The Best British Sitcoms Of The '90s
- 1David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Buster Merryfield
Only Fools and Horses, a legendary British sitcom, aired from 1981 to 2003, and is still fondly remembered by fans today. Set in the heart of Peckham, South London, the show follows the ups and downs of the Trotter brothers, Del Boy, played by David Jason, and Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, showcasing their hilarious get-rich-quick schemes. Despite being three-wheeled van drivers flogging fake gear, the duo's endearing antics and fantastic character development solidified their place in British television history.
- #307 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #270 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- #2 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- 2Dermot Morgan, Ardal O'Hanlon, Frank Kelly
Father Ted, a hilariously irreverent sitcom, centred on the misadventures of three Irish Catholic priests living on a remote island. With an unforgettable cast, including Dermot Morgan as Father Ted, Ardal O'Hanlon as Father Dougal, and Frank Kelly as Father Jack, the show tackled religious and social issues with tongue-in-cheek humour and sharp wit. The clever combination of physical comedy, snappy dialogue, and outlandish situations made this sitcom a genuine classic.
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- #306 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
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- #245 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 3Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie
Red Dwarf, a science fiction comedy that gripped the nation, followed the adventures of Dave Lister, played by Craig Charles, the last human alive as he meanders through space with Cat, played by Danny John-Jules, Rimmer, played by Chris Barrie, and Kryten, played by Robert Llewellyn. Merging laugh-out-loud comedy with bizarre and quirky storylines, the show gained a cult following and remains a cherished part of 90s British television.
More Red Dwarf- #239 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #54 of 280 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #219 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 4Clive Swift, Josephine Tewson, Judy Cornwell
Keeping Up Appearances follows the exploits of the hilariously snobbish Hyacinth Bucket, played to perfection by Patricia Routledge, as she continually strives to impress her neighbours with her imagined social standing. Along with her long-suffering spouse, Richard, played by Clive Swift, Hyacinth navigates her way through countless awkward situations, providing audiences with plenty of laughs along the way.
- #123 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #269 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #169 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 5Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, Angus Deayton
One Foot in the Grave portrayed the life of cantankerous pensioner Victor Meldrew, played by Richard Wilson as he navigated the perils of retirement with his long-suffering wife, Margaret, played by Annette Crosbie. With its iconic catchphrase, "I don't believe it!", this sitcom brilliantly captured the frustrations and absurdities of everyday life, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike.
- 6Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha
Absolutely Fabulous showcased the larger-than-life antics of Edina, played by Jennifer Saunders, and Patsy, played by Joanna Lumley, two best friends who relish in hard partying, self-indulgence, and outlandish humour. This edgy sitcom was a captivating sample of 90s British culture and attained an iconic status thanks to its incredibly quotable catchphrases and high-calibre satire.
More Absolutely Fabulous- #185 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #147 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #273 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 7Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall
Bottom, a darkly hilarious sitcom, starred Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson as Richie and Eddie, two socially inept flatmates, who spend their days concocting schemes and causing chaos. With its slapstick humour and the unforgettable chemistry between the leading duo, Bottom secured a place in the hearts of the British public.
More Bottom- #233 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #32 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
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- 8Dawn French, Gary Waldhorn, James Fleet
The Vicar of Dibley, a heartwarming sitcom, starred Dawn French as Geraldine Granger, the first female vicar to be appointed in a small Oxfordshire village. With its colourful characters, witty dialogue, and well-timed physical comedy, the show playfully lampooned the Anglican Church while celebrating its quirks and endearing qualities.
More The Vicar of Dibley- #236 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- #152 of 259 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- #9 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- 9Martin Clunes, Neil Morrissey, Leslie Ash
Men Behaving Badly, a defining comedy of the 1990s, explored the lives of two immature flatmates, Gary, played by Martin Clunes, and Tony, played by Neil Morrissey, whose antics encapsulated the "lad culture" of the era. With Caroline Quentin and Leslie Ash portraying their respective partners Dorothy and Deborah, the sitcom employed crude humour, sexual innuendos, and slapstick comedy to expose the amusing flaws of British masculinity.
More Men Behaving Badly- #38 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #43 of 46 onThe Best American Versions of British Shows
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- 10Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Rose Hill
Allo 'Allo! was a laugh-out-loud sitcom set during World War II, focusing on the staff of Café René, a French café run by the flamboyant René Artois, played by Gorden Kaye. The show's blend of over-the-top farce, sultry characters, and memorable catchphrases made it a beloved and uniquely British take on a period of history that is usually quite serious.
More 'Allo 'Allo!- #327 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #207 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- #14 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- 11Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne
The Royle Family was a groundbreaking sitcom that focused on the everyday life of a working-class Manchester family. With exceptional performances by Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, and Ralf Little, the show boasted witty dialogue, raw emotion, and a relatable portrayal of family life, standing the test of time in the world of British television.
- 12Chris Barrie, Harriet Thorpe, Michael Burns
The Brittas Empire was a quirky sitcom following the misadventures of Gordon Brittas, played by Chris Barrie, a well-meaning but inept leisure centre manager. Filled with hilarious mishaps, catastrophes, and car-crash situations, the show provided a series of laugh-a-minute fiascos in British comedy.
More The Brittas Empire- #257 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #56 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #51 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- 13Michelle Holmes, Nicholas Lyndhurst, David Ryall
Goodnight Sweetheart, a uniquely charming sitcom, followed the life of time-travelling TV repairman Gary Sparrow, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, as he navigated between modern-day London and Blitz-era England. The show successfully balanced witty humour and poignant moments, presenting an engaging exploration of relationships, love, and the idyllic idea of a simpler time.
More Goodnight Sweetheart- #68 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #51 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #94 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- 14Steve Coogan, Phil Cornwell, Simon Greenall
I'm Alan Partridge starred Steve Coogan as the eponymous, narcissistic, and socially awkward TV presenter turned radio host, Alan. With its cringe-inducing comedy and perfectly observed details that poked fun at the subculture of the media and celebrity, I'm Alan Partridge was a true testament to Coogan's ability to embody and captivate audiences with his character-driven humour.
More I'm Alan Partridge- #50 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #41 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- #14 of 30 onThe Best British Sitcoms About Work and Co-Workers
- 15Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, Philip Bretherton
As Time Goes By starred acting heavyweights Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer as long-lost lovers Jean and Lionel, who rekindle their love affair after 38 years apart. With its heartwarming storylines, clever dialogue, and memorable characters, the show struck a chord with audiences, celebrating the power of true love across the generations.
More As Time Goes By- #174 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #24 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #39 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- 16Peter Sallis, Robert Fyfe, Russ Abbot
Last of the Summer Wine, a long-running British sitcom, chronicled the lives of three elderly friends – Compo, played by Bill Owen, Clegg, played by Peter Sallis, and Foggy, played by Brian Wilde, as they engaged in light-hearted adventures in the Yorkshire countryside. The show's gentle humour, lovable characters, and picturesque setting endeared it to viewers for decades.
- #12 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #22 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #40 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- 17Jessica Hynes, Simon Pegg, Julia Deakin
Spaced, a cult sitcom that showcased the talents of Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes, and director Edgar Wright, followed the quirky lives of aspiring comic artist Tim and aspiring writer Daisy as they share a North London flat. The show's innovative visual style, pop culture references, and tongue-in-cheek humour earned its place as a beloved gem of British television.
More Spaced- #356 of 471 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #439 of 449 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
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- 18Rowan Atkinson, Mina Anwar, James Dreyfus
The Thin Blue Line, a humorous sitcom penned by the legendary Ben Elton, delved into the day-to-day escapades of Gasforth Police Station, focusing on the personal and professional lives of its amusing characters. With its iconic performances, led by Rowan Atkinson as Inspector Raymond Fowler, the series stood out from its contemporaries, delivering timeless comedy while lampooning the nuances of British law enforcement.
- 19Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith
The League of Gentlemen, a darkly comic and twisted sitcom, was defined by its bizarre characters and unsettling storylines, penned by and starring Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, and Reece Shearsmith. Set in the fictional village of Royston Vasey, the series blended sketch comedy, character-driven situations, and eccentric horror elements that captivated and horrified audiences in equal measure.
- 20Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson, Lesley Joseph
Birds of a Feather, a winning blend of humour and drama, revolved around the lives of sisters Sharon, played by Pauline Quirke, and Tracey, played by Linda Robson, after their husbands are sent to prison. With the always-hilarious Lesley Joseph as their eccentric neighbour, Dorien, the show succeeded in bringing laughter and heart into homes, showcasing the resilience of female friendship through thick and thin.
More Birds of a Feather- #79 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #77 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- #23 of 29 onThe Best British Sitcoms Of The '80s
- 21Julie Walters, Victoria Wood, Shobna Gulati
Dinnerladies, penned by and starring the late, great Victoria Wood, was set in the workplace of a factory canteen. Based around the lives and loves of its eclectic staff, including Wood as Bren, Celia Imrie as Philippa, and Julie Walters as Petula, this warm and witty sitcom provided audiences with a relatable and comforting look at modern working life.
- 22Kathy Burke, James Dreyfus, Beth Goddard
Gimme Gimme Gimme was a campy, irreverent sitcom that featured unbearable flatmates Linda played by Kathy Burke, and Tom played by James Dreyfus, living together in a tawdry London flat. With its manic humour, memorable catchphrases, and brilliant comic performances, the show developed a loyal following for its outrageous, unapologetic style.
- 23
Drop the Dead Donkey
Sarah Alexander, Sara Stewart, Susannah DoyleDrop the Dead Donkey was a topical office-based satire set in the fictional television newsroom of Globelink News. With an ensemble cast featuring Neil Pearson, Stephen Tompkinson, and Haydn Gwynne, the series offered a sharply observed commentary on media practices, ranging from corporate greed to editorial bias. Mixing current events with relatable behind-the-scenes drama made this show a standout among its competition.
More Drop the Dead Donkey- #90 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #83 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- #36 of 170 onThe 150+ Best Channel 4 Shows
- 24Samantha Zoe Womack, Ben Chaplin, Crispin Bonham-Carter
Game On was a sitcom centred around the lives of three mismatched flatmates, agoraphobic Matthew, played by first Ben Chaplin and later Neil Stuke, promiscuous Mandy, played by Samantha Janus, and dim-witted Martin, played by Matthew Cottle. This quirky show pushed social boundaries and navigated the challenges and comedic aspects of young adulthood to fantastic effect.
- 25Rik Mayall
The New Statesman was a biting political satire starring Rik Mayall as the unscrupulous and opportunistic Conservative MP Alan B'Stard. The show garnered praise for its razor-sharp wit, outrageous plots, and scathing commentary on the British political landscape of the Thatcher era, providing an excellent vehicle for Mayall's impeccable comic timing and delivery.
More The New Statesman- #85 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #85 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
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- 26Graham Crowden, Stephanie Cole, Janine Duvitski
Waiting for God was a satirical sitcom set in Bayview Retirement Home, following two residents, feisty Diana played by Stephanie Cole, and befuddled Tom played by Graham Crowden, as they confronted the challenges of their golden years. With its sharp wit and heartfelt moments, the show provided a delightful spotlight on senior citizens while delivering a heartfelt exploration of friendship and defiance.
More Waiting for God- #51 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #37 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #9 of 49 onThe Greatest TV Shows About Senior Citizens
- 27
Bread
J. G. Devlin, Rita Tushingham, Gilly ComanBread was a popular sitcom that revolved around the tight-knit, working-class Boswell family in Liverpool. It humorously portrayed the family's daily trials and tribulations caused by their incessant money troubles and con-artistry, while also exploring their love lives. Created by Carla Lane, this show became a cultural touchstone of 1980s Britain.
More Bread- #102 of 110 onThe Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
- #100 of 203 onThe 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked
- #17 of 29 onThe Best British Sitcoms Of The '80s
- 28Norman Beaton, Carmen Munroe, Ram John Holder
Desmond's was a groundbreaking sitcom centred around the Ambrose family, who ran a barbershop in Peckham, London. The remarkable ensemble cast, led by Norman Beaton as Desmond, skillfully portrayed a range of relatable characters in a heartwarming and entertaining manner. Desmond's left an indelible mark on British television as it explored the first-generation immigrant experience with honesty and humour.
- 29Gary Waldhorn, Greg Ellis, Christopher Ellison
Brush Strokes brought the colourful life of painter and decorator Jacko, played by Karl Howman, to the small screen, proving that a comedy sizzling with sexual innuendo and witty one-liners could hit its mark. The shenanigans between the charming lothario and his clumsy assistant, Eric, played by Mike Walling, contributed to the show's enduring popularity among viewers.
- 30Eamonn Walker, Warren Mitchell, Una Stubbs
In Sickness and in Health, a follow-up to the classic Till Death Us Do Part, saw the return of Alf Garnett, played by Warren Mitchell, and his long-suffering wife Else, played by Dandy Nichols. The show continued to address controversial topics such as race, politics, and gender, doing so with its unique blend of biting humour and topical observations, while also providing a platform for illuminating social commentary.
