15 Classic British Sitcoms That Still Make Us Laugh

British sitcoms have given audiences some of the most memorable characters and funniest stories on television. These shows continue to bring joy to both longtime fans and new viewers. They remind us of the charm and humor that only British comedy can deliver. With that in mind, let us take a look back at classics that never lose their spark.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Fawlty Towers

Fawlty Towers first aired in 1975 and starred John Cleese as Basil Fawlty. The show followed the misadventures of a rude and incompetent hotel owner in Torquay. Alongside Cleese, Prunella Scales played his sharp-tongued wife Sybil, and Andrew Sachs appeared as the hapless waiter Manuel. Each episode highlighted Basil’s temper and poor management, leading to hilarious chaos. Although it ran for only two series, it became a worldwide classic. Its humor feels timeless, and audiences still laugh at Basil’s frantic attempts to keep order.

What makes Fawlty Towers endure is its clever mix of physical comedy and witty dialogue. The misunderstandings between Basil, his guests, and Manuel remain laugh-out-loud funny. John Cleese’s energy and exaggerated expressions elevate the comedy to another level. The small number of episodes allowed the show to stay sharp without losing its charm. Many sitcoms since have tried to match its style, but few have succeeded. Watching it today proves why it still sits among the finest comedies ever made.

Dad’s Army

Dad’s Army aired from 1968 to 1977 and starred Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, and Clive Dunn. The sitcom was set during World War II and followed a group of volunteer soldiers in the Home Guard. The humor came from their lack of military experience and the clash of personalities within the group. Captain Mainwaring, played by Lowe, was pompous yet lovable. Sergeant Wilson, portrayed by Le Mesurier, acted as his calm counterpart. The silly antics of the elderly Corporal Jones, played by Dunn, added plenty of laughs.

This sitcom remains loved for its mix of warmth and comedy. The humor never mocked the war effort but celebrated the resilience of ordinary people. It showed how even the most unprepared group could find courage in funny and touching ways. The catchphrases, such as Don’t panic, are still remembered by fans. Families across generations continue to enjoy it on reruns. It is proof that gentle humor can remain relevant and entertaining.

Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses began in 1981 and starred David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney. The sitcom focused on two brothers trying to make money through dodgy deals in Peckham, London. Their dream was to get rich quickly, but things rarely worked out. The supporting cast included Lennard Pearce and later Buster Merryfield as Uncle Albert. The mix of slapstick and heartfelt moments made it stand out. It remained on air until 2003, with several specials.

The show is still loved because of its relatable characters and memorable catchphrases. Del Boy’s phrase Lovely jubbly remains part of British culture. Viewers laughed at the ridiculous schemes but also connected with the family bond. Iconic moments, like Del Boy falling through the bar, are replayed even today. It won numerous awards and is considered one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. Its ability to balance comedy with heart keeps it enjoyable for new and old audiences alike.

The Vicar of Dibley

This sitcom aired from 1994 to 2007 and starred Dawn French as Geraldine Granger. She played a female vicar who arrived in a small English village after the Church of England allowed women priests. The comedy came from Geraldine’s modern outlook clashing with the quirky villagers. Characters like Alice, played by Emma Chambers, added charm and laughter. Each episode ended with Geraldine and Alice sharing a joke, which became a tradition. The mix of lighthearted humor and community spirit made it special.

It remains a favorite because of its gentle humor and memorable cast. Dawn French’s warm yet witty performance made Geraldine iconic. The villagers’ odd habits, such as Jim’s stammering No, no, no, yes, still draw laughs. It also touched on deeper themes while keeping the comedy front and center. The Christmas and New Year specials became holiday traditions for many families. Even today, it continues to bring smiles whenever it is replayed.

Blackadder

Blackadder ran between 1983 and 1989, with Rowan Atkinson leading the cast. The sitcom had four different series, each set in a different period of British history. Atkinson played Edmund Blackadder, a cynical and witty character, while Tony Robinson played his dim-witted servant Baldrick. Each era placed the characters in absurd situations with clever wordplay. The supporting cast included Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Tim McInnerny. The combination of history and sharp comedy made it unique.

The show remains popular for its smart humor and memorable quotes. Baldrick’s phrase I have a cunning plan still brings laughter. Each series offered a fresh take while keeping the same comic tension. The final episode set in World War I is considered one of the most powerful sitcom endings ever made. Fans continue to enjoy the mix of satire and silliness. It shows how comedy can reflect history while staying entertaining.

Are You Being Served

This sitcom aired from 1972 to 1985 and was set in a London department store. The cast included Frank Thornton, Mollie Sugden, John Inman, and Trevor Bannister. The comedy came from the store’s quirky staff and their daily interactions. Mr. Humphries, played by Inman, became one of the standout characters with his flamboyant personality. Mrs. Slocombe, played by Sugden, was known for her colorful wigs and innuendos. The workplace setting allowed endless humorous situations.

The humor was cheeky and sometimes risqué, which made it different from many sitcoms at the time. Its catchphrases and double entendres became iconic. The characters were exaggerated yet lovable, which kept audiences tuning in. It also highlighted the British class system in a funny way. Fans still revisit it for its silly charm. Its influence can be seen in later workplace comedies.

Keeping Up Appearances

Keeping Up Appearances aired from 1990 to 1995 and starred Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket. Hyacinth insisted her surname be pronounced Bouquet, which reflected her obsession with social status. The sitcom followed her constant attempts to climb the social ladder. Clive Swift played her long-suffering husband Richard, while Josephine Tewson played their neighbor Elizabeth. Hyacinth’s relatives, who embarrassed her, provided additional comedy. The mix of character humor and social satire kept it engaging.

It remains a classic because Hyacinth’s antics are still relatable. Her exaggerated manners and failed attempts at refinement are endlessly funny. Patricia Routledge’s performance made Hyacinth unforgettable. The supporting cast balanced her perfectly, creating constant humorous tension. Audiences enjoy rewatching her efforts to impress guests and neighbors. The show continues to air worldwide, proving its staying power.

Porridge

Porridge ran from 1974 to 1977 and starred Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher. The sitcom was set in a British prison and followed Fletcher’s attempts to cope with life behind bars. Richard Beckinsale played Lennie Godber, a young inmate learning from Fletcher. Fulton Mackay played the strict prison officer Mr. Mackay. The humor came from Fletcher’s clever ways of dealing with authority. The mix of prison life and comedy made it unique.

The show is remembered for its sharp writing and strong performances. Ronnie Barker balanced comedy with warmth, making Fletcher likable. The friendship between Fletcher and Godber gave the sitcom heart. It managed to find humor in an unusual setting without being harsh. Many fans still consider it one of Barker’s finest works. Its ability to remain funny decades later proves its strength.

The IT Crowd

The IT Crowd aired from 2006 to 2013 and starred Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Katherine Parkinson. The sitcom was set in the IT department of a large company. Moss, played by Ayoade, and Roy, played by O’Dowd, dealt with the absurdity of office life. Their boss Jen, played by Parkinson, had no technical knowledge but tried to manage the team. The humor came from workplace absurdities and awkward social situations. Its quirky style quickly gained a loyal audience.

It is still loved because of its unique characters and memorable catchphrases. Moss’s awkwardness and Roy’s sarcasm made a perfect comedic pair. The episode The Work Outing is considered one of the funniest in modern sitcom history. The show poked fun at both corporate culture and geek stereotypes. Fans continue to quote lines like Have you tried turning it off and on again. Even though it ended, its humor remains fresh and relevant.

Yes Minister or Yes, Prime Minister

This sitcom first aired in 1980 and starred Paul Eddington as Jim Hacker. The show followed the life of a government minister, later Prime Minister, dealing with political challenges. Nigel Hawthorne played Sir Humphrey Appleby, a clever civil servant, while Derek Fowlds played Bernard Woolley. The humor came from the clash between politics and bureaucracy. The writing offered sharp wit and commentary on British government. It was highly praised for its realism and humor.

The series is still praised for its clever take on politics. Sir Humphrey’s long, confusing speeches remain memorable. Jim Hacker’s struggles with decision-making felt both funny and believable. It has been used even in academic settings to explain government workings. Fans continue to laugh at how relevant the jokes still feel. It shows how political comedy can stand the test of time.

The Office (UK)

The Office aired from 2001 to 2003 and starred Ricky Gervais as David Brent. The sitcom was filmed in a mockumentary style, making it feel like real office life. It focused on the everyday interactions of employees at a paper company in Slough. The supporting cast included Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, and Lucy Davis. The awkward humor and cringeworthy situations stood out from other comedies. It became a global success and inspired many adaptations.

Its appeal comes from the mix of humor and realism. Ricky Gervais created a character who was both ridiculous and oddly familiar. The awkward silences and embarrassing moments still make viewers laugh. Martin Freeman’s role as Tim, with his dry wit, balanced the show perfectly. It remains an important influence on modern sitcoms. Watching it today still makes people laugh at the quirks of everyday office life.

Last of the Summer Wine

Last of the Summer Wine holds the record as the longest-running sitcom, airing from 1973 to 2010. It followed a group of elderly men in Yorkshire getting into silly adventures. The main trio changed over the years, but early stars included Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, and Brian Wilde. The show focused on lighthearted mischief rather than heavy storylines. Its setting in the countryside gave it a unique charm. Families often watched it together on Sunday evenings.

Its longevity shows how much audiences loved its gentle humor. The slapstick moments, such as rolling down hills in bathtubs, remain memorable. It showed that comedy can work at a slow and steady pace. The changing cast allowed it to stay fresh for decades. Fans still return to it for its comforting style. It continues to hold a special place in British television history.

The Young Ones

This sitcom aired from 1982 to 1984 and starred Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, Nigel Planer, and Christopher Ryan. The show followed four chaotic students living together in a house. The characters included anarchic Rik, violent Vyvyan, gloomy Neil, and cool Mike. The humor was loud, absurd, and often surreal. Music performances were also part of the episodes. Its wild style made it stand out from traditional sitcoms.

The show still makes audiences laugh with its outrageous energy. Each episode felt unpredictable, mixing slapstick, satire, and surreal jokes. It reflected youth culture of the early 1980s with exaggerated characters. Rik Mayall’s over-the-top delivery remains unforgettable. Many comedians today credit it as a major influence. Watching it now still brings the same chaotic fun.

Absolutely Fabulous

Absolutely Fabulous first aired in 1992 and starred Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. The sitcom followed Edina and Patsy, two middle-aged women obsessed with fashion, drinking, and partying. Julia Sawalha played Edina’s sensible daughter Saffron, who often clashed with her mother. The outrageous behavior of the main characters provided endless laughs. Its glamorous yet ridiculous style stood out from other comedies. It remained popular for years with specials and returns.

It is still remembered for its unique blend of satire and silliness. Saunders and Lumley made a perfect comedic pair. Their over-the-top personalities still feel fresh and entertaining. The clash between Edina and Saffron gave the show heart alongside the humor. Its influence can still be seen in modern female-led comedies. Fans continue to laugh at the antics of Edina and Patsy whenever it reairs.

British sitcoms have left a lasting mark on television with their timeless humor and iconic characters. They remind us that comedy can be simple yet meaningful, offering laughter that never fades. Whether you grew up with these shows or are discovering them now, they still feel fresh and entertaining. Revisit them and enjoy the joy they continue to share with audiences around the world.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.