This ranking system is based purely on my opinions. This post is intended for debate and discussion, supporting your views with rhymes or reasons. One where we can share on social media together.
10. The Vicar of Dibley
Richard Curtis is a comedy writing genius, having written movies such as Love Actually, Notting Hill and Bean – just to name a few. However, in TV, one of his best work was The Vicar of Dibley. Geraldine Grainger (played by the lovely Dawn French, whose comedic timing is perfect) is the jolly, down-to-earth female vicar of Dibley, a small country village inhabited by oddballs. In my opinion, a much underrated sitcom.
9. Blackadder
I am a massive fan of Rowan Atkinson, from his stand up to his Mr Bean character. However, for me, he really hit the nail on the head with this sitcom that was based about the time during historical wars. The historical setting combined with the shows portrayal of cynical and quick-witted humour, as well as stellar cast, Blackadder has all the ingredients to make it into my top 10.
8. Extras
I love Ricky Gervais – I know he is marmite but personally his humour and observations are spot on. The Office isn’t in my top 10, mainly due to the fact that I didn’t find it that funny. Now that might seem contradictory to my previous statement. However, I was a teenager when it came out and didn’t understand the office work life references. Due to the amount of awards and recognition, I am willing to give that the benefit of the doubt. Extras, on the other hand, put me in tears. Fits of laughter. The comedy duo of Gervais and Merchant create a show where true Hollywood A listers, play a parody of themselves. Despite all this, it was Barry from Eastenders that stole the show after all!
7. Dad’s Army
Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s sitcom about the British Home Guard during the Second World War. A platoon of misfits making clumsy errors, led by Captain Mainwaring is a timeless piece of comedy that offered a lighter reflection of World War II. They didn’t make many episodes yet I could watch this show over and over, and still laugh. Timeless.
6. The Inbetweeners
Perfect for my generation and upbringing. I wasn’t a geek, I wasn’t one of the cool kids, I was right down the middle – I was an inbetweener. Hence, I could strongly relate to this sitcom that was juvenile, crude and immature. Just what I was. Also, one of the few TV shows in my opinion that has transferred successfully to the big screen – twice!
5. Fawlty Towers
Based upon a real life experience, John Cleese and his then wife Connie Booth then put this into a sitcom. A constantly stressed and overreacting hotel manager (John Cleese), whose incompetence and insecurities drag him down. Those around him, whose patience and loyalty knows no bounds, add to the depth of this show, which could easily focus on just Cleese. The sitcom focuses more on the madhouse of a hotel, rather than the madhouse of Basil Fawlty – despite Mr Cleese’s ingenious acting display.
4. Men Behaving Badly
In today’s world where people are finally coming round to gender equality (how long did it need to take?!), this TV show might have problems taking off. Despite the two men, Gary and Tony, trying to act like the stereotypical chauvinistic men that society pressures them into…it’s actually the women Dorothy and Deborah who hold all the power over them. This balance creates great chemistry between them as the four subsequently produce immature, juvenile and quick witted humour.
3. Porridge
Possibly Ronnie Barker’s best piece of work, as the cynical prison inmate Norman Fletcher. The cheeky chappy who sneaks and slides his way past, through and over the police officers. Porridge worked so well because it played on one’s fear of being trapped, and managed to tease both humour and vulnerability out of every situation. Highly recommendable.
2. I’m Alan Partridge
A-ha! This is Steve Coogan’s masterpiece…creating a character that will live on for generations. The Middle Englander who loves the sound of his own voice yet showing no signs of true arrogance, he is in fact low on self-esteem and socially inept. Coogan managed to conjure a character so believable that you no longer look at him as Steve Coogan for the rest of his life, but Partridge, Alan Partridge (reference to his obsession of James Bond). Again, only two seasons were made but they were jammed packed full of comedy gold. You’ll find many Partridge fanatics, like myself, constantly repeating catchphrases or excerpts…if you haven’t seen this show, don’t waste another second!
1. Only Fools and Horses
It is far and beyond THE best sitcom ever made, and in my opinion, not just British sitcom. It took a second attempt at getting off the ground but boy when it did, they flew, and flew fast – right to the top, capturing hearts in the process. This wasn’t made for my generation, however, there has been no sitcom that has ever topped this show, expressing the timelessness it beholds. We follow the Trotter family, mainly Del Boy (played by the wonderful David Jason), around South East London. Del Boy is full of charm, charisma and quick-wit – exactly what the sitcom symbolises too. The family get into many hilarious scrapes and quarrels that eventually work out for the best. It was only last night that I watched an episode I’ve seen at least 20 times, but you know what? I watched it all, from start to finish, laughing away, grinning from ear to ear. It should be boring by now, surely? Never. Not at all. It’s the best – the best of them all.
Honourable mentions to: Gavin & Stacey, Monty Python, 2 Point 4 Children, My Family, Peep Show and Bottom.
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