Best Comedies On BBC iPlayer

I knew BBC iPlayer had a great selection of comedies, but after running the numbers I’m shocked at just how many scored 7 or more on IMDb. Looks like my watchlist just got a lot longer.

There are several of my all time favourite and some newer comedies released in the last five years. My top ten recommendations would be Trying, The Mighty Boosh, Extras, Colin From Accounts, What We Do In The Shadows, Search Party, The Office (UK), Ghosts, The Thick Of It, and Fleabag. Back To Life get an honourable mention as a hidden gem.

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More best BBC iPlayer lists:
Dramas On BBC iPlayer ~ Documentaries On BBC iPlayer ~ Films On BBC iPlayer

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Inside No. 9 (2014– ) – Anthology/Dark Comedy
For fans of: Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone, Psychoville
Created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, this BAFTA-winning anthology blends horror, farce, and tragedy across standalone episodes. With twist endings and theatrical flair, it’s one of Britain’s most inventive comedies.

Yes, Prime Minister (1986–1988) – Political/Satire
For fans of: The Thick of It, House of Cards, Veep
Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne return in this razor-sharp sequel to Yes Minister, continuing the bureaucratic chess game with even higher stakes. Its satire remains eerily relevant decades later.

How To with John Wilson (2020–2023) – Docu-Comedy
For fans of: Nathan for You, Joe Pera Talks with You, Louis Theroux
Executive produced by Nathan Fielder, this Emmy-nominated series follows filmmaker John Wilson as he awkwardly explores everyday topics. With New York’s eccentric lens and philosophical detours, it’s quietly profound and hilariously strange. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

The Morecambe and Wise Show (1968–1977) – Sketch/Variety
For fans of: The Two Ronnies, Tommy Cooper, Eric & Ernie
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise became national treasures with this beloved sketch show, famed for its Christmas specials. With musical guests and timeless routines, it defined British variety comedy.

The Office (UK) (2001–2003) – Workplace/Mockumentary
For fans of: Peep Show, W1A, The Thick of It
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s mockumentary revolutionised sitcoms with its cringe-inducing realism. It earned BAFTAs and spawned a global franchise, changing comedy forever. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Still Game (2002–2019) – Scottish/Sitcom
For fans of: Rab C. Nesbitt, Early Doors, Last of the Summer Wine
Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill star as Glaswegian pensioners navigating ageing, friendship, and community. With heart and bite, it became a cult favourite across the UK. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Yes Minister (1980–1984) – Political/Satire
For fans of: Yes, Prime Minister, The Thick of It, Drop the Dead Donkey
Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne play a hapless minister and his scheming civil servant in this BAFTA-winning classic. It dissects government with wit, precision, and enduring relevance.

Fleabag (2016–2019) – Dramedy
For fans of: I May Destroy You, Chewing Gum, This Way Up
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Emmy-winning series blends fourth-wall-breaking confessionals with raw emotion. It redefined modern comedy and launched her global career. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Dad’s Army (1968–1977) – Historical/Sitcom
For fans of: Allo Allo, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi!
Set during WWII, this ensemble sitcom follows a bumbling Home Guard platoon. Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier lead a cast of British comedy legends in a national institution.

Porridge (1974–1977) – Prison/Sitcom
For fans of: Open All Hours, Rising Damp, The Likely Lads
Ronnie Barker stars as wisecracking inmate Norman Stanley Fletcher in this prison-set sitcom. Widely regarded as one of the finest British comedies ever made.

The Royle Family (1998–2012) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: Early Doors, Mum, The Detectorists
Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, and Ricky Tomlinson anchor this BAFTA-winning sitcom that finds humour in silence, telly-watching, and working-class domestic life. It’s understated, intimate, and quietly revolutionary.

Steptoe and Son (1962–1974) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: Till Death Us Do Part, Hancock’s Half Hour, Rising Damp
Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett play a father-son rag-and-bone duo locked in generational warfare. Blending pathos and punchlines, it’s a seminal British sitcom.

The League of Gentlemen (1999–2017) – Sketch/Horror
For fans of: Inside No. 9, Psychoville, The Mighty Boosh
Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson created this twisted sketch-horror hybrid set in Royston Vasey. With grotesque characters and surreal brilliance, it won a BAFTA and cult devotion.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (2018– ) – Travelogue/Comedy
For fans of: Grumpy Old Men, The Trip, Countryfile
Comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse reflect on life, health, and friendship while fishing across Britain. It’s unexpectedly tender, quietly funny, and deeply comforting.

The Young Ones (1982–1984) – Surreal/Sitcom
For fans of: Bottom, The Comic Strip Presents, Spaced
Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, and Nigel Planer star in this anarchic student sitcom that redefined alternative comedy. With surrealism and slapstick, it launched a generation of performers.

Detectorists (2014–2022) – Rural/Comedy
For fans of: The Royle Family, Mum, Toast of London
Written by and starring Mackenzie Crook alongside Toby Jones, this BAFTA-winning gem follows two metal detectorists searching for treasure and meaning. It’s gentle, poetic, and quietly hilarious.

One Foot in the Grave (1990–2000) – Dark/Sitcom
For fans of: Waiting for God, Keeping Up Appearances, Last of the Summer Wine
Richard Wilson’s Victor Meldrew became a national catchphrase in this darkly comic series about retirement and misfortune. It’s a masterclass in British indignation and absurdity.

Would I Lie to You? (2007– ) – Panel/Comedy
For fans of: QI, Have I Got News for You, Mock the Week
Hosted by Rob Brydon with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, this panel show blends bluffing and banter. It’s one of the UK’s most reliably funny formats. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

The Mighty Boosh (2004–2007) – Surreal/Musical
For fans of: Flight of the Conchords, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, Spaced
Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s psychedelic comedy mixes music, surrealism, and cult characters like Old Gregg. It’s a genre-defying journey through the absurd. WYALAN Rating – 4.5/5

The Fast Show (1994–2014) – Sketch/Comedy
For fans of: Harry Enfield and Chums, Little Britain, Big Train
Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson lead this rapid-fire sketch show packed with catchphrases and recurring characters. With surreal British humour and lightning pace, it became a 90s icon.

Ghosts (2019–2023) – Sitcom/Supernatural
For fans of: Horrible Histories, What We Do in the Shadows, Stath Lets Flats
Created by the Horrible Histories team, this BAFTA-nominated sitcom stars Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe as a couple who inherit a haunted manor. With eccentric, era-spanning spirits, it’s warm, witty, and packed with charm. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Gavin & Stacey (2007–2019) – Romantic/Sitcom
For fans of: The Vicar of Dibley, Miranda, Outnumbered
Written by and starring James Corden and Ruth Jones, this beloved rom-com sitcom follows a long-distance relationship between Essex and Barry. With standout turns from Rob Brydon and Alison Steadman, it became a national favourite.

The Thick of It (2005–2012) – Political/Satire
For fans of: Yes Minister, Veep, W1A
Armando Iannucci’s BAFTA-winning satire stars Peter Capaldi as foul-mouthed spin doctor Malcolm Tucker. With rapid-fire insults and bureaucratic chaos, it skewers Westminster with brutal precision. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Jonathan Creek (1997–2016) – Mystery/Comedy
For fans of: Death in Paradise, Sherlock, Midsomer Murders
Alan Davies plays a magician’s assistant turned amateur sleuth solving locked-room mysteries. With guest stars like Caroline Quentin and Sheridan Smith, it’s a BAFTA-winning blend of logic and eccentricity.

The Two Ronnies (1971–1987) – Sketch/Variety
For fans of: Morecambe and Wise, The Fast Show, Harry Enfield and Chums
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett deliver iconic sketches, musical parodies, and wordplay masterclasses. A cornerstone of British comedy, it remains endlessly quotable.

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995) – Sitcom
For fans of: One Foot in the Grave, Last of the Summer Wine, To the Manor Born
Patricia Routledge earned a BAFTA nomination as Hyacinth Bucket, the social-climbing snob whose attempts at refinement are constantly undermined. With farcical setups and class satire, it’s a timeless favourite.

What We Do in the Shadows (2019– ) – Mockumentary/Supernatural
For fans of: Ghosts, The Office (US), Wellington Paranormal
Based on Taika Waititi’s cult film, this mockumentary follows vampire flatmates in Staten Island. With Matt Berry and Natasia Demetriou leading the undead ensemble, it’s absurd, sharp, and surprisingly sweet. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Better Things (2016–2022) – Dramedy
For fans of: Fleabag, Catastrophe, Transparent
Pamela Adlon created, directed, and starred in this Emmy-nominated series about a single mother and working actress raising three daughters. It’s raw, funny, and deeply personal.

W1A (2014–2017) – Workplace/Satire
For fans of: Twenty Twelve, The Office (UK), The Thick of It
Hugh Bonneville and Jessica Hynes return in this BBC satire about corporate jargon and institutional absurdity inside Broadcasting House. With deadpan delivery and escalating nonsense, it’s painfully accurate.

Episodes (2011–2017) – Industry/Satire
For fans of: Extras, The Comeback, The Trip
Matt LeBlanc plays a fictionalised version of himself in this Emmy-nominated satire about British writers adapting their show for clueless Hollywood execs. It’s a sharp, self-aware look at creative compromise. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

The Trip (2010–2020) – Travelogue/Comedy
For fans of: Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, Episodes, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon tour restaurants while trading impressions and existential banter in this semi-improvised series. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, it’s a wry meditation on ego, ageing, and friendship.

Limmy’s Show (2009–2013) – Sketch/Surreal
For fans of: The League of Gentlemen, The Fast Show, Jam
Scottish comedian Brian Limond delivers surreal sketches and social satire in this cult BBC Scotland series. With Glaswegian grit and digital-age absurdity, it’s a singular voice in British comedy.

Motherland (2016– ) – Parenting/Sitcom
For fans of: Outnumbered, Catastrophe, Breeders
Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, and Diane Morgan star in this BAFTA-nominated comedy about middle-class parenting. With school-gate politics and social anxiety, it’s sharp, chaotic, and painfully relatable.

Hancock’s Half Hour (1956–1961) – Classic/Sitcom
For fans of: Steptoe and Son, Till Death Us Do Part, The Goon Show
Tony Hancock’s deadpan delivery and Galton & Simpson’s scripts defined post-war British comedy. A pioneering sitcom that shaped the genre’s future.

Our Flag Means Death (2022– ) – Historical/Comedy
For fans of: Black Sails, What We Do in the Shadows, Good Omens
Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi star in this queer pirate comedy loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet. With swashbuckling chaos and heartfelt romance, it’s a genre-defying cult hit. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

Miranda (2009–2015) – Physical/Sitcom
For fans of: Fleabag, The Vicar of Dibley, Bridget Jones’s Diary
Miranda Hart’s physical comedy and fourth-wall-breaking charm power this BAFTA-nominated sitcom. It’s awkward, joyful, and full of cake.

Upstart Crow (2016–2020) – Historical/Satire
For fans of: Blackadder, Horrible Histories, Ghosts
David Mitchell plays William Shakespeare in Ben Elton’s Elizabethan satire. With literary in-jokes and theatrical egos, it’s a clever send-up of the Bard’s legacy.

The Good Life (1975–1978) – Domestic/Sitcom
For fans of: To the Manor Born, Ever Decreasing Circles, Butterflies
Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal star as suburban self-sufficiency pioneers. With Penelope Keith’s snobbish neighbour stealing every scene, it’s a gentle classic of 70s British comedy.

Early Doors (2003–2004) – Pub/Comedy
For fans of: The Royle Family, Mum, Still Game
Craig Cash and Phil Mealey’s pub-set comedy captures the quiet rhythms of northern life. With understated humour and a warm ensemble cast, it’s a hidden gem.

People Just Do Nothing (2014–2018) – Mockumentary/Comedy
For fans of: The Office (UK), This Country, Kurupt FM: Big in Japan
This BAFTA-winning mockumentary follows the deluded crew of pirate radio station Kurupt FM. With grime culture and deadpan brilliance, it’s a modern classic.

This Time with Alan Partridge (2019–2021) – Satire/Comedy
For fans of: Knowing Me Knowing You, W1A, The Day Today
Steve Coogan returns as the inept broadcaster hosting a daytime magazine show. It skewers media tropes with cringe-inducing precision and Partridge’s signature obliviousness.

Being Human (2008–2013) – Supernatural/Dramedy
For fans of: Misfits, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fades
A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a house in Bristol. With Aidan Turner and Russell Tovey, it blends horror, humour, and heart.

Uncle (2014–2017) – Family/Comedy
For fans of: Man Like Mobeen, Frank of Ireland, Catastrophe
Nick Helm plays a slacker musician reluctantly bonding with his nephew. It’s an offbeat comedy about arrested development and unexpected family.

Outnumbered (2007–2016) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: Motherland, The Middle, Friday Night Dinner
Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis improvise their way through parenting three precocious children. This BAFTA-winning sitcom captures the chaos and comedy of family life.

Not Going Out (2006– ) – Sitcom
For fans of: My Family, Men Behaving Badly, Lee Mack’s stand-up
Lee Mack’s long-running sitcom mixes rapid-fire gags and farcical setups. With Sally Bretton and Tim Vine, it’s a dependable dose of mainstream laughs. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

Little Britain (2003–2006) – Sketch/Character
For fans of: The Fast Show, Come Fly with Me, The League of Gentlemen
Matt Lucas and David Walliams created this sketch show of grotesque characters and catchphrases. It won BAFTAs and sparked national debate for its bold, divisive humour.

The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (1976–1979) – Satire/Surreal
For fans of: The Good Life, Ever Decreasing Circles, Black Mirror (comedy episodes)
Leonard Rossiter stars as a middle-aged executive faking his own death. A surreal satire of suburban ennui and identity crises, it remains a cult favourite.

As Time Goes By (1992–2005) – Romantic/Sitcom
For fans of: The Good Life, Waiting for God, Ever Decreasing Circles
Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer play former lovers reunited after decades apart, rekindling affection through gentle humour and quiet reflection. Their chemistry anchors a series that celebrates second chances and emotional maturity.

Search Party (2016–2022) – Dark Comedy/Thriller
For fans of: Russian Doll, The White Lotus, You
Alia Shawkat leads a group of narcissistic millennials into a missing persons case that spirals into murder, cults, and existential dread. Each season reinvents the tone, shifting from satire to noir to surreal horror. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Porridge (2017) – Sitcom/Reboot
For fans of: Still Open All Hours, Dad’s Army, The Likely Lads
Kevin Bishop plays the grandson of Ronnie Barker’s Fletcher, serving time in a familiar prison with updated gags and new cellmates. It’s a respectful revival that leans on nostalgia while finding its own rhythm.

Two Doors Down (2016– ) – Suburban/Sitcom
For fans of: Keeping Up Appearances, Mum, The Royle Family
Arabella Weir and Elaine C. Smith navigate nosy neighbours and passive-aggressive hospitality in a cul-de-sac where no visit is ever brief. The show thrives on awkward silences, overbrewed tea, and social tension.

Dreaming Whilst Black (2023– ) – Dramedy
For fans of: Chewing Gum, I May Destroy You, Insecure
Adjani Salmon’s semi-autobiographical series follows a young filmmaker juggling ambition, race, and creative compromise in London. It’s sharply observed and emotionally grounded, with flashes of surreal humour.

Mum (2016–2019) – Slow-Burn/Comedy
For fans of: Detectorists, After Life, This Country
Lesley Manville plays a recently widowed woman surrounded by well-meaning but oblivious relatives. With minimal dialogue and aching restraint, the show finds beauty in the everyday.

To the Manor Born (1979–1981) – Class/Sitcom
For fans of: The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Yes Minister, Ever Decreasing Circles
Penelope Keith’s fallen aristocrat spars with nouveau riche neighbour Peter Bowles in a genteel battle of manners and property lines. Their rivalry is as much about pride as it is about real estate.

The Goes Wrong Show (2019–2021) – Slapstick/Parody
For fans of: Monty Python, The Play That Goes Wrong, Whose Line Is It Anyway?
A fictional theatre troupe stages increasingly disastrous productions, with collapsing sets, missed cues, and misplaced props. The chaos is choreographed with such precision it becomes its own kind of brilliance.

Goodness Gracious Me (1998–2001) – Sketch/Satire
For fans of: The Real McCoy, Little Britain, The Kumars at No. 42
This British Asian sketch show flips cultural stereotypes with biting wit and iconic characters like Mr “Everything Comes From India.” It broke ground for representation while delivering punchy, unforgettable comedy.

Twenty Twelve (2011–2012) – Mockumentary
For fans of: W1A, The Office (UK), The Thick of It
Hugh Bonneville and Olivia Colman lead the Olympic Deliverance Committee through jargon-filled meetings and PR disasters. It’s a masterclass in deadpan bureaucracy and institutional absurdity.

Staged (2020–2022) – Meta/Comedy
For fans of: Extras, Toast of London, The Trip
David Tennant and Michael Sheen play fictionalised versions of themselves rehearsing remotely during lockdown. Their bickering, ego clashes, and Zoom mishaps turn isolation into theatrical farce.

The Young Offenders (2018–2023) – Irish/Sitcom
For fans of: Derry Girls, Frank of Ireland, Moone Boy
Two Cork teenagers cycle into trouble, steal bikes, and dodge authority in this chaotic spin-off from the hit film. Beneath the havoc lies a surprisingly tender portrait of friendship and loyalty.

Back to Life (2019–2021) – Redemption/Dramedy
For fans of: Fleabag, This Way Up, The Outlaws
Daisy Haggard returns to her hometown after serving time, only to find her past still waiting for her. It’s a darkly comic tale of reintegration, secrets, and seaside awkwardness.

Gimme Gimme Gimme (1999–2001) – Camp/Sitcom
For fans of: Absolutely Fabulous, Vicious, Will & Grace
Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus play mismatched flatmates in a flat full of innuendo, neon, and sexual frustration. The show revels in its loud, proud, and gloriously unfiltered energy.

Starstruck (2021– ) – Rom-Com
For fans of: Lovesick, Feel Good, Notting Hill
Rose Matafeo’s one-night stand with a movie star turns into a messy, charming relationship. It’s fizzy, modern, and full of millennial cringe.

This Country (2017–2020) – Rural/Mockumentary
For fans of: People Just Do Nothing, The Office (UK), Detectorists
Two cousins loiter around Gloucestershire, filming their boredom and petty squabbles. With deadpan delivery and BAFTA wins, it’s a love letter to small-town nothingness.

Man Like Mobeen (2017–2022) – Social/Sitcom
For fans of: Citizen Khan, Top Boy (comedy moments), Mo Gilligan’s stand-up
Guz Khan’s reformed gangster tries to do right by his sister and community in Birmingham. It’s gritty, funny, and full of heart.

Trying (2020– ) – Family/Comedy
For fans of: Catastrophe, Motherland, Breeders
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith navigate the adoption process with optimism and awkward charm. Apple TV+ delivers a warm hug of a series that balances longing with laughter. WYALAN Rating – 4.5/5

Bad Education (2012–2022) – School/Sitcom
For fans of: The Inbetweeners, Big School, Fresh Meat
Jack Whitehall’s clueless teacher stumbles through lessons, field trips, and staffroom politics. With Layton Williams leading the reboot, the chaos continues with new energy.

The Wrong Mans (2013–2014) – Action/Comedy
For fans of: Killing Eve (comedy bits), Inside No. 9, Spooks (if written by comedians)
Two office workers answer a phone call and end up in a criminal conspiracy. James Corden and Mathew Baynton mix thriller tropes with British farce and unexpected heroism.

Austin (2023) – Therapy/Comedy
For fans of: Shrink, Frayed, Alma’s Not Normal
Ben Miller plays a therapist whose personal life is messier than his clients’, navigating emotional chaos and professional missteps. With sharp writing and awkward breakthroughs, the show explores vulnerability with a comic edge. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

Hebburn (2012–2013) – Regional/Sitcom
For fans of: Gavin & Stacey, The Royle Family, Early Doors
Chris Ramsey returns to his Geordie hometown with a new wife and plenty of baggage. Vic Reeves adds eccentric charm to this warm, awkward portrait of family and class.

Bluestone 42 (2013–2015) – Military/Comedy
For fans of: Blackadder Goes Forth, The Thick of It, Our Girl (comedy bits)
A bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan faces danger, boredom, and dark banter in this sharp BBC Three series. Gallows humour and camaraderie collide in a setting where tension never fully disappears.

The Catherine Tate Show (2004–2007) – Sketch/Character
For fans of: Little Britain, The Fast Show, French and Saunders
Catherine Tate’s gallery of grotesques—from stroppy teens to foul-mouthed grans—earned BAFTA nods and national catchphrases. Her versatility and timing made each sketch feel like a miniature sitcom.

Citizen Khan (2012–2016) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: Man Like Mobeen, My Family, Still Open All Hours
Adil Ray plays a self-important patriarch juggling faith, family, and community politics in Birmingham. Broad humour and cultural clashes drive this lively, audience-friendly sitcom.

Burnistoun (2010–2019) – Scottish/Sketch
For fans of: Limmy’s Show, Chewin’ the Fat, The Mitchell and Webb Look
Robert Florence and Iain Connell deliver surreal Glaswegian sketches, from haunted fridges to elevator etiquette. The show thrives on regional absurdity and deadpan delivery.

Am I Being Unreasonable? (2022) – Thriller/Comedy
For fans of: Inside No. 9, Back to Life, The Baby
Daisy May Cooper co-created and stars in this twisty tale of grief, friendship, and paranoia. With tonal shifts and emotional depth, it’s a genre-bending standout that rewards close attention.

Him & Her (2010–2013) – Intimate/Sitcom
For fans of: Mum, The Royle Family, Fleabag
Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani lounge in their flat while life unfolds around them in awkward, offbeat moments. The show finds comedy in silence, crumbs, and passive-aggressive visitors.

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More best free to watch lists:
Comedies On ITVX ~ Dramas On ITVX ~ Films On Channel 4 ~ Films To Watch On ITVX ~ Comedies On Channel 4

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Marion and Geoff (2000–2003) – Monologue/Comedy
For fans of: The Trip, Roger & Val Have Just Got In, Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
Rob Brydon’s deluded minicab driver delivers tragicomic monologues from his car, slowly revealing heartbreak beneath the optimism. It’s a masterclass in low-budget storytelling and emotional restraint.

Cuckoo (2012–2019) – Sitcom/Surreal
For fans of: Friday Night Dinner, My Family, Uncle
Greg Davies plays a baffled dad whose daughter marries a free-spirited American (Andy Samberg, then Taylor Lautner). The show veers from culture clash to surreal chaos with gleeful abandon.

After You’ve Gone (2007–2008) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: My Family, Not Going Out, 2point4 Children
Nicholas Lyndhurst plays a divorced dad juggling parenting, in-laws, and domestic chaos after his ex-wife moves abroad. The show blends traditional sitcom structure with warm performances and everyday mishaps.

Here We Go (2022– ) – Mockumentary/Family
For fans of: Outnumbered, Modern Family, Friday Night Dinner
Tom Basden’s sitcom follows a chaotic family through holidays, hobbies, and failed plans, all filmed by their teenage son. Jim Howick and Katherine Parkinson lead a cast that thrives on cringe and calamity.

Nighty Night (2004–2005) – Dark/Satire
For fans of: Psychoville, The End of the F**ing World, Julia Davis’s work*
Julia Davis stars as a sociopathic beautician who manipulates everyone around her with gleeful cruelty. The show pushes boundaries with its pitch-black humour and unflinching character work.

Lazy Susan (2020–2022) – Surreal/Sketch
For fans of: Ellie & Natasia, The Mighty Boosh, Big Train
Freya Parker and Celeste Dring deliver surreal sketches with gender satire, musical interludes, and deadpan absurdity. Their distinctive visual style and character work make each episode feel like a fever dream.

Beautiful People (2008–2009) – Coming-of-Age/Comedy
For fans of: Gimme Gimme Gimme, Vicious, Absolutely Fabulous
Luke Ward-Wilkinson plays a young Simon Doonan growing up fabulously in Reading, with Olivia Colman as his eccentric mum. It’s camp, colourful, and full of glittery nostalgia.

Scot Squad (2014–2023) – Regional/Mockumentary
For fans of: Burnistoun, People Just Do Nothing, The Office (UK)
This improvised series follows fictional Scottish police officers through petty crimes and bureaucratic blunders. With deadpan delivery and regional charm, it captures the rhythm of local life with comic precision.

Colin from Accounts (2022– ) – Romantic/Comedy
For fans of: Starstruck, Catastrophe, Offspring
A car accident and a stray dog bring two strangers together in this Australian rom-com. Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall star in a series that balances awkwardness with emotional bite. WYALAN Rating – 4/5

Ladhood (2019–2022) – Reflective/Comedy
For fans of: The Inbetweeners, Big Boys, Fresh Meat
Liam Williams narrates his teenage misadventures in Leeds, blending flashbacks with adult regret. The show explores masculinity, friendship, and cringe-worthy adolescence with sharp insight.

Laugh Lessons (2023) – Showcase/Sketch
For fans of: BBC Three’s comedy shorts, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle, Live at the Apollo (early-career acts)
Emerging comedians deliver short sketches and stand-up routines in this BBC showcase. It’s fast-moving, experimental, and full of fresh voices.

Alma’s Not Normal (2021– ) – Dramedy
For fans of: Frayed, Fleabag, Back to Life
Sophie Willan’s BAFTA-winning comedy follows a chaotic Bolton woman navigating trauma, ambition, and family dysfunction. With biting wit and emotional depth, it’s both raw and resilient.

Worzel Gummidge (2019–2022) – Fantasy/Family
For fans of: The Detectorists, The Worst Witch, The Wind in the Willows
Mackenzie Crook reimagines the talking scarecrow with a nature-loving twist, bringing whimsy and warmth to Barbara Euphan Todd’s classic. Shirley Henderson and Steve Pemberton round out a cast that feels rooted in folklore.

The Witchfinder (2022) – Historical/Comedy
For fans of: Upstart Crow, Blackadder, Ghosts
Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper embark on a 17th-century road trip as a failing witch-hunter and his sharp-tongued prisoner. Their journey is full of mud, missteps, and mordant humour.

White Van Man (2011–2012) – Workplace/Sitcom
For fans of: Not Going Out, The Cleaner, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Will Mellor inherits his dad’s handyman business and stumbles through DIY disasters and customer chaos. The show leans into working-class pride and slapstick frustration.

Henpocalypse! (2023) – Survival/Comedy
For fans of: Chewing Gum, The End of the F**ing World, Big Boys*
A hen party turns apocalyptic when a virus hits mid-celebration, leaving the bridesmaids to fend for themselves. Brash, bold, and bizarre, it’s a riot of sequins and survival tactics.

Avoidance (2022– ) – Family/Dramedy
For fans of: Motherland, Trying, Back to Life
Romesh Ranganathan plays a conflict-averse dad navigating co-parenting and emotional growth. The show finds quiet humour in running away from everything that matters.

Wreck (2022– ) – Horror/Comedy
For fans of: Scream (if written by Channel 4), The Baby, Inside No. 9
Set aboard a cruise ship, this slasher-inspired series follows a young man investigating his sister’s disappearance. With masked killers and Gen Z chaos, it’s gleefully unhinged.

Pls Like (2017–2021) – Satire/Mockumentary
For fans of: Nathan Barley, The Office (UK), Search Party
Liam Williams skewers influencer culture in this dry, meta series about vlogging, branding, and online fame. It’s painfully accurate and brilliantly uncomfortable.

Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001–2011) – Sitcom
For fans of: Gavin & Stacey, The Inbetweeners, Gimme Gimme Gimme
Will Mellor and Sheridan Smith star in this raunchy Runcorn-set comedy about young adulthood, relationships, and pub banter. The show revels in its crude humour and regional swagger.

The Cleaner (2021– ) – Crime/Comedy
For fans of: Inside No. 9, The Goes Wrong Show, The Detectorists
Greg Davies plays a crime scene cleaner who gets entangled in the lives of those left behind. With guest stars like Helena Bonham Carter and David Mitchell, each episode becomes a miniature character study. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

Mister Winner (2020) – Physical/Sitcom
For fans of: Mr Bean, Spencer Jones’s The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk, Lee and Dean
Spencer Jones plays a well-meaning disaster magnet whose attempts at normal life spiral into slapstick chaos. With visual gags and gentle pacing, the show leans into awkward charm rather than punchlines.

Give My Head Peace (1998–2020) – Political/Satire
For fans of: The Blame Game, Derry Girls, Father Ted
This Northern Irish sitcom skewers sectarian politics through exaggerated characters and regional farce. Its longevity reflects both its bold humour and its local resonance.

Black Ops (2023– ) – Thriller/Comedy
For fans of: Killing Eve (comedy bits), The Wrong Mans, Famalam
Two community support officers stumble into a criminal conspiracy, triggering a chaotic blend of undercover mishaps and moral dilemmas. Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun lead with sharp timing and escalating tension.

Mrs Brown’s Boys (2011– ) – Family/Sitcom
For fans of: The Royle Family, Are You Being Served?, All Round to Mrs Brown’s
Brendan O’Carroll’s foul-mouthed matriarch breaks the fourth wall and the rules of taste in this broad BBC hit. Loved by audiences and loathed by critics, it thrives on chaos and crowd laughter.

My Family (2000–2011) – Domestic/Sitcom
For fans of: Not Going Out, After You’ve Gone, 2point4 Children
Robert Lindsay and Zoë Wanamaker anchor a middle-class household plagued by miscommunication, teenage rebellion, and marital fatigue. With over 100 episodes, it became one of the BBC’s most enduring sitcoms.

Bob Servant (2013–2015) – Regional/Comedy
For fans of: Still Game, Rab C. Nesbitt, The Thick of It
Brian Cox trades gravitas for delusion as a burger tycoon turned political candidate in Dundee. His campaign is full of bluster, bravado, and baffling slogans.

Famalam (2018–2020) – Sketch/Satire
For fans of: Goodness Gracious Me, The Real McCoy, SNL (UK edition)
Samson Kayo and Gbemisola Ikumelo headline this fast-paced sketch show celebrating Black British culture through parody and punchy satire. From Nollywood spoofs to superhero send-ups, it’s bold and genre-fluid. WYALAN Rating – 3/5

Ellie & Natasia (2022– ) – Surreal/Sketch
For fans of: Lazy Susan, The Mighty Boosh, Smack the Pony
Ellie White and Natasia Demetriou deliver musical absurdity, feminist rage, and character-driven chaos in this BBC Two showcase. Their sketches veer from the mundane to the grotesque with gleeful unpredictability.

Peacock (2022) – Workplace/Sitcom
For fans of: Starstruck, Dreaming Whilst Black, Big Boys
Lucien Laviscount plays a gym instructor grappling with vanity, insecurity, and a looming midlife crisis. Set among protein shakes and motivational slogans, the show satirises masculinity in meltdown.

King Gary (2020–2021) – Suburban/Sitcom
For fans of: Gavin & Stacey, The Cockfields, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps
Tom Davis and Laura Checkley portray a couple chasing status in a world of barbecues, banter, and boundary disputes. Beneath the bravado lies a surprisingly tender portrait of working-class aspiration.