Top comedy shows from the 1990s

The 1990s was a memorable era for UK comedy shows on television. From sketch formats to sitcoms, the comedy of that time blended wit, satire and absurdity, leaving an indelible mark on British television.

Shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Spaced, Father Ted and The Royle Family defined a generation's humour and influenced contemporary comedy.

Here's nine TV comedy shows of note from that decade:

One Foot In The Grave

Starting in 1990, this sitcom ran across the whole decade. It starts with the following premise: At the age of 60, and after 26 years of loyal service, Victor Meldrew is retired from his job as a security guard. He faces up to the prospect of a future of endless boredom. The following 42 episodes were anything but boring though - they were full of laughs, and featured a number of experimental episodes too (e.g. one essentially set during a power cut).

There was certainly no need for Victor to while away time signing on to a casino online in these episodes (not that the internet really existed back then!); he was too busy dealing with car alarms, dealing with the Neighbourhood Watch, or trying to dodge Mrs Warboys.

Absolutely Fabulous

Absolutely Fabulous became a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its outrageous humour, memorable catchphrases and over-the-top characters. The show which, premiered in 1992, followed the lives of Edina Monsson and her best friend Patsy Stone who live in a world of fashion obsession and excess. The show received enormous acclaim thanks to its fearless approach to topics like aging, addiction and friendship, while commenting on the fashion industry and celebrity culture.

Spaced

Spaced, which first debuted in 1999, follows two twenty-somethings who pretend to be a couple to secure a flat rental. The show starred Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson (as she was known then, she later changed her name to Jessica Hynes) as Tim and Daisy. Its innovative use of visual effects, quick pace and pop culture references made it a fan favourite.

The League Of Gentlemen

Here's another show that started in 1999 (on the TV that is, Radio 4 listeners had a version back in 1997). This show, blending horror and comedy, is set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey. It focuses on the lives of its eccentric inhabitants, who carry out rather offbeat existences. It garnered critical acclaim for its originality and daring storytelling.

Father Ted

Father Ted centres around three priests who have been exiled to a remote island in Ireland. The show explores topics of faith, belief, friendship and the intricate absurdities of life. Honest storytelling, absurd humour, accurate social commentary and genuine characters resonated with audiences of the time... and still to today. Father Ted was only made between 1995 and 1998, but it's still regularly repeated on TV today.

The Vicar Of Dibley

The Vicar Of Dibley follows the life of Geraldine Granger, played by Dawn French. Its heart-warming humour and charming characters delivered issues of gender within the Church and rural life challenges to a wide TV audience. The female vicar had to navigate life in a male-dominated parish in this sitcom with a progressive message. However, above all else, it was a very funny show, hence became a British staple.

The Royle Family

This show was created by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash and focused on the life of a working-class family in Manchester. The sitcom first aired in 1998 and managed to capture the mundane yet relatable aspects of family life, which appealed to a wide audience of viewers.

Men Behaving Badly

Men Behaving Badly premiered in 1992 and highlights the absurdities of male friendships and the challenges of growing up. The show blends slapstick and character-driven humour as it explores the lives of two immature friends navigating relationships and adulthood. Its two leads, Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey, became huge stars off the back of the programme.

Red Dwarf

This sci-fi sitcom follows the last human alive, Dave Lister, and his bizarre crew aboard the spaceship Red Dwarf. Despite starting in the late 80s, the show gained real traction during the 1990s as it found its stride and was broadcast to increasingly large audiences. Its unique premise, inventive storytelling, strong characters and clever writing made this show into a celebrated comedic classic.

As you can see from the list above, the 1990s were a remarkable time for British comedy writing and production. From the absurdity of Absolutely Fabulous to the heartwarming charm of The Vicar Of Dibley, viewers were treated to all kinds of British comedy riches. The influence of these programmes continues to be felt today, inspiring a new generation of comedians and writers.

This article contains a promotional link.