What happened to event TV? Three classic comedies
Ask most people about British comedy and they'll probably tell you it can be dark, on occasions it has a strong element of satire, and sarcasm is at the forefront of some of the most popular and famous shows. We wouldn't have it any other way either, would we? In fact, over the years, some of Britain's classic television comedies have showcased British comedy to mass audiences in the best way possible.
In 2023, British comedy shows are still being made but there is a strong argument to suggest that they aren't as in-demand as productions from previous decades were. Competition in the modern age is far more numerous and varied: in the not-too-distant past, comedy shows were considered one of the main events on television. Today, though, these shows have to compete with popular streaming services like Netflix, social media platforms like TikTok, and even games like Minecraft and fast-paced casino titles like the Tokyo Go slot. Essentially, given the sheer amount of entertainment opportunities in the modern world, some comedies of today get lost.
A somewhat depressing scenario perhaps. But comedy can still enjoy a solid audience despite these changing viewer habits. Let's have a look at three classic sitcom titles that remain hugely popular to this day, drawing in hundreds of thousands of viewers whenever they're repeated on one channel or another.
Only Fools And Horses
A sitcom about siblings and market traders with bags of personality, Only Fools And Horses is a comedy that has gone on to achieve recognition in other nations. Starring a cheeky Del Boy and his gormless brother Rodney, the show was a much-loved production throughout the 1980s, before coming to an end in 1991. The wheeler dealers managed to make it seem like life living in London's rough Peckham estate was a lucky experience, with the characters they'd meet and the escapades they'd get up to offering serious doses of comical value in every episode. From selling knock-off goods to angry locals to Del Boy having to deal with fatherhood, it's a show that encapsulates everything that was great about Britain at that time and, more specifically, Peckham.
Fawlty Towers
Starring comedy legend John Cleese, Fawlty Towers is an iconic British comedy many people grew up with. Set in an eponymous hotel and following its husband-and-wife owners and their staff, every episode took viewers on a journey of farcical ridiculousness that was filled with endless laughs. From rude guests to hotel mishaps, Fawlty Towers offered a sense of familiarity and enabled many viewers to identify with what they were watching after staying in some similar establishments themselves. Basil Fawlty, played by the aforementioned Cleese, is certainly the star of the show, although his hilarious performance is added to beautifully by other characters like Manuel, while Sybil Fawlty, played by Prunella Scales, gives Basil's never-ending nonsense short shrift.
The Office
A mockumentary sitcom that has spawned a hugely successful, long-running American adaptation, The Office is a favourite for millions of Brits. Ricky Gervais might divide opinion when it comes to his stand-up shows, but it's hard to deny just how influential he has been in British comedy in the last couple of decades. The Office will certainly not fade away for many years to come, with David Brent still firmly featured in internet memes and his jokes still influencing many new comedies. Gervais's writing (usually with Stephen Merchant) has created a number of classics, but The Office is a show workers around the UK can really identify with.