The catalogue of British comedy shows includes a diverse range of sitcoms, each with their own unique subject matters. From an intense hotel manager in Fawlty Towers, to a group of idiotic school boys in The Inbetweeners, the wide range of styles caters to every audience's preferences.
The timeline of memorable British sitcoms spans decades, but even some of those that were written for previous generations are still at the forefront of today's comedy. The shows that have become favorites, all having produced exceptional lead characters that won't be forgotten in a hurry.
Only Fools And Horses
Del-Boy
Del-Boy and Rodney: two British household names that are still recognized by today's younger generations 40 years after Only Fools And Horses first aired. The comedy series follows the two brothers from their flat in Peckham to wherever their wheeler-dealer lifestyles take them. Del-boy's phrase, "this time next year, we'll be millionaires," encapsulates his optimism as he battled through a never ending list of hardships. The spring in his step and typical cockney charm can bring a smile to anyone's face.
Friday Night Dinner
Martin
The Goodman family get together every Friday night to honor the Jewish tradition of Shabbat. Friday Night Dinner largely takes place in the family home, with sons Adam and Jonathan arriving for dinner at their parents (Jackie and Martin) house each week. The evening never runs smoothly, even with Jackie's best cooking efforts. The talented, late Paul Ritter,(who played Martin,) managed to combine his character's bizarre mannerisms with impeccable comic timing to create the beloved Goodman Father.
Gavin and Stacey
Nessa
Gavin and Stacey are equal in their screen time and necessity to storylines, but their friends are no less impactful, namely Nessa. As Stacey's best friend, Nessa is an unusual and somewhat enigmatic presence on the show. Her personality is almost undefinable as each episode brings another surprising revelation about her life, like her time in Mumbai where she learnt to eat curry with her hands, yet simple facts such as her age aren't known. There's never been another Nessa and is unlikely to ever be in the future.
Fleabag
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge played the titular character in her series that started on stage as a one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her deserved acclaim for the comedy series not only highlights it's distinctive, quirky qualities but also proves the skillful performance that Waller-Bridge gave to create such an authentic and funny main character in Fleabag. Her dry sense of humor and defensive attitude brings to light emotions that we all feel but can struggle to deal with, allowing audiences to identify with her.
This Country
Kerry
This Country gave a refreshing perspective to life in England, as the series is based in the Cotswolds, a far cry from the familiar capital city. With a new angle on British life came characters that hadn't before been portrayed, namely Kerry Mucklowe.
As she trundles through life with cousin Kurtan, their town has little to offer them, and they apparently have little to offer their town. Kerry is a product of her surroundings, but deep down, she wants to become something big. Unfortunately, her lack of foresight and passion lets her down. However, she's unknowingly funny and delivers some of the best quotes from This Country.
Extras
Andy
The world hears about the lives of famous actors on a daily basis, but it's the background actors and extras that aren't spoken so much of. The premise of Extras is unique, and Andy Millman is the main character who leads the show's originality, comedy and disappointment. Much like his other lead roles, Ricky Gervais has viewers laughing along at embarrassing mishaps in one instance and then instantaneously changes the mood by confronting the lows of trying to break into the acting industry.
The Royle Family
Jim
Sometimes, the best character from a series isn't necessarily the nicest. However, viewers can't help but laugh at crude outbursts, and Jim Royle is no exception to that. The grotesque, unemployed father and husband rarely moves from his armchair in front of the TV, while wife Barbara works hard to keep him and their family happy. The characters of the whole series are brilliantly cast, but Ricky Tomlinson (Jim) somehow treads the fine line between vulgarity and comedy to portray one of the most memorable British comedy lead characters.
People Just Do Nothing
Steves
British audiences can't resist the narrative of loveble rogues who at first glance would be avoided. But the likes of Steves from People Just Do Nothing, can quickly change the mind of even the most cynical of people.
As part of Kurupt FM, his involvement in the pirate radio station is fairly minimal, but his childlike ingenuousness allows for happiness in his simple life, making him one of the best characters in People Just Do Nothing. His heavy drug use is almost overlooked because of his harmlessness and the commitment he has to his Nan, something viewers wouldn't necessarily associate with a man with his lifestyle.
Stath Lets Flats
Stath
Who knew lettings agents could be a magnet for eccentric employees and daily comedic catastrophe? The titular character steals the show with a stream of side-splitting incorrect phrases and a ridiculous approach to his job. With the goal of taking over Michael and Eagle Lettings from his father, Stath naively attempts to impress, which results in repelling potential customers, but his misfortune only draws viewers in further.
The Office
David Brent
No fan of British comedy can forget about the ever-cringeworthy David Brent. On the original The Office, the painfully awkward boss at Wernham Hogg paper merchants tries his best to impress anyone who looks his way, only to fall victim to embarrassment of his own making. Although the awkwardness is his defining feature, he is by no means a boss from hell. Perhaps we all have a bit of David Brent in us, whereby at some point, we just want to be the "cool kid." Either way, the harmless but pitiful man is a staple in British comedy.