The place for more comedy in our lives is infinite. Big Bang Theory’s series finale had a reported 18 million viewers (over 5 million more than the Game of Thrones finale), and we’ve all re-watched every episode of Friends and, of course, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, there is a whole world of comedic content in Britain that is relatively unknown around the globe. Some of the great British comics like Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay have some incredible shows in their locker, but when you travel around the world few have heard of them.
From cheesy sitcoms like The IT Crowd, to masterpieces like Derek, there’s lots to discuss and share when it comes to British comedy, and hopefully by the end of this article you will be itching to check it all out.
Gavin & Stacey
The BBC produced series aired 3 seasons between 2007 and 2010. The series follows the long distance romance of a couple where one (Gavin) lives in Essex, England and the other (Stacey) lives in the small town of Barry Island, Wales. The series is so much more than a romantic comedy however, James Corden (Late Late Show) heads up the comedic writing of the series along with his trusted counterpart Ruth Jones. Together with popular British actors like Rob Brydon and other star names, the series portrays some truly outstanding moments and is one of those series’ that everyone knows quotes for wherever you go in the UK. Gavin and Stacey is available to watch in the US for free on the subscription platform BritBox, whilst those in the UK can catch it for free on Sky, NowTV or Netflix.
The Inbetweeners
The Inbetweeners follows a group of 4 college students and their antics when the end of their educational time is approaching. Each character is unique in the way they come across on screen - and this is what makes The Inbetweeners so great. The series lasted for 3 seasons, and they even made 2 films out of it which were well received. The Inbetweeners is available to stream in the US on Netflix, however be aware that there was a US version of the show made, it was that badly received it didn’t make it past the pilot! If you are in the UK, you can find all episodes on 4oD.
Peep Show
Peep Show follows a pair of dysfunctional ‘friends’ Mark Corrigan (David Mitchell) and Jeremy Usborne (Robert Webb). The pair live in a small, unfurnished apartment block in South London and live relatively boring lives, but Mitchell & Webb bring the show to life and bounce off each other, giving the show a really unique vibe.
The camera shots in the series are all from cameras placed on the actors heads, giving the show a really intimate and different type of humor that hasn’t been seen before in the UK. It’s no surprise that it was Channel 4 who produced this series, as they are extremely prestigious when it comes to original comedy content. Both actors made their name for themselves following this series and have gone on to be star names in other sketch shows and British comedy panel shows. You can find Peep Show in the US on prime video (although not free!) and in the UK on Sky or Netflix.
Friday Night Dinner
Friday Night Dinner is another Channel 4 produced show (you’re getting the pattern here), and includes one of the main actors from The Inbetweeners (Simon Bird), and his family who convene for, you guessed it, Friday Night Dinner once a week. This show is hilarious, dry and witty and will have you in genuine stitches. The star of the show is a creepy neighbor called Jim, and it’s not even worth explaining what he’s like in the series because it’s a true ‘have to be there’ type of humor. Friday Night Dinner is available on Hulu in the US, and on Sky, Netflix, and 4oD in the UK.
I’m Alan Partridge
I’m Alan Partridge is a sitcom produced by the BBC, where comedian Steve Coogan is a fictional radio presenter for a mediocre, not very well listened to station in Norwich, England. The show would remind you of The UK Office in terms of the inappropriate nature Alan Partridge portrays himself as, in the UK people refer to this as ‘Brent-like’ (inspired by David Brent, the main character in The UK Office). The series took some years away off-screen but returned recently where Alan was a talkshow host and its safe to say he hasn’t lost his touch.
The series is not yet available in the US, but is likely to be on BritBox in the coming months, and is available in the UK on Sky and the BBC iPlayer app now.
Extras
A Ricky Gervais star-studded show following himself as an aspiring actor, and coming into contact with various super-famous celebrities who are filming TV shows and films. This show is great for showing people such as Ben Stiller and Daniel Radcliffe becoming the victim to some of Gervais’ dark and chaotic humor, and it’s a great to watch if you have binged all of The Office and need some more Gervais content. Extras can be streamed in the US on Netflix and on Sky, Now TV and Netflix in the UK.
Derek
Guess what? More Ricky Gervais content! A lot of people are familiar with After Life which was released in 2019 on Netflix globally, but Derek is a lot like this show and possibly more humorous.
It follows the life of Derek, who works in a retirement home as a care worker. His colleagues include a miserable janitor, played by the brilliant Karl Pilkington and will have you in tears of laughter but also sadness. If you liked After Life, definitely give this a go. It’s available to stream in the US and UK on Netflix.
Outnumbered
Outnumbered is a sitcom about a British family going about their normal day-to-day life, however as boring as it sounds, this is why its so fantastic. The show is as true to real life family goings-on as it can be, and the things that the kids come out with to their parents will have you in stitches. It might not get the headlines that some of the other star studded series’ will get, but this is definitely worth watching if you want a hilarious insight into a typical British home. Outnumbered is available to stream in the US on Hulu and in the UK on Netflix.
The IT Crowd
Think Silicon Valley, but more of a 90s sitcom vibe, and in England. The IT crowd is a cheesy take on 2 computer nerds and their day-to-day activities in a run-down office environment. It was one of the first comedies that Channel 4 got real recognition for, and even won an Emmy award for comedy as well as a multitude of BAFTAs. The IT Crowd can be streamed in the US on Netflix, and the UK on Sky, Netflix and 4oD.
