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.
More best BBC iPlayer lists:
Dramas On BBC iPlayer ~ Documentaries On BBC iPlayer ~ Films On BBC iPlayer
Inside No. 9 (2014– ) – IMDb 8.9
Created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, this BAFTA-winning anthology blends dark comedy and horror across standalone episodes with twist endings and theatrical flair.
Yes, Prime Minister (1986–1988) – IMDb 8.9
Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne return in this razor-sharp political satire, continuing the bureaucratic chess game with even higher stakes and enduring relevance.
How To with John Wilson (2020–2023) – IMDb 8.8
Executive produced by Nathan Fielder, this Emmy-nominated docu-comedy follows filmmaker John Wilson as he awkwardly explores everyday topics through New York’s eccentric lens.
The Morecambe and Wise Show (1968–1977) – IMDb 8.8
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise became national treasures with this beloved sketch and variety show, known for its Christmas specials and guest stars like André Previn.
The Office (UK) (2001–2003) – IMDb 8.8
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s mockumentary revolutionised sitcoms with its cringe-inducing realism, earning BAFTAs and spawning a global franchise.
Still Game (2002–2019) – IMDb 8.7
Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill star as Glaswegian pensioners navigating ageing, friendship, and community in this cult Scottish sitcom with heart and bite.
Yes Minister (1980–1984) – IMDb 8.7
This BAFTA-winning political comedy stars Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne as a hapless minister and his scheming civil servant, dissecting government with wit and precision.
Fleabag (2016–2019) – IMDb 8.7
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Emmy-winning series blends fourth-wall-breaking confessionals with raw emotion, redefining modern comedy and launching her global career.
Dad’s Army (1968–1977) – IMDb 8.7
Set during WWII, this classic ensemble sitcom follows a bumbling Home Guard platoon, with Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier leading a cast of British comedy legends.
Porridge (1974–1977) – IMDb 8.6
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) – IMDb 8.6
Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, and Ricky Tomlinson anchor this BAFTA-winning sitcom that finds humour in silence, telly-watching, and working-class domestic life.
Steptoe and Son (1962–1974) – IMDb 8.6
Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett play a father-son rag-and-bone duo locked in generational warfare, blending pathos and punchlines in this seminal sitcom.
The League of Gentlemen (1999–2017) – IMDb 8.4
Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson created this twisted sketch-horror hybrid set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey, winning a BAFTA for its surreal brilliance.
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (2018– ) – IMDb 8.4
Comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse reflect on life, health, and friendship while fishing across Britain in this unexpectedly tender and funny travelogue.
The Young Ones (1982–1984) – IMDb 8.4
Rik Mayall, Adrian Edmondson, and Nigel Planer star in this anarchic, surreal student sitcom that redefined alternative comedy and launched a generation of performers.
Detectorists (2014–2022) – IMDb 8.4
Written by and starring Mackenzie Crook alongside Toby Jones, this BAFTA-winning gem follows two metal detectorists searching for treasure and meaning in rural England.
One Foot in the Grave (1990–2000) – IMDb 8.3
Richard Wilson’s Victor Meldrew became a national catchphrase in this darkly comic series about retirement, misfortune, and British indignation.
Would I Lie to You? (2007– ) – IMDb 8.3
Hosted by Rob Brydon with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, this panel show blends bluffing and banter into one of the UK’s most reliably funny formats.
The Mighty Boosh (2004–2007) – IMDb 8.3
Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s psychedelic comedy mixes music, surrealism, and cult characters like Old Gregg in a genre-defying journey through the absurd.
The Fast Show (1994–2014) – IMDb 8.3
Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson lead this rapid-fire sketch show packed with catchphrases, recurring characters, and surreal British humour.
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
Ghosts (2019–2023) – IMDb 8.1
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 filled with eccentric, era-spanning spirits.
Gavin & Stacey (2007–2019) – IMDb 8.1
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.
The Thick of It (2005–2012) – IMDb 8.1
Armando Iannucci’s BAFTA-winning political satire stars Peter Capaldi as foul-mouthed spin doctor Malcolm Tucker, skewering Westminster with rapid-fire insults and bureaucratic chaos.
Jonathan Creek (1997–2016) – IMDb 8.0
Alan Davies plays a magician’s assistant turned amateur sleuth solving locked-room mysteries, with guest stars like Caroline Quentin and Sheridan Smith across its BAFTA-winning run.
The Two Ronnies (1971–1987) – IMDb 8.0
Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett deliver iconic sketches, musical parodies, and wordplay masterclasses in this legendary BBC variety show.
Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995) – IMDb 8.0
Patricia Routledge earned a BAFTA nomination as Hyacinth Bucket, the social-climbing snob whose attempts at refinement are constantly undermined by her chaotic family.
What We Do in the Shadows – IMDb 8.0
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.
Better Things (2016–2022) – IMDb 8.0
Pamela Adlon created, directed, and starred in this Emmy-nominated dramedy about a single mother and working actress raising three daughters in Los Angeles.
W1A (2014–2017) – IMDb 8.0
Hugh Bonneville and Jessica Hynes return in this BBC satire about corporate jargon and institutional absurdity inside Broadcasting House, spun off from Twenty Twelve.
Episodes (2011–2017) – IMDb 7.9
Matt LeBlanc plays a fictionalised version of himself in this Emmy-nominated satire about British writers adapting their show for clueless Hollywood execs.
The Trip (2010–2020) – IMDb 7.9
Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon tour restaurants while trading impressions and existential banter in this semi-improvised travelogue directed by Michael Winterbottom.
Limmy’s Show (2009–2013) – IMDb 7.9
Scottish comedian Brian Limond delivers surreal sketches and social satire in this cult BBC Scotland series, blending absurdity with Glaswegian grit.
Motherland (2016– ) – IMDb 7.9
Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch, and Diane Morgan star in this BAFTA-nominated comedy about middle-class parenting and competitive school-gate politics.
Hancock’s Half Hour (1956–1961) – IMDb 7.9
Tony Hancock’s deadpan delivery and Galton & Simpson’s scripts defined post-war British comedy in this pioneering radio and TV sitcom.
Our Flag Means Death (2022– ) – IMDb 7.8
Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi star in this queer pirate comedy loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet, blending swashbuckling chaos with heartfelt romance.
Miranda (2009–2015) – IMDb 7.8
Miranda Hart’s physical comedy and fourth-wall-breaking charm power this BAFTA-nominated sitcom about awkwardness, independence, and cake.
Upstart Crow (2016–2020) – IMDb 7.8
David Mitchell plays William Shakespeare in Ben Elton’s Elizabethan satire, poking fun at literary ambition, historical anachronisms, and theatrical egos.
The Good Life (1975–1978) – IMDb 7.8
Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal star as suburban self-sufficiency pioneers in this classic sitcom, with Penelope Keith’s snobbish neighbour stealing every scene.
Early Doors (2003–2004) – IMDb 7.8
Craig Cash and Phil Mealey’s pub-set comedy captures the quiet rhythms of northern life, with understated humour and a warm ensemble cast.
People Just Do Nothing (2014–2018) – IMDb 7.8
This BAFTA-winning mockumentary follows the deluded crew of pirate radio station Kurupt FM, blending grime culture with deadpan brilliance.
This Time with Alan Partridge (2019–2021) – IMDb 7.8
Steve Coogan returns as the inept broadcaster hosting a daytime magazine show, skewering media tropes with cringe-inducing precision.
Being Human (2008–2013) – IMDb 7.8
A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a house in Bristol, with Aidan Turner and Russell Tovey leading this supernatural dramedy with cult appeal.
Uncle (2014–2017) – IMDb 7.8
Nick Helm plays a slacker musician reluctantly bonding with his nephew in this offbeat comedy about arrested development and unexpected family.
Outnumbered (2007–2016) – IMDb 7.7
Claire Skinner and Hugh Dennis improvise their way through parenting three precocious children in this BAFTA-winning family sitcom.
Not Going Out (2006– ) – IMDb 7.7
Lee Mack’s long-running sitcom mixes rapid-fire gags and farcical setups, with Sally Bretton and Tim Vine adding to the chaos.
Little Britain (2003–2006) – IMDb 7.7
Matt Lucas and David Walliams created this sketch show of grotesque characters and catchphrases, winning BAFTAs and sparking national debate.
The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (1976–1979) – IMDb 7.7
Leonard Rossiter stars as a middle-aged executive faking his own death in this surreal satire of suburban ennui and identity crises.
As Time Goes By (1992–2005) – IMDb 7.7
Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer reunite decades after a wartime romance in this gentle, character-driven sitcom about love, memory, and second chances.
Search Party (2016–2022) – IMDb 7.6
Alia Shawkat stars in this genre-shifting dark comedy about a group of self-absorbed millennials drawn into a missing persons case, evolving from satire to thriller to surreal cult drama over five acclaimed seasons
Porridge (2017) – IMDb 7.6
Kevin Bishop plays the grandson of Ronnie Barker’s Fletcher in this modern reboot, bringing familiar prison humour to a new generation.
Two Doors Down (2016– ) – IMDb 7.6
Arabella Weir and Elaine C. Smith star in this Scottish suburban comedy about nosy neighbours, passive aggression, and endless cups of tea.
Dreaming Whilst Black (2023– ) – IMDb 7.6
Adjani Salmon’s semi-autobiographical comedy follows a young creative navigating race, ambition, and awkward encounters in London’s media world.
Mum (2016–2019) – IMDb 7.6
Lesley Manville stars in this BAFTA-nominated slow-burn comedy about grief, family, and quiet resilience, written by Stefan Golaszewski.
To the Manor Born (1979–1981) – IMDb 7.6
Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles spar over class and property in this genteel sitcom about a fallen aristocrat and her nouveau riche neighbour.
The Goes Wrong Show (2019–2021) – IMDb 7.6
From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, this slapstick series stages theatrical disasters with precision timing and escalating chaos.
Goodness Gracious Me (1998–2001) – IMDb 7.6
This groundbreaking British Asian sketch show, starring Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, flipped cultural stereotypes with sharp satire and iconic characters.
Twenty Twelve (2011–2012) – IMDb 7.6
Hugh Bonneville and Olivia Colman lead this mockumentary about the Olympic Deliverance Committee, laying the groundwork for W1A with bureaucratic absurdity.
Staged (2020–2022) – IMDb 7.6
David Tennant and Michael Sheen play exaggerated versions of themselves in this lockdown-set meta-comedy about remote rehearsals and actorly egos.
The Young Offenders (2018–2023) – IMDb 7.6
Two Cork teenagers get into petty crime and chaotic schemes in this Irish comedy spun off from the hit film, with heart beneath the havoc.
Back to Life (2019–2021) – IMDb 7.6
Daisy Haggard stars as a woman returning to her hometown after prison, blending dark humour with redemption and small-town awkwardness.
Gimme Gimme Gimme (1999–2001) – IMDb 7.5
Kathy Burke and James Dreyfus star as mismatched flatmates in this loud, camp, and unapologetically outrageous sitcom from Jonathan Harvey.
Starstruck (2021– ) – IMDb 7.4
Rose Matafeo created and stars in this rom-com about a Londoner who accidentally sleeps with a movie star, blending millennial awkwardness with fizzy charm.
This Country (2017–2020) – IMDb 7.4
Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper’s BAFTA-winning mockumentary follows two aimless cousins in rural Gloucestershire, skewering small-town life with deadpan brilliance.
Man Like Mobeen (2017–2022) – IMDb 7.4
Guz Khan stars as a reformed drug dealer trying to do good in Small Heath, Birmingham, in this sharp, socially conscious comedy with heart and bite.
Trying (2020– ) – IMDb 7.4
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith play a couple navigating adoption in this warm, witty Apple TV+ series about love, longing, and bureaucratic hurdles.
Bad Education (2012–2022) – IMDb 7.4
Jack Whitehall stars as a hopeless teacher in this school-set sitcom, which spawned a feature film and reboot series with Layton Williams.
The Wrong Mans (2013–2014) – IMDb 7.4
James Corden and Mathew Baynton co-created and star in this action-comedy about two office workers caught in a criminal conspiracy, blending thriller tropes with farce.
Austin (2023) – IMDb 7.3
Ben Miller plays a therapist with boundary issues in this ITVX comedy about emotional chaos, self-help clichés, and accidental breakthroughs.
Hebburn (2012–2013) – IMDb 7.3
Chris Ramsey and Vic Reeves star in this Geordie family sitcom about love, class, and awkward reunions in a small northern town.
Bluestone 42 (2013–2015) – IMDb 7.3
Set in a British bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan, this dark military comedy mixes gallows humour with camaraderie and chaos.
The Catherine Tate Show (2004–2007) – IMDb 7.3
Catherine Tate’s sketch show introduced iconic characters like Lauren and Nan, earning BAFTA nominations and catchphrases that entered the national lexicon.
Citizen Khan (2012–2016) – IMDb 7.3
Adil Ray stars as a self-appointed community leader in Birmingham in this family sitcom that explores British-Pakistani identity with broad humour.
Burnistoun (2010–2019) – IMDb 7.2
Robert Florence and Iain Connell’s Scottish sketch show delivers surreal characters and Glaswegian absurdity, from elevator etiquette to talking fridges.
Am I Being Unreasonable? (2022) – IMDb 7.2
Co-created by Daisy May Cooper, this BAFTA-nominated comedy-thriller blends grief, friendship, and paranoia in a twisty tale of secrets and suburban chaos.
Him & Her (2010–2013) – IMDb 7.2
Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani star as a lazy couple whose flat becomes a stage for awkward intimacy and offbeat humour in Stefan Golaszewski’s cult BBC Three hit.
Marion and Geoff (2000–2003) – IMDb 7.2
Rob Brydon’s tragicomic monologues as a deluded minicab driver earned critical acclaim, launching his career and redefining low-budget storytelling.
Cuckoo (2012–2019) – IMDb 7.1
Greg Davies plays a bewildered dad whose daughter marries a free-spirited American (Andy Samberg, then Taylor Lautner), in this culture-clash sitcom with surreal turns.
After You’ve Gone (2007–2008) – IMDb 7.1
Nicholas Lyndhurst stars as a divorced dad juggling parenting and family chaos in this traditional BBC sitcom with a warm ensemble.
Here We Go (2022– ) – IMDb 7.1
Tom Basden’s mockumentary-style sitcom follows a chaotic family through everyday disasters, with Jim Howick and Katherine Parkinson leading the cast.
Nighty Night (2004–2005) – IMDb 7.1
Julia Davis created and stars in this pitch-black comedy about a sociopathic beautician, pushing boundaries with gleeful cruelty and cult acclaim.
Lazy Susan (2020–2022) – IMDb 7.1
Freya Parker and Celeste Dring’s sketch show blends surrealism, gender satire, and character-driven chaos with a distinctive visual style.
Beautiful People (2008–2009) – IMDb 7.1
Luke Ward-Wilkinson plays a young Simon Doonan growing up fabulously in Reading, with Olivia Colman as his eccentric mum in this camp coming-of-age comedy.
Scot Squad (2014–2023) – IMDb 7.1
This improvised mockumentary follows fictional Scottish police officers through petty crimes and bureaucratic blunders, with deadpan delivery and regional charm.
Colin from Accounts (2022– ) – IMDb 7.1
Australian creators Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall star as two strangers brought together by a car accident and a stray dog in this romantic comedy with bite.
Ladhood (2019–2022) – IMDb 7.1
Liam Williams reflects on teenage misadventures in Leeds through flashbacks and narration, blending nostalgia with social awkwardness and emotional insight.
Laugh Lessons (2023) – IMDb 7.0
Emerging comedians deliver short sketches and stand-up routines in this BBC showcase of new talent and experimental humour.
Alma’s Not Normal (2021– ) – IMDb 7.0
Sophie Willan’s BAFTA-winning comedy follows a chaotic Bolton woman navigating trauma, ambition, and family dysfunction with wit and resilience.
Love + Hate (2023) – IMDb 7.0
This short-form ITVX series explores modern relationships through sketch, satire, and emotional honesty, with a rotating cast of rising talent.
Worzel Gummidge (2019–2022) – IMDb 7.0
Mackenzie Crook reimagines the talking scarecrow in this whimsical, nature-themed adaptation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s books, with Shirley Henderson and Steve Pemberton.
The Witchfinder (2022) – IMDb 7.0
Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper star in this 17th-century road trip comedy about a failing witch-hunter and his sharp-tongued prisoner, written by Neil and Rob Gibbons.
White Van Man (2011–2012) – IMDb 7.0
Will Mellor plays a reluctant handyman taking over his dad’s business in this BBC Three sitcom about DIY disasters and working-class pride.
Henpocalypse! (2023) – IMDb 7.0
A hen party turns apocalyptic in this ITV2 comedy, blending survival chaos with brash humour and unexpected bonding.
Avoidance (2022– ) – IMDb 7.0
Romesh Ranganathan stars as a conflict-averse dad navigating co-parenting and emotional growth in this understated comedy about running away from everything.
Wreck (2022– ) – IMDb 7.0
Set aboard a cruise ship, this horror-comedy follows a young man investigating his sister’s disappearance, mixing slasher tropes with Gen Z humour.
Pls Like (2017–2021) – IMDb 7.0
Liam Williams satirises influencer culture in this mockumentary series, skewering vlogging, branding, and online fame with dry wit.
Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001–2011) – IMDb 7.0
Will Mellor and Sheridan Smith star in this raunchy Runcorn-set sitcom about young adulthood, relationships, and pub banter.
The Cleaner (2021– ) – IMDb 7.0
Greg Davies plays a crime scene cleaner who gets entangled in the lives of the people left behind, with guest stars like Helena Bonham Carter and David Mitchell.
Mister Winner (2020) – IMDb 7.0
Spencer Jones stars as a well-meaning but hapless man navigating everyday disasters in this physical comedy with gentle charm.
Give My Head Peace (1998–2020) – IMDb 7.0
This Northern Irish sitcom satirises sectarian politics through a cast of caricatures, blending slapstick with regional commentary.
Black Ops (2023– ) – IMDb 7.0
Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun star as community support officers caught in a criminal conspiracy in this BBC comedy-thriller.
Mrs Brown’s Boys (2011– ) – IMDb 7.0
Brendan O’Carroll’s cross-dressing matriarch anchors this broad, fourth-wall-breaking sitcom, beloved by audiences and derided by critics.
My Family (2000–2011) – IMDb 7.0
Robert Lindsay and Zoë Wanamaker star in this long-running BBC sitcom about a dysfunctional London family, mixing farce with middle-class angst.
Bob Servant (2013–2015) – IMDb 7.0
Brian Cox plays a burger magnate turned political hopeful in this Dundee-set comedy about ego, ambition, and local lunacy.
Famalam (2018–2020) – IMDb 7.0
This sketch show celebrates Black British culture with sharp satire, genre parodies, and standout performances from Samson Kayo and Gbemisola Ikumelo.
Ellie & Natasia (2022– ) – IMDb 7.0
Ellie White and Natasia Demetriou’s surreal sketch show blends musical numbers, character comedy, and feminist absurdity.
Peacock (2022) – IMDb 7.0
Lucien Laviscount stars as a personal trainer facing a midlife crisis in this gym-set ITVX comedy about vanity, masculinity, and reinvention.
King Gary (2020–2021) – IMDb 7.0
Tom Davis and Laura Checkley play a suburban couple striving for status and respect in this loud, laddish sitcom with heart beneath the bravado.
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