Top Ten Studio Sitcoms
The Brit Edition
If the British studio sitcom isn’t dead, it’s definitely on life support—and someone’s inching towards the plug. Which is a shame, because some of the most iconic British comedies were born on the studio floor. With quick-fire dialogue, larger-than-life characters, and that warm audience laughter, they defined an era of telly. Here’s a list of ten greats, in chronological order.
1. The Good Life (1975–1978)
It’s hard to believe this gentle suburban sitcom is 50 years old. With just 30 episodes, The Good Life has earned every penny of its repeat value. Tom and Barbara’s decision to go self-sufficient in Surbiton might sound twee today, but the show tackled big ideas—status, marriage, class—with wit and charm. Still aired on BBC Four, and still holds up (mostly).
2. Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)
If you're British and born between 1940 and 1985, this probably was on during your Christmas dinner. John Sullivan’s working-class epic gave us Del Boy, Rodney, and a treasure trove of catchphrases. It was nearly cancelled after poor ratings in series one, but was given time to find its audience in a way few are today. It went on to become one of the most beloved comedies in UK history.
3. Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989)
Richard Briers returned as Martin, a man who runs his street like a committee meeting. His tidy world unravels when the effortlessly cool Paul moves in next door. A sitcom about suburban control freakery and middle-class anxiety? Yes please. Funny, poignant, and unfairly overlooked.
4. Red Dwarf (1988–)
A sitcom… in space? Red Dwarf shouldn't have worked. But it did. And then some. The last human alive (Lister) stuck with an uptight hologram (Rimmer), a humanoid cat, and an android with emotional issues became one of British comedy’s weirdest, and most enduring setups. Smart, silly, and full of smeg.
5. One Foot in the Grave (1990–2000)
Victor Meldrew’s bitter retirement spiral gave us one of the best catchphrases in comedy: “I don’t believe it!” Forced to retire at 60, Victor battles boredom, bureaucracy, and bin day. Writer David Renwick turned mundane British life into a surreal and strangely moving show. Long-suffering wife (aren’t all wives long suffering?) Margaret deserved sainthood.
6. Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012)
Jennifer Saunders' outrageous satire of fashion and fame was loud, ludicrous, and endlessly quotable. Edina and Patsy were monsters of ego and excess, with their own warped logic and audiences loved them for it. An ensemble of female comedy talent rarely seen on this scale. Imitated, never bettered.
7. The Vicar of Dibley (1994–2020)
A vicar. In a village. But this time she’s female. Dawn French’s Geraldine Granger arrived just as women were being ordained in the Church of England, and ruffled more than a few feathers (in the real world too—French received actual death threats). Wholesome, inclusive, and often hilariously surreal, this was prime time gold.
8. My Family (2000–2011)
At its peak, My Family was the most-watched sitcom in the UK and ran for over 100 episodes—a rare feat. The Harpers were dysfunctional, shouty, and somehow relatable. Despite the cast famously falling out of love with the scripts (Kris Marshall asked to be killed off), the early years still hold up as solid family comedy.
9. Coupling (2000–2004)
Think Friends with sex jokes and a British sensibility. Written by Steven Moffat, this saucy, fast-talking series followed six gorgeous Londoners fumbling through modern relationships. Often overlooked, but it nailed timing, innuendo, and awkwardness like few others. Peak Gen X telly.
10. Not Going Out (2006–present)
Lee Mack’s fast-talking slacker sitcom has quietly become the second-longest running UK sitcom ever. What began as a flatmate setup evolved into a married-with-kids scenario—without losing its gag rate. Lee and Lucy (Sally Bretton) anchor a show that still finds ways to keep things funny after nearly two decades.
Yes, I’ve left some out: Dad’s Army, Steptoe and Son, Miranda, Open All Hours, Blackadder, Porridge, Men Behaving Badly, The Brittas Empire, Yes (Prime) Minister, and even When the Whistle Blows (if you know). That’s the thing about British sitcoms—they’re part of the national fabric. It’s time we started making more of them again.
What do you think? Did your favourite make the list? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you!
