Britain's Best Sitcom

In  2004 the BBC held a nation-wide contest for Brits to decide their favorite sitcom of all time (spoiler alert: Only Fools and Horses won!) Each episode featured a celebrity championing a sitcom and making its case to be chosen; I've desperately tried to find the episodes online, with some luck thanks to YouTube. SO I thought while I kept looking I'd give you a brief rundown on my thoughts for each one. You're welcome.

Blackadder

Fantastic showcase for Rowan Atkinson and an early peek at the brilliance of Richard Curtis (and, later, Ben Elton.) May be the only sitcom in which the last season is also its greatest; the final scene may be the greatest final scene of any sitcom ever.

Fawlty Towers

Relentless in its comedy. The blueprint for future sitcoms who saw the upside to ending after only 12 episodes. John Cleese at his most John Cleeseiest.

The Good Life

Fantastic show in the prime of the “Golden Age” of British sitcom; one of the first to have side characters who actually outshone the leads. Margo and Jerry would go on to star in sitcoms such as To the Manor Born and Yes, Minister, one of which is on this list and one which should be.

Yes, Minister

The show that gave birth to all the shows we now love such as The Thick of It and Veep. Perfect comedy vehicle for The Good Life’s Paul Eddington, and serves up another great character in Humphrey.

One Foot in the Grave

Haven’t seen it yet.

Porridge

Ronnie Barker’s signature show in an amazing career (also starred in Open All Hours with David Jason of Only Fools and Horses.) Amazing writing, and any scene of his with Richard Beckinsale is a must-watch. This in the pantheon for sure.

Only Fools and Horses

I’ve been breathlessly panting about this show for years on this blog so I will stop here: The Greatest.

Open All Hours

Davids Jason and Ronnie Barker are the perfect combination. The genius of having such a simple setting works because of the two of them, and it’s great to see the very DNA of British comedy culminate in one frame.

Vicar of Dibley

Typically cozy-but-hilarious BBC sitcom of the 90’s. Geraldine Granger is an all-time character and each and every suppotting character could be a lead themselves. And giving Roger Lloyd-Pack from Only Fools and Horses another character to shine in is priceless.

Dad’s Army

Haven’t seen it yet.  (Got the dvds!)