The Best British Sitcoms Of The '70s
- 1John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Connie Booth
A brilliantly crafted farce, Fawlty Towers stars the incomparable John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the perpetually flustered and hapless hotel manager. With only twelve episodes in its two-series run, this sitcom is a masterclass in comedic timing and features strong performances from all cast members, including Prunella Scales as Sybil Fawlty and Andrew Sachs as the bumbling waiter Manuel. Today, it remains a timeless classic and one of the most beloved British comedies.
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- 2
Steptoe and Son
Wilfrid Brambell, Harry H. CorbettThis gritty comedy-drama centres on father-and-son rag-and-bone men Albert (Wilfrid Brambell) and Harold Steptoe (Harry H. Corbett), whose bitter relationship drives the show's dark humour. The cleverly written dynamic between the characters often results in hilarious misunderstandings, allowing both actors to shine with emotional depth. By challenging traditional sitcom tropes, Steptoe and Son paved the way for future British comedies.
- 3Ronnie Barker, Brian Wilde, Fulton Mackay
Set within the confines of HM Slade Prison, Porridge is led by Ronnie Barker's iconic portrayal of inmate Norman Stanley Fletcher. This BAFTA-winning series balances humour with heartwarming moments while addressing prison life's harsh realities. With unforgettable supporting characters like Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale) adding to its authenticity, Porridge remains a poignant yet entertaining snapshot of 1970s Britain.
More Porridge- #7 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 4Trevor Bannister, John Inman, Wendy Richard
An ensemble sitcom set in a department store, Are You Being Served? features an unforgettable cast of eccentric characters led by the charmingly snobbish Mrs Slocombe (Mollie Sugden) and her colourful wigs. From innuendos to hilarious customer interactions, this long-running series showcases British humour at its finest. Its enduring popularity has even led to a recent revival and several stage adaptations.
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- 5Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith
This socially relevant sitcom follows Tom (Richard Briers) and Barbara Good (Felicity Kendal), a suburban couple who decide to live self-sufficiently. Exploring themes of environmentalism and counter-culture, The Good Life is both entertaining and thought-provoking, thanks in part to the excellent chemistry between its leads. It remains popular today for its blend of comedy, warmth, and social commentary.
- 6Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn
Spanning nine series and earning numerous accolades, Dad's Army is a gem amongst British sitcoms that follows Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier), and their motley crew of Home Guard soldiers during World War II. Combining slapstick comedy with witty dialogue, this enduring show captures both national pride and government incompetence at their finest. It continues to captivate audiences with its perfect blend of nostalgia and good-natured humour.
More Dad's Army- #8 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #123 of 388 onThe Best Guilty Pleasure TV Shows
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- 7Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett
Starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett as various characters across numerous sketches, The Two Ronnies was not only a ratings hit but also demonstrated their versatility as comedic actors. Blending wordplay with visual gags, it became a staple of Saturday night television for more than a decade. Their unique comedic chemistry continues to entertain audiences who revisit this classic sketch show.
More The Two Ronnies- #236 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- 8Anna Karen, Bob Grant, Reg Varney
A lighthearted workplace comedy centred on bus driver Stan Butler (Reg Varney) and his conductor Jack Harper (Bob Grant), On the Buses highlights their everyday struggles with passengers, management and their personal lives. The wisecracking duo's antics are frequently juxtaposed with Stan's home life, which includes his nagging mother (Cicely Courtneidge) and flirtatious sister Olive (Anna Karen). The show's success led to multiple film spin-offs in the 1970s.
More On the Buses- #39 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 9Ronnie Barker, David Jason, Lynda Baron
Another showcase for Ronnie Barker's immense talent, Open All Hours stars Barker as Arkwright, a tight-fisted shopkeeper constantly scheming to increase profits. Alongside David Jason's performance as Granville, his put-upon nephew and assistant, this sitcom captured the hearts of viewers with its quirky characters and warm humour. Its enduring appeal resulted in a revival series, Still Open All Hours, in 2013.
More Open All Hours- #12 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 10John Cleese, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman
A groundbreaking sketch comedy show that changed the face of British humour forever, Monty Python's Flying Circus featured an ensemble cast including John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman. Known for its absurdity and biting satire, it pushed the boundaries of television comedy at the time. The troupe's influence on modern comedy is undeniable – from their iconic sketches to their feature films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
- 11
George and Mildred
Yootha Joyce, Brian Murphy, Norman EshleyA popular spin-off from Man About the House, George and Mildred focuses on a middle-aged couple played by Brian Murphy (George) and Yootha Joyce (Mildred), who are trying to navigate societal expectations while dealing with their snobbish neighbours. The show's success lies in its exploration of class differences through sharp wit and tongue-in-cheek humour. Its relatable themes continue to resonate with audiences today.
- 12
To the Manor Born
Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles, Angela ThorneThis classic British sitcom stars Penelope Keith as Audrey fforbes-Hamilton – an upper-class woman forced to downsize after her husband's death – who tries to maintain her social standing despite her reduced circumstances. Peter Bowles plays Richard DeVere, a self-made millionaire who purchases Audrey's ancestral home. Their begrudging friendship provides ample opportunity for witty dialogue as To the Manor Born explores class differences with charm and humour.
More To the Manor Born- #34 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 13
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
Michael Crawford, Dick Bentley, Michele DotriceFeaturing Michael Crawford's iconic portrayal of accident-prone Frank Spencer, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em is a physical comedy masterpiece that pushed boundaries with its slapstick stunts. Michelle Dotrice co-stars as Frank's long-suffering wife Betty, who often finds herself caught up in his comedic misadventures. The immense popularity of this series has led to multiple revivals and stage adaptations over the years.
- 14Richard O'Sullivan, Yootha Joyce, Sally Thomsett
Centring on flatmates Chrissy (Paula Wilcox), Jo (Sally Thomsett) and Robin (Richard O'Sullivan), Man About the House was a pioneering sitcom that challenged gender stereotypes by featuring a male character living with two women. With memorable performances from all three leads, it spawned two successful spin-offs: George & Mildred and Robin's Nest. This progressive show remains beloved for its fun atmosphere and social commentary.
More Man About the House- #70 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 15Sid James, Patsy Rowlands, Sally Geeson
Starring the popular Sid James as salesman Sid Abbott and Diana Coupland as his wife Jean, Bless This House is a family sitcom that humorously explores the generational gap between parents and their teenage children. With relatable themes of misunderstandings, teenage rebellion, and marital quibbles, this comedy remains endearing to audiences who appreciate its light-hearted take on the everyday challenges of family life.
- 16James Bolam, Rodney Bewes, Brigit Forsyth
A sequel to the hit series The Likely Lads, this sitcom sees James Bolam and Rodney Bewes reprising their roles as working-class pals Terry Collier and Bob Ferris. Set several years after they first appeared on screen together, the show cleverly examines how societal changes in the 1970s impact their friendship dynamic. Its witty banter, engaging storylines, and strong performances earned it a BAFTA nomination for Best Situation Comedy.
- 17Robert Lindsay, Peter Vaughan, Janine Duvitski
Featuring Robert Lindsay as Wolfie Smith – an unemployed dreamer who fancies himself as Trotsky reincarnated – Citizen Smith is a comedy about political aspirations and failure. Wolfie's attempts to rally his hapless friends into forming a revolutionary army, the Tooting Popular Front, results in hilarity while critiquing London's political climate. Its blend of satire and slapstick endeared it to audiences during its four-series run.
- 18Carol Hawkins, Deryck Guyler, Richard Warwick
Centered around teacher Bernard Hedges (John Alderton) and his unruly class, Please Sir! is a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of teaching in a London secondary modern school. With a colourful cast of characters and amusing classroom antics, this sitcom captures the spirit of British education in the 1970s. Its success led to several series and even a spin-off film.
- 19Warren Mitchell, Una Stubbs, Antony Booth
Challenging societal norms with its raw portrayal of family life, Till Death Us Do Part stars Warren Mitchell as Alf Garnett – an opinionated working-class man constantly clashing with his wife Else (Dandy Nichols) and socialist son-in-law Mike (Anthony Booth). This groundbreaking sitcom tackled controversial themes of racism, politics, and generational conflict, making it one of the most daring British comedies of its time.
- 20Bill Oddie, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden
A surreal sketch comedy show starring Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, and Bill Oddie as three eccentric friends who offer their services for any task – no matter how unusual. The Goodies is best known for its inventive visual gags, satirical humour, and catchy musical numbers. Its absurdity and willingness to push comedic boundaries make it an enduring fan favourite.
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- 21
Mind Your Language
Barry Evans, Zara Nutley, George CamillerSet in an adult education school for foreign students learning English, Mind Your Language features Barry Evans as Mr Brown - an inexperienced but well-meaning teacher trying to manage his diverse class. Despite facing criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, the sitcom became popular due to its slapstick humour and memorable catchphrases. Its exploration of language barriers offered some insight into multiculturalism in 1970s Britain.
More Mind Your Language- #87 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 22Rudolph Walker, Kate Williams, Nina Baden-Semper
This controversial sitcom explores race relations between neighbours Eddie Booth (Jack Smethurst) – a white working-class man – and Bill Reynolds (Rudolph Walker) – a black immigrant from the West Indies. While Love Thy Neighbour is remembered for its off-colour humour, it did attempt to address racial prejudice by highlighting the absurdity of bigotry in everyday life. Despite its mixed legacy, the show's popularity led to several series and a feature film.
- 23Peter Sallis, Robert Fyfe, Russ Abbot
Launching in 1973 with an impressive run of 31 seasons until 2010, Last of the Summer Wine is Britain's longest-running comedy series. Centred around three elderly friends' misadventures in rural Yorkshire - Compo (Bill Owen), Clegg (Peter Sallis), and Foggy (Brian Wilde) - this show is a heartwarming blend of humour, nostalgia, and eccentricity. Its rich character development and gentle comedy have made it a beloved staple in British television.
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- 24Leonard Rossiter, Geoffrey Palmer, Sue Nicholls
Starring Leonard Rossiter as disillusioned executive Reginald Perrin, this darkly comic series follows his numerous attempts to escape his mundane middle-class existence. Its biting satire on corporate culture and the futility of modern life captured audiences' imaginations during its three-season run. Today, it is remembered for Rossiter's exceptional performance and its unique blend of farce, social commentary, and surrealism.
- 25Terry Scott, June Whitfield, Reginald Marsh
Terry Scott and June Whitfield star as Terry Medford – an ambitious middle-aged executive – and his wife June in this quintessential suburban sitcom. Filled with miscommunications, misunderstandings, and slapstick humour that often ensue when meddling family members or neighbours are involved, Terry and June offer a gentle and amusing take on domestic life in the 1970s. Their comic timing and effortless chemistry remain endearing to fans of classic British comedy.
- 26Windsor Davies, Melvyn Hayes, Michael Bates
Set during World War II in an Indian military camp, It Ain't Half Hot Mum focuses on a Royal Artillery Concert Party overseen by Sgt Major Williams (Windsor Davies). This ensemble sitcom portrayed the challenges faced by these unwilling entertainers while dealing with their commanding officer's bellowing temper. Despite facing criticism for racist language over time, the show's vibrant cast and memorable catchphrases ensured its popularity throughout the 1970s.
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- 27Richard Wilson, James Bolam, Peter Bowles
Set in a hospital ward, Only When I Laugh stars James Bolam, Peter Bowles, and Christopher Strauli as three long-term patients who form an unlikely friendship while dealing with their respective ailments. The witty banter between the characters and their interactions with the hospital staff make for hilarious viewing. Despite addressing serious issues like illness and mortality, this sitcom manages to strike a balance between humour and heartwarming moments.
- 28Richard O'Sullivan, Martin Shaw, Ernest Clark
Based on Richard Gordon's novels, Doctor in the House follows medical student Michael Upton (Barry Evans) and his fellow classmates as they navigate life at St Swithin's Hospital. With memorable characters such as mischievous Duncan Waring (Robin Nedwell) and stern Professor Loftus (Ernest Clark), this comedy series remains popular thanks to its blend of slapstick humour, medical mishaps, and youthful exuberance.
- 29Pauline Collins, Mollie Sugden, John Nettles
Focusing on two young women – Beryl (Polly James) and Sandra (Nerys Hughes) – sharing a flat in Liverpool, The Liver Birds is one of the first British sitcoms to explore female independence in a lighthearted manner. Its enduring success can be attributed to its engaging storylines, clever quips about single life, and standout performances from both leading actresses. The show remains highly regarded for its progressive themes.
- 30Frankie Howerd, Elizabeth Larner, Kerry Gardner
Starring comedian Frankie Howerd as Roman slave Lurcio in Ancient Pompeii, Up Pompeii! is known for its humorous take on historical events with plenty of innuendos and double entendres. Howerd's hilarious monologues delivered directly to the audience added a unique touch to this comedic romp through antiquity. Though only lasting two seasons, it spawned multiple stage productions and films.
