Jacquie J Sarah - Not Going Out

Not Going Out: Putting the Sit in Sitcom Since 2006

It may not sweep awards or top critics' lists, but Not Going Out has achieved something arguably more impressive: it's the UK’s second longest-running sitcom in terms of episodes, having passed the 100 mark and still going strong. In a world of prestige comedies and high-concept dramedies, this show is the sitcom equivalent of a reliable cup of tea — and we keep coming back for more.

So, how has a series built on fast gags and traditional structure lasted this long? And why does it still matter?

A Simple Premise with Room to Grow

The show launched in 2006 with a classic flatshare setup: Lee, a laid-back slacker with a sharp tongue, is living with his American landlady Kate (Megan Dodds). By Series 2, Kate is replaced by Lucy (Sally Bretton), and the tone shifts to a slow-burn "will-they-won't-they" romance. Spoiler: they will, and do.

Over the years, Not Going Out has evolved into a domestic sitcom, charting Lee and Lucy’s marriage, their kids, and increasingly elaborate misadventures.

It's classic sitcom territory — but done with heart, wit, and buckets of gags.

Evolving Again: From Flatshare to Family to Empty Nest

What's remarkable about Not Going Out isn’t just its longevity, but its willingness to shift gears.

By 2025, the show is evolving once more. Lee and Lucy's children, once small plot devices, have grown up and flown the nest. Series 14 focuses on the couple as empty nesters, bringing the show back to two-handers and a more stripped-back, relationship-focused style.

It’s proof that the series isn’t afraid to adapt — just enough to stay fresh, but never so much that it forgets what it is. Even more telling: before the Series 14 aired, the BBC had already confirmed discussions for Series 15.

That’s faith. And it's well-earned.

Structure, Not Silliness: The Secret Sauce

Lee Mack has been refreshingly honest about his approach: Not Going Out is built on rhythm, pace, and tightly structured scenes. He even uses a scene-by-scene template when writing episodes.

While many modern comedies juggle A, B, and C storylines, Not Going Out often functions like a mini stage play — focused, contained, and entirely committed to one central plot (usually involving Lee in some sort of self-inflicted chaos).

Forget subtlety; this is about jokes per minute. And it delivers. It’s unapologetically gag-driven, often cramming more laughs into 28 minutes than some so-called prestige comedies manage in an entire series.

Awards? Not Many. Viewers? Loads

Critics may overlook it, but the viewing public hasn’t. The show won a Rose d'Or early in its run and has been nominated for a National Television Award, but it’s mostly flown under the awards radar.

What it has won is longevity, a devoted audience, and regular prime-time slots on BBC One. It’s a Christmas special stalwart, a streaming staple on iPlayer, and a dependable presence in the TV schedule. Not bad for a show whose premise is essentially "man makes situation worse, then tries to fix it."

Ten Favourite Episodes (In Chronological Order)

Over 100 episodes means plenty to choose from, but here are ten standouts. Yes, I lean toward the later series. No, that’s not memory loss (or could be). Maybe they just got better.

1. Camping (Series 5, Episode 3)

Lee tries to prove he’s not a wimp by camping in the woods. Spooky clowns, broken-down cars, and panic ensue.

2. Pointless (Series 7, Episode 5)
Lee and Daisy go on Pointless. They’re terrible, naturally. But also hilarious.

3. Lucy / Wedding (Series 7, Episodes 9 & 10)
Cheating yes, but essentially the same story. Lee finally confesses his feelings and proposes. Lucy says yes. Nothing goes smoothly. Peak chaos with genuine heart.

4. Escape Room (Series 9, Episode 2)
A birthday escape room with in-laws and a possible real bomb. What could go wrong?

5. Ding Dong Merrily on Live (Series 9, Episode 8)
A live festive special with a nativity, fourth wall breaks, and absolute mayhem. Christmas gold.

6. Parachute (Series 10, Episode 1)
Skydiving for charity? With that lot? Cue mid-air tension and grounded laughs.

7. Text (Series 12, Episode 2)
Lee sends a rude message about Anna... to Anna. A frantic scramble to intercept her phone.

8. Coffin (Series 13, Episode 4)
Lee’s buried alive and calling for help via FaceTime. Genuinely tense, and very, very funny.

9. Train (Series 13, Episode 5)
A vintage murder mystery train trip for Lucy’s birthday. Pure Christie parody. A brilliant guest star in Chris McCausland.

10. Oasis (Series 14, Episode 4)
Lee misses out on Oasis tickets and blames Lucy. One set, two actors, many laughs. Classic two-hander.

(Honourable mention to the episode where Lee becomes a chat show host with the creepy mother-daughter duo. Possibly a fever dream, possibly genius.

Final Thoughts

Not Going Out isn’t flashy. It doesn’t chase trends or beg for critical approval. But it knows what it is: a joke-first, tightly written, endlessly watchable sitcom.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

As the show is in its fourteenth and with a (very likely) fifteenth series coming, it's proving that familiarity doesn’t have to breed contempt — it can breed comfort, laughter, and the odd bit of chaos involving clowns, coffins, and Christmas specials.

It might not be breaking new ground, but Not Going Out is still standing. Still funny. Still going. And that’s worth celebrating.

Did I miss your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you!

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