10 Best British Sitcoms Of The Past Decade | ScreenRant
Over the last ten years, there have been a lot of memorable British sitcoms that have made audiences laugh. Despite a few shows only lasting a couple of years, some have accrued a cult following among the public due to its iconic storylines and dry-witted humor. Some have also accrued a following due to the sitcoms being a launchpad for several actors' careers.
There have even been several shows that have proven to be such a hit among the public, a few writers have adapted them for American tv (e.g. The Office, Shameless). Here are just a couple of examples of some of the most successful sitcoms in the last decade...
10 Brassic
One of the relatively new sitcoms that have been a hit amongst the British public is Brassic. Starring Dominic West, Joe Gilgun, and Michelle Keegan, Brassic follows the lives of a group of working-class friends who find themselves involved in several heists.
However, the group's leader, Vinnie (Gilgun), finds himself in a spot of bother when he ends up trying to con the wrong person. Much hilarity enthuses as he and his friends try to come up with a solution to get them off his back. If people liked Shameless and This is England, this is a show for them.
9 Chewing Gum
Starring and written by Michaela Coel, Chewing Gum is another British sitcom that attained quite a cult following among British and American public. Set in London, the show mainly followed the life of 24-year-old Tracey Gordon, who realizes she is ready for sexual awakening and to start pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
However, since she has been raised in a pious Christian household, Tracey finds her knowledge in these areas is limited, which often leads to some socially-awkward situations. Nevertheless, people enjoyed the sitcom as it is very outlandish and socially stimulating...
8 Friday Night Dinner
Another sitcom that has been quite popular among the British public is Friday Night Dinner. Starring Tasmin Greig and Paul Ritter, the show mainly focuses on the Goodman family, who come together every Friday night to have their Shabbat dinner. Most of the time, the Goodmans dinners descend into chaos as they are often ruined by nosy neighbors and relatives.
While the last few years have seen a rise in the number of sketches and dark comedies, Friday Night Dinner mainly uses cringe and slapstick comedy to garner laughs. If one enjoyed Peep Show or Green Wing, they would like this.
7 Bad Education
Starring Michelle Gomez and Jack Whitehall, Bad Education was also seen to be another memorable sitcom. Set in the fictional school of Abbey Grove, the series follows the life of Alfie Wickers (Whitehall), a secondary (high) school history teacher and his form room, Class K (otherwise known as a homeroom in America.)
Here, the viewers see them get into all sorts of shenanigans, with Alfie often getting roped into the student and staff drama while trying to balance his responsibilities. Although some didn't like that it perpetuated several stereotypes, a lot of people thoroughly enjoyed the character development and script. So much so that the writers managed to release a movie shortly after...
6 Cuckoo
Another British sitcom that also accrued worldwide success was Cuckoo. Starring an array of stars, including Andy Samberg, Taylor Lautner, and Andie MacDowell, the show mainly focuses on the Thompson family, whose lives are upheaved when they discover a major secret.
While cast changes often discourage people from continuing with the show, Cuckoo managed to maintain the audience due to the good scriptwriting and character development. It also sees the divide between British and American comedy blur, meaning its aim is to encompass all senses of humor.
5 Benidorm
Starring, Johnny Vegas, Steve Pemberton, and John Challis, many people would say that Benidorm was also one of their guilty pleasure sitcoms. Mainly set in the Solana Resort, the series follows the lives of several holidaymakers who tend to stay a week at the all-inclusive hotel.
Although they arrive separately, a lot of the characters find their stories are intertwined and form strong bonds with one another. Everyone staying at the resort also finds themselves embroiled in some highly dramatic and comedic situations, ranging from a hostage situation to a hotel robbery. The show was so popular that it ran for ten consecutive years...
4 The Inbetweeners
Most people would probably say that The Inbetweeners was another sitcom that defined their teenage years as many could relate to the gang. Starring Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, Blake Harrison, and James Buckley, the show follows the lives of four teenage boys who often find themselves at the bottom of the social ladder.
Together, they attempt to increase their social standing by attending parties, school gatherings, and extracurriculars. However, the boys often do something that ends up backfiring and makes the situation more awkward for themselves. Nevertheless, fans loved watching the chemistry between the group dynamics so much that it accrued two movies after.
3 Fleabag
The Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning Fleabag has proven to be one of the decade's biggest hits. Starring and written by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series follows the life of a young woman who is trying to come to terms with the death of a close friend. Despite coming from a dysfunctional family, "Fleabag" is also seen trying to maintain a relationship with her father and sister. However, this isn't always possible as many obstacles get in the way.
The show was a hit amongst the UK and US audiences, with critics praising Waller-Bridge for her profane and witty writing. The fans also loved that the show was grounded in realism as it engaged with taboo topics. Although it lasted only two seasons, it was still emotionally satisfying.
2 Peter Kay's Car Share
With Peter Kay already having mass success with Phoenix Nights, Max & Paddy, and Britain's Got the Pop Factor, it wasn't surprising that Car Share was a hit show too. With the comedian featuring alongside Sian Gibson, the show follows the lives of John and Kayleigh, who cross paths after their company pairs them up in a carpooling scheme.
Here, the viewers see the two bond over music and their personal lives as they are forced to commute to work together. Soon, it becomes clear that their bond runs deeper than friendship as John and Kayleigh grow stronger. Not only is the writing comedy gold but the chemistry between them feels so natural because a lot of the dialogue is unscripted too. If someone has yet to see it, it may be worth a second look...
1 Gavin & Stacey
Although the series had finished it 2010, Gavin & Stacey made a triumphant return in 2019 for a one-off Christmas special. While the show mainly focused on the titular characters' married life, fans grew to love the romance that occurred between Nessa and Smithy.
They also loved how the show explored the family dynamics between the Shipmans and the Wests, especially as the viewers see the two cultures coming together. While one would think the novelty of the show would have worn off, figures revealed that the 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched tv comedy in the UK in 17 years. It seems no matter how much time had passed, no one ever gets fed up with the show.