The 80s and 90s were a golden age for British sitcoms, with shows that had us glued to our tellies and quoting catchphrases in the playground. These decades gave us some of the most beloved characters in British TV history, from the posh buffoons of the Brittas Empire to the utterly fabulous Patsy and Edina.
Whether you were watching on a tiny portable in your bedroom or gathered around the family telly, these shows were a shared experience that brought us together. They made us laugh, cringe, and sometimes even think. So, pop the kettle on, grab a few chocolate digestives, and join us for a nostalgic trip through 20 of the most iconic British sitcoms of the 80s and 90s.
Only Fools and Horses
This classic tale of wheeler-dealer Derek “Del Boy” Trotter and his brother Rodney became a national institution. Set in Peckham, it gave us unforgettable moments like Del Boy falling through the bar and Trigger’s constant misidentification of Rodney as “Dave”. The show’s blend of comedy and pathos made it a hit with viewers across the class spectrum. Only Fools and Horses’ Christmas specials became a British tradition, with the 1996 episode “Time On Our Hands” drawing a record-breaking 24.3 million viewers.
Blackadder
Starting in the Middle Ages and working its way through history, each series of Blackadder gave us Rowan Atkinson at his sardonic best. The finale of Blackadder Goes Forth, set in the trenches of World War I, is widely regarded as one of the most poignant moments in British comedy. The show’s clever wordplay and historical satire set a new standard for British comedy. Blackadder also launched the careers of many British comedy stalwarts, including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Miranda Richardson.
Fawlty Towers
Though it only ran for two series in the 70s, Fawlty Towers remained hugely popular through repeats in the 80s and 90s. John Cleese’s manic hotelier Basil Fawlty, inspired by a real Torquay hotelier, created comedy gold with his barely contained rage and snobbery. The show’s perfectly crafted farce and memorable characters ensured its place in the sitcom hall of fame. Despite its short run, Fawlty Towers consistently tops polls of the best British sitcoms ever made.
Red Dwarf
This sci-fi comedy about the last human alive, stranded 3 million years in the future with a hologram, a humanoid cat, and a senile computer, was a surprise hit. Its blend of sci-fi concepts and working-class humour created a unique show that garnered a cult following. Red Dwarf proved that British comedy could successfully venture into space. The show’s enduring popularity has led to multiple revivals, with the most recent series airing in 2020.
The Vicar of Dibley
Dawn French starred as Geraldine Granger, the first female vicar in a small Oxfordshire village. The show tackled issues of gender and rural life with a light touch, winning over audiences with its warm humour and eccentric characters. The Vicar of Dibley showed that British comedy could be both progressive and broadly appealing. The show’s success mirrored real-life changes in the Church of England, which began ordaining women priests in 1994.
Absolutely Fabulous
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley created comedy gold as the perpetually drunk and fashion-obsessed Edina and Patsy. Their outrageous behaviour and cutting one-liners made Ab Fab a cultural phenomenon. The show skewered the worlds of fashion and PR while celebrating female friendship in all its dysfunctional glory. Ab Fab’s influence extended beyond television, impacting fashion and popular culture throughout the 90s and beyond.
One Foot in the Grave
Victor Meldrew’s constant refrain of “I don’t believe it!” became a national catchphrase. This show about a cantankerous retiree and his long-suffering wife captured the frustrations of modern life with a mix of farce and dark humour. One Foot in the Grave proved that comedy starring older characters could be a massive hit. The show was notable for its increasingly dark and surreal storylines, pushing the boundaries of traditional sitcom storytelling.
Men Behaving Badly
Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey starred as Gary and Tony, two laddish flatmates whose juvenile antics drove their girlfriends to despair. The show captured the zeitgeist of 90s lad culture, for better or worse. Men Behaving Badly’s unapologetic portrayal of male immaturity made it both loved and controversial. The show’s success spawned an American remake, though it failed to capture the charm of the original.
Keeping Up Appearances
Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “Bouquet”) and her attempts to climb the social ladder provided endless comedy. Patricia Routledge’s performance as the snobbish Hyacinth was a masterclass in comic acting. The show’s gentle mockery of class aspirations struck a chord with British audiences. Keeping Up Appearances became one of the BBC’s most successful exports, airing in over 70 countries worldwide.
The Brittas Empire
Chris Barrie starred as Gordon Brittas, the incompetent manager of a leisure centre whose attempts to help invariably led to disaster. The show’s blend of slapstick and character comedy made it a firm favourite. The Brittas Empire showcased the comedy potential of the British workplace. The show’s portrayal of middle management ineptitude resonated with viewers and has only become more relevant in the years since.
Goodnight Sweetheart
Nicholas Lyndhurst played Gary Sparrow, a man who discovers a time portal allowing him to travel between 90s London and the 1940s. His attempts to balance life in two time periods with two different wives created both comedy and drama. The show’s nostalgic view of wartime Britain struck a chord with viewers. Goodnight Sweetheart cleverly used its time-travel premise to comment on changing social attitudes between the 1940s and 1990s.
2point4 Children
This sitcom followed the Porter family, with parents Bill and Ben trying to manage their two children and Ben’s motorcycle business. The show’s portrayal of a working-class family resonated with many viewers. 2point4 Children combined everyday family situations with surreal and farcical elements. The show’s title, referring to the average number of children in a British family at the time, reflected its attempt to portray a “typical” family.
Birds of a Feather
Sharon and Tracey, two sisters left to fend for themselves when their husbands are imprisoned, provided a fresh take on female-led comedy. Their neighbour Dorien, a man-eating middle-aged woman, completed the central trio. The show tackled issues like single motherhood and female sexuality with humour and warmth. Birds of a Feather was successfully revived in 2014, proving its enduring appeal to audiences.
The Thin Blue Line
Rowan Atkinson starred as the pedantic and upright Inspector Fowler in this police station-set sitcom. The show poked fun at police procedurals and bureaucracy. The Thin Blue Line demonstrated that even British institutions like the police could be fair game for comedy. Despite its short run, the show showcased Atkinson’s versatility beyond his more famous Mr. Bean character.
Waiting for God
Set in a retirement home, this show followed the antics of Diana Trent, a cynical and grumpy resident, and her friend Tom Ballard. It tackled issues of ageing and care with a sharp wit. Waiting for God proved that comedy about older people could be both funny and poignant. The show was groundbreaking in its portrayal of active and outspoken elderly characters, challenging stereotypes about ageing.
The Royle Family
This groundbreaking sitcom focused on a working-class family in Manchester, mostly shown sitting around watching telly. Its naturalistic style and lack of laughter track was a departure from traditional sitcoms. The Royle Family changed the game for British comedy, showing that everyday life could be hilarious. The show’s influence can be seen in later “slice of life” comedies and even reality TV formats.
Game On
Three twentysomething flatmates navigating life, love, and unemployment in 90s London was the focus of this cult sitcom. It tackled issues like sexuality and mental health with a frank, often dark humour. Game On captured the Gen X experience in all its slacker glory. The show was notable for its honest portrayal of young adult life, including financial struggles and sexual politics.
As Time Goes By
Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer starred as former lovers reunited after 38 years. The show’s gentle humour and focus on mature romance made it a hit with older viewers. As Time Goes By proved that love and comedy weren’t just for the young. The chemistry between Dench and Palmer was a major factor in the show’s success, with their banter becoming a highlight for fans.
Bottom
Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson brought their unique brand of violent slapstick to this tale of two losers sharing a flat in Hammersmith. The show’s crude humour and cartoon-like violence made it a hit with teenagers and students. Bottom pushed the boundaries of taste in British comedy. The show’s popularity led to successful live tours, where the violent comedy was taken to even more extreme levels.
The Fast Show
While not a traditional sitcom, this sketch show’s recurring characters and catchphrases made it feel like multiple mini-sitcoms in one. Characters like Ted and Ralph and Swiss Toni became comedy icons. The Fast Show’s rapid-fire format influenced British comedy for years to come. Many of the show’s catchphrases, such as “Suits you, sir!” and “Scorchio!”, entered everyday British vocabulary.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
