Buzz
British comedy has long been celebrated for its wit, clever humor, and unique charm. This list isn’t solely based on my personal preferences, though a few of my top picks will naturally appear. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, here’s a countdown of the top 10 British comedy series that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
10. The I.T Crowd
Kicking off this list is one of the more recent gems, a personal favorite of mine—The I.T Crowd. This series delves into the quirky lives of Maurice Moss, Roy Trenneman, and Jen Barber, who work in the I.T department of Reynholm Industries. Moss and Roy are the quintessential nerds, largely ignored by their colleagues, even overshadowed by the janitorial staff. Jen, however, is a socially adept woman who lands the role of I.T department head by falsely claiming expertise in technology. Her lack of knowledge is quickly exposed by Roy and Moss. After a near-death encounter involving a shoe-wielding woman, Jen shifts her focus to managing relationships within the company. Despite initial success, a hilarious anecdote about Amsterdam shared by Moss reignites the employees’ disdain for the I.T team. Praised with a BAFTA and numerous accolades, including a legendary musical performance, the show has completed four series, with a fifth currently in development.
9. Peep Show
A pioneering series known for its unique Point of View camera technique, Peep Show chronicles the lives of Mark Corrigan and Jeremy Usbourne, two starkly contrasting individuals sharing a flat. Mark is infatuated with his colleague Sophie Chapman, while Jeremy pursues his neighbor Toni. The duo often find themselves in absurd and unbelievable situations, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Memorable moments include Mark hiding at his own wedding in the church pews and Jeremy’s unfortunate suit incident, alongside Mark’s panic over a presentation. The show brilliantly contrasts spoken words with internal thoughts, offering a fascinating and humorous narrative. With six series completed and a seventh on the way, Peep Show has earned BAFTA accolades and a “Best TV Comedy Actor” award for David Mitchell, solidifying its status as a cult classic in the UK.
8. Mr. Bean
A show that relies heavily on physical comedy with minimal dialogue, Mr. Bean stars Rowan Atkinson, one of Britain’s finest comedic talents. His impeccable facial expressions and exaggerated body language deliver endless entertainment. Mr. Bean’s antics often land him in ludicrous scenarios, each resulting in uproarious outcomes. One standout episode features Bean attending a school martial arts class, where his fear of being dropped leads him to hilariously incapacitate the instructor. The show’s comedic timing and slapstick brilliance make it a must-watch for fans of physical humor.
7. Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Arguably one of the most groundbreaking television series ever created, Monty Python’s Flying Circus spans four iconic films and stands as the sole sketch show on this list. Its brilliance lies in its seamless blend of absurdity and wit, with each sketch feeling like a standalone masterpiece. Personally, the Ministry of Silly Walks never fails to leave me in tears of laughter. The genius of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin shines through every sketch. The show has achieved cult status, with the Dead Parrot sketch becoming legendary. Few programs can match its ability to deliver consistent, side-splitting humor. It’s truly exceptional.
6. Only Fools and Horses
Easily one of the most recognizable series on this list, and for good reason. The show revolves around the Trotter brothers, Derek and Rodney, as they chase their dreams of striking it rich. While it may not have the same laugh-out-loud intensity as other entries, it excels in delivering heartfelt and touching moments. The series even contributed phrases to the English lexicon. However, the standout element is David Jason’s portrayal of Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, embodying the quintessential working-class dreamer willing to go to any lengths for success. Critically acclaimed and award-winning, this program remains a British television treasure.
5. The Royle Family
The Royle Family stands out as a show where very little happens, yet it captivates viewers with its portrayal of mundane life. The series centers on the Royle family: Jim, the loud and lazy father; Barbara, the overworked and caring mother; Denise, their equally idle daughter; and Antony, affectionately nicknamed Lurkio. Nana, Barbara’s mother, frequently hints at moving in with them. Denise is engaged to Dave Best, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man. The humor is hard to pinpoint—whether it’s the relatable depiction of a modest household or Ricky Tomlinson’s brilliant delivery as Jim Royle. One unforgettable moment is the Revels scene, which is pure comedic gold.
4. The Inbetweeners
A spot-on portrayal of teenage life, The Inbetweeners follows Will McKenzie, Simon Cooper, Jay Cartwright, and Neil Sutherland. Will, a new student at a comprehensive school, endures a rough start with humiliating nicknames and embarrassing photos. Simon pines for Carly D’Amato but sabotages his chances with awkward antics. Jay, the group’s compulsive liar, boasts about fictional escapades while remaining a virgin. Neil, though dim, surprisingly excels with girls, despite his cluelessness. From cringe-worthy moments to outrageous scenarios, this series is a hilarious reflection of adolescent awkwardness.
3. The Office
The Office is widely regarded as the greatest British comedy ever made. This mockumentary, set in a Slough office, has gained global acclaim and inspired remakes, including the US version starring Steve Carell. However, none compare to the original brilliance of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show revolves around David Brent, the office manager, whose delusional self-importance and cringe-worthy behavior make him both hilarious and pitiable. The ensemble cast, including Tim Canterbury, Gareth Keenan, and Dawn Tinsley, adds depth and humor. Tim’s pranks on Gareth and his unspoken feelings for Dawn create memorable moments. Gervais’s portrayal of Brent earned numerous awards, cementing The Office as a groundbreaking comedy.
2. Fawlty Towers
John Cleese delivers another comedic masterpiece as Basil Fawlty, the inept owner of a Torquay hotel. Alongside his wife Sybil, waitress Polly, and the hapless Manuel, Basil finds himself in one absurd situation after another. Cleese’s impeccable timing and sharp dialogue shine, but Andrew Sachs as Manuel often steals the show with his hilarious antics. Iconic moments, like Basil’s goose-stepping, have left an indelible mark on comedy history. Fawlty Towers remains a benchmark for British humor, influencing countless shows with its blend of wit and physical comedy.
1. BlackAdder
BlackAdder is a masterclass in wit, sophistication, and humor, anchored by Rowan Atkinson’s stellar performance. Spanning four series, each set in a different historical period, the show offers a unique blend of satire and clever writing. From Lord Edmund BlackAdder in Elizabethan times to Captain BlackAdder in the trenches of WWI, the series is packed with unforgettable moments. Baldrick’s infamous “cunning plans” and the tragic yet poignant finale of BlackAdder Goes Forth highlight the show’s brilliance. Its sharp metaphors and quick-witted dialogue make it a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts.
