Britcom enthusiasts on Reddit have been vocal about their choices for the most hilarious British sitcoms of the last decade.
An inquiry by a Reddit user garnered over 400 comments as people chipped in with their top TV picks, tipping their hats to several shows they felt were underrated and deserving more recognition.
The online discussion, headlined ‘Funniest British sitcoms of the past ten years?’, was sparked by a TV buff who’d lost track of the latest sitcom offerings after enjoying notable ones in the noughties.
In search of fresh hilarity, the original poster asked the community: “So I thought I’d come here and ask you what did I miss in the past 10 years? What [are] some of the funniest sitcoms from Great Britain?”
Friday Night Dinner
One series that frequently popped up in the conversation was Channel 4’s hit show Friday Night Dinner, gracing our screens from 2011 to 2020, reports the Daily Record.
This family-centred comedy revolves around siblings Adam (Simon Bird) and Jonny (Tom Rosenthal) Goodman, who endure chaotic evenings at their parents’ house each Friday.
The show features a line-up of distinguished actors, with Tamsin Greig taking on the matriarch, Jackie, and the late Paul Ritter leaving an unforgettable mark as Martin, the head of the Goodman household.
Reflecting on their fondness for the show, one viewer commented: “I thought I was going to burst an organ watching the dead fox episode for the first time. Brilliant show.”
Friday Night Dinner is available to stream for free on Channel 4
This Country
The BBC mockumentary ‘This Country’ was a hot topic of conversation, with its portrayal of cousins Kerry and Kurtan Mucklowe leading mundane lives in a small Cotswolds village.
Despite its seemingly straightforward concept, the show has been lauded for its relatability and authenticity. The comedy features siblings Charlie and Daisy May Cooper, who not only star in the series but also penned it.
Since its debut in 2017, ‘This Country’ has graced our screens with just 20 episodes. Yet, with such a limited number of instalments, the sitcom has scooped up three BAFTA Awards.
This Country is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer
Derry Girls
Channel 4’s ‘Derry Girls’ has undeniably garnered a dedicated fanbase. Nonetheless, there’s been some debate among Reddit users about whether it qualifies as a British sitcom.
Set against the backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the period comedy was produced by Hat Trick Productions based in London and premiered on Channel 4, convincing many that it deserves recognition as a British sitcom.
The series chronicles the lives of five teenagers in the mid-90s, starring Nicola Coughlan of ‘Bridgerton’ fame, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn.
‘Derry Girls’ enjoyed a successful three-season run, bagging three BAFTA Awards and earning heaps of praise from audiences, with one Reddit user exclaiming: “Derry Girls was absolutely tremendous!”
‘Derry Girls’ is available to stream on Netflix and Channel 4’s streaming platform
Here We Go
TV enthusiasts have recently highlighted a selection of beloved sitcoms, but they’ve also pinpointed an underrated gem that they believe is deserving of more limelight.
Debuting in 2022, the Beep’s Here We Go has already confirmed its third season for this year. The programme humorously follows the day-to-day tribulations of the Jessop family, navigating everything from romantic misadventures to the trials of finding gainful employment.
Admirers of Peep Show will be excited to discover that Jim Howick, familiar as Gerrard from the Channel 4 hit, stars in the comedy. Alongside him are talents such as Freya Parks, Tom Basden, and Katherine Parkinson, known for her role in IT Crowd.
Championing this relatively obscure show, a Reddit user expressed: “Can’t believe how little love Here We Go gets. It’s so well put together and the sheer density of jokes is incredible, not to mention how great the cast is.”
Here We Go is available to stream on BBC iPlayer