Seven great British comedy TV shows for any taste

There’s nothing better after a busy day than sitting down and enjoying a comedy on the television. A good comedy has the ability to make us smile, pulls at the heartstrings of the audience and sucks us into an alternate reality. So for anyone looking to watch tv shows that are guaranteed to bring on a chuckle, here are seven broad-ranging British comedies. While we all have a favourite go-to show or series, discovering new ones could be as simple as checking out this list.

Red Dwarf (1988)

This science-fiction sitcom has been around for more than 40 years, and with good reason. It features a damaged mining spaceship (Red Dwarf), with the crew stuck abroad spending the rest of eternity in space. Dave Lister finds himself the only living human on the vessel; his ship’s computer Holly revives him some three million years later to make the long journey home. Unfortunately, it seems Dave isn’t the only one aboard – his arch-nemesis Rimmer is also ready to make the journey.

Not Going Out (2006)

This gag-packed sitcom is fast-paced and full of laughs, following two people spending most of their time at home, despite not dating each other. This show highlights the tensions, problems and tribulations that stem from modern family life, along with the crazy life of parenthood. It features Sally Bretton and Lee Mack, and has all the laughs anyone could be looking for.

Car Share (2015)

Directed by Peter Kay, this sitcom follows Kayleigh and John, two coworkers thrown together in a car share scheme. It seems their paths are forced to come together as they venture to their respective jobs at a significant retailer out of town. Every journey uncovers more about their personal lives, packed with unexpected surprises, twists and turns into an unlikely relationship. This is a much-needed series for anyone looking for a comedy mixed with quirky romance.

Early Doors (2003)

Set in a small Manchester public house, Ken is a landlord suffering an unfortunate streak of luck: his wife has left him for his best friend but lives with his mother, Jean, and his adopted daughter, Melanie. He runs the bar with Tanya, who is consistently reliable. Penned by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, this series follows the lives of Ken and regulars at the bar. Audiences will love the slower and gentler style of humour.

Friday Night Dinner (2011)

Adam and Jonny are known for one thing: they always visit their parents’ home for dinner every Friday. It’s not that they don’t enjoy the routine (after all, they get fed in the process), but their family is a bit eccentric. Mum is obsessed with the cooking show Masterchef, Grandma loves wearing her bikini and Dad drinks ketchup from the bottle. As the series follows the family’s foibles, eccentricities and rituals, it’s guaranteed to stir up some laughs.

Upstart Crow (2016)

This comedy revolves around the life of playwright William Shakespeare, who is struggling to find inspiration in London. The sitcom is set in 1592, at the beginning of his extraordinary career. Viewers will also meet his wife Anne, extended family and friends Kate and Marlowe. The series reveals an unlikely source of inspiration for Romeo as an unfortunately treasonous masterpiece. William also happens across three witches who predict many great things for him, despite his lack of motivation. It’s a fun-filled show that will attract viewers with wit, charm and an intriguing storyline throughout.

Ghosts (2019)

This sitcom has a slightly morbid twist, featuring Charlotte Ritchie, Mathew Baynton and other personalities, that will have viewers in stitches. Set within a crumbling country manor, new living owners Alison and Mike receive more than they bargained for. That’s because multiple spirits who have died there over the centuries inhabit the home and aren’t too keen on the plans to convert the property into a family hotel. As the complexity of their project unfolds, both sides are left with an impossible house share situation.

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