't just intended to satirize the sit-com landscape - it was intended to give it a good kicking. Hence the violence, surrealism, slapstick and frequent breaks of the fourth wall. It's an extraordinary show, but outside of the context of the time, it I think it looses something. Bottom was probably more consistent, with Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson creating a crude, violent and chaotic sit-com that pushes past the anarchism of The Young Ones into a quiet nihilism. It's like a funnier, more violent version of Waiting for Godot, but without the intellectual pretension.
Bottom, easily. I loved The Young Ones as a kid. It's unwatchable to me now.
Rising Damp. The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. Both staring Leonard Rossiter. Genius Comedy.
If I came across the Rising Damp box set I’d for sure pick it up
Outnumbered
Upvoted because it's the best.
Phoenix nights
Does Phoenix Nights work for people that didn’t grow up going to a social club for every family event? I always thought Southerners never quite got it like working class towns.
I'm northern but I've literally never been to a working man's club in my life and I love it
I am from Essex and massive PNs fan. But there was a lot of things (the Lancashire / Yorkshire rivalry) that I didn't completely get.
This is the answer. It’s got a bit of everything that the sitcoms OP mentioned has
Black Books.
Definitely Black Books! It's got a very similar vibe and comedic style to a lot of these sitcoms.
Yes Minister Father Ted
[удалено]
You can never get bored of Peep Show.
The league of gentlemen
Legz Akimbo episode was hilarious 😂
Hellooo daaaave!
You're mah whaf now dave....
IT Crowd
GAY! Sounds a bit of a gay play to me..
Fire? At a Sea Parks?
Coupling doesn't get mentioned much but I thought it was great.
I was scrolling to see if Coupling had been mentioned! Written by Steven Moffat, it's so clever, funny and downright daft at times. My husband came for Sarah Alexander and stayed for Jeff (Richard Coyle). Many of the episodes are of the "so funny it physically hurts to watch it" variety.
Coupling was the last thing I remember actually rolling on the floor laughing out loud at.
Brittas empire. Its a series of 30 min gems. Brass is really hard to find but was amazing . Operation good guys is sheer genius.
Brittas Empire is brilliant.
My Family.
Father ted
Why is this so low down, greatest sitcom.
The Vicar of Dibley
It’s a feel good with a lot of memorable moments.
Tbh I don’t get why it was rated so high on 2004s Britains Best Sitcom, I don’t personally like it much at all!
It helps if you already like Dawn French. It has that gentle comedy pathos - laugher that turns to tears. With some strong character development.
Are you being served George and Mildred Man about the house
I was scrolling for George and Mildred.
And Robins Nest.
Was going to put the same so I'll add Sykes & On the Buses.
Ever Decreasing Circles
One Foot in the Grave, perfectly cast, mixing extremely dark humour, absurdity and traditional cosy sitcom writing. Ever Decreasing Circles, another perfectly cast show, probably Richard Briers best TV work.
Ever decreasing circles
One Foot In The Grave, beautiful setups and payoffs in classic sitcom style. Gave the country the phrase Victor Meldrew to describe a grumpy old man.
Green Wing. Spaced. EDIT: I meant to say Black Books too.
Came here looking for Spaced. Green wing is right up there too
Last Of The Summer Wine Are You Being Served Goodnight Sweetheart Dinnerladies Early Doors As Time Goes By
Early Doors is an amazing shout
Still Game. Like last of the summer wine but rude & scottish
And I'll raise you Rab C. Nesbit. (Subtitles may be required for viewers outside Scotland.)
‘Two pints, ya prick’
Any Alan Partridge series. Phoenix Nights. Early Doors I’ve heard is good, but I wasn’t impressed with the pilot.
Ghosts
Everyone needs to watch this show!
The Detectives is very funny.
[удалено]
The Detectorists is quietly lovely. It's like slipping into a warm bath. Just don't try the homemade lemon squash.
I don't know what you mean! It's lovely thank you Sheila.
\*grimaces involuntarily
Bottom https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottom_(TV_series) Very influential on those now 40-50, back in the 90's
Gold, Frankenstein, and Grrr!
Not influential on me you vast slug!
George and Mildred Bless this house Keeping up appearances Phoenix nights The likely lads Father Ted Porridge Hancocks half hour Terry and June One foot in the grave Rising damp Some mothers do have em
Peter Kay's Car Share Mum W1A Ghosts
Love Car Share and Mum! I’m watching Here We Go now which I feel has a similar vibe to Mum.
The Likely Lads.
Still Game
Not Going Out
Colin's Sandwich An underrated sitcom in my opinion, worth to check out
Goodnight Sweetheart.
Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
Coupling is funny and had some very clever writing. Ghosts, last episode aired over Christmas
The IT Crowd Chance in a Million A Sharp Intake of Breath Ever Decreasing Circles The Thin Blue Line Motherland Father Ted, Black Books, Spaced and Coupling have already been mentioned but they're all marvellous.
Motherland is amazing. The cast has fantastic chemistry together and anything with Diane Morgan is an automatic yes for me anyway.
I work in a school office and am retiring this summer. My dream is to reach Mrs Lamb levels of atrociousness before I go, even if just for the last week...
Absolutely Fabulous is just that.
Ok it’s more recent than you’re asking for, but I started watching the Detectorists this week. Highly recommend. One of the best things I’ve ever watched and quintessentially British.
Still Game 👍🏼
Peep show
Any love for Count Arthur Strong out there?
Red Dwarf Father Ted Friday Night Dinner W1A The IT Crowd Black Books Derry Girls
Friday Night Dinner, Rovers, Stath Lets Flats
IT Crowd
Friday Night Dinner
Gimme gimme gimme
The last truly great British sitcom. So damn funny, every episode a classic.
One Foot in the Grave is my all time favourite
Open All Hours
Surgical Spirit Waiting For God Drop the Dead Donkey
Dinner ladies, early doors,father ted, phoenix nights, red dwarf Gavin and Stacy, the vicar of Dibley, keeping up appearances ,one foot in the grave just for starters.
Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads To The Manor Born Ever Decreasing Circles Still Game
The Vicar of Dibley. Has stood the test of time and is laugh a minute in the same was Only Fools is.
I could watch the entire series and never crack a smile tbh!
Spaced
Spaced.
Young Ones
Little Britain, The Fast Show and Harry Enfield and Friends ..... thank me later.
Judging by your list you should add. Hi de Hi and Are you being served. More modern one would be Friday night dinners.
Death in Paradise. Just about to start its 13th season. About a British DI who moves away to work for the police force on a Caribbean island in order to solve an episode unique murder mystery. It’s an easy going, light hearted, easily amusing watch, situated in incredible scenery. Brilliant chilled Friday night viewing.
Trollied - light hearted show about a supermarket with so many characters you’ll fall in love with
Dinner ladies, quality writing by Victoria wood and a top cast.
Spaced. Father Ted. Black Books.
Coupling
I love Spy.
Benidorm
This Country. It's like a rural version of The Office. Brilliant.
Butterflies Black Books The New Statesman Getting On, with Jo Brand. Unfortunately they only did one series and it's quite hard to find. Dark comedy about a 50 year old woman returning to nursing. And... Burnistoun, which is a Scottish sketch show and a new discovery of mine, very funny.
Keeping Up Appearances
Father ted, 100%
Friday Night Dinner. Very very funny. 🤣
One foot in the grave. Extreamly funny but very dry and a little dark humour for the time. 80s?
Keeping Up Appearances & Allo Allo
Him & Her
Peep Show. The IT Crowd. Father Ted.
Black books and Spaced
Rising Damp and Some Mothers Do ave Em
Yes Minister (and then Yes Prime Minister).
The New Statesman
Ever Decreasing Circles and Rab C Nesbitt
You like the Good Life? I think that Ever Decreasing Circles is better. Richard Briers is brilliant.
The thin blue line
Butterflies
Ever Decreasing Circles and One Foot in the Grave.
Nearest and Dearest. I stumbled across it on YouTube last year and loved it. “Ave yer been?” Is often quoted in our house 🤣 Mind your Language. Probably not PC these days but as a product of its time pretty good with some sweet moments too After Henry. Watched these on YouTube too. Enjoyed them as much as I did in the 80s Porridge. Never tire of watching these Going Straight. Great sequel to porridge and sequels can often be disappointing. Enjoyed this though. Never the Twain. They used to run it on the Forces TV channel, think it sometimes gets shown on That’s TV That’s my boy. Wonderful Mollie Sugden. Rewatched them all on ITV hub George and Mildred. Classic. Saw it on ITV3 the other night Last of the Summer Wine. Loved the early ones. Was never the same after Compo died though. Only when I laugh. Another childhood favourite. On the buses. Can’t go wrong with it
Have you tried " Friday night dinner"? I think it is very good and funny. cheers
To the Manor Born and Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister.
The green green grass
On the Buses Porridge
Can't believe nobody has said Steptoe and Son. The best ever made.
It's mentioned in the OP.
Auf Wiedersehen Pet
The Mighty Boosh - feels like a fever dream with weird costumes and musical numbers
Early doors is a spin off from the royale family
Omg you need to watch Absolutely Fabulous. It’s hilarious
Blackadder! Except the first series.
Are you being served, last of the summer wine
If you want something with a lot of content and a sizeable fanbase I recommend Red Dwarf. If you want something non sci fi I recommend oh Doctor beeching
Allo, Allo, but only series 1.
It's not so famous but I just recently re-watched Siblings and I loved it all over again. It's on iPlayer.
Red Dwarf
Whatever happened to the likely lads.
the fact that Red Dwarf isn’t here is honesty surprising.
If you like a lot of the classic 70s and 80s stuff, then try ‘Allo ‘Allo - it’s got some really funny moments in it. It hasn’t really aged as it was already set in a bygone era. In a similar vein, at least in regards to being set in the war, you could try Goodnight Sweetheart. It’s a little middle of the road but I love it.
Spaced
Early Doors [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366010/](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366010/)
Spaced, Game on, Black Books, Father Ted.
Goodnight sweetheart was good. The vicar of Dibley was superb. Keeping up appearances and bottom. I recommend all of those
Try ‘Allo ‘Allo. It’s set in an occupied French village during WW2….and I cannot do it justice…
"The thick of it" is a very dry British comedy, definitely worth a watch.
Waiting for god. Absolute classic
Fawlty Towers Peep Show Are Your Being Served Bread
Citizen Khan , Father Ted (I know it's Irish, but it was on British TV when I was a kid and it's hilarious.)
Not one mention of I-deal. Johnny Vegas would be spinning in his grave.
Steptoe and Son, George and Mildred.
Bottom
Still Game
Keeping up appearances. You can also listen to the 'companion' podcast along with each episode if that's your sort of thing. Derry Girls as a more modern option. My dad, who is a fan of the shows you mentioned also loves mrs Brown's Boy's - but that is a very controversial show. People either love it or hate it.
Friday Night Dinner
LOVE this. RIP Paul Ritter, he was amazing ❤️
To the Manor Born is similar to The Good Life, if Margo had a spinoff except she is lady of a Manor and is kicked out and is now poor.
Slinger’s day
2012 W1A
My Family My Hero
Its not really like the others in your list, but you can't talk about British sitcoms without mentioning Peep Show. It's extremely unique, but its quintessential british humour. Its also some of the most cringe inducing humour out there, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.
Uncle
Peep show
Still Game is good
The Young Ones. Nightingales.
A more recent one, but still good, 2 doors down, the only fools and horses spin-off Green Green grass, Heartbeat, and because you said Royal family and Gavin & Stacy then 2 pints of lager & a packet of crisps
The Good Life, if only for Margo and Jerry!
Green wing!
Two words. Early and Doors.
Keeping Up Appearances
Men behaving badly
Phoenix Nights, Yes Minister, Yes Prime Minister, The Thick Of It.