British Comedy Guide
Early Doors. Image shows from L to R: Joe (Craig Cash), Duffy (Phil Mealey). Copyright: Phil McIntyre Entertainment
Early Doors

Early Doors

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Two
  • 2003 - 2004
  • 12 episodes (2 series)

Sitcom set in a small Manchester pub created by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey. Joe and Duffy pass the time with landlord Ken and the other pub regulars. Also features John Henshaw, Rita May, Christine Bottomley, Rodney Litchfield, Mark Benton and more.

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Press clippings

A British Cheers remake? The UK already has the perfect pub-set sitcom

If it's a British version of Cheers you're after, then one already exists in the form of Craig Cash and Phil Mealey's excellent comedy Early Doors.

Louisa Mellor, Den Of Geek, 1st October 2024

The Guardian view on working-class comedy: welcome back Early Doors

Together with The Royle Family, the northern sitcom is a countercultural classic that still speaks to our times.

The Guardian, 6th January 2023

Early Doors co-creator speaks out on third season as hit show returns to BBC

Fans of the classic Manc comedy series are demanding a new series from the BBC - there's even a petition.

Dianne Bourne, Manchester Evening News, 29th December 2022

Seven great British comedy TV shows for any taste

There's nothing better after a busy day than sitting down and enjoying a comedy on the television. A good comedy has the ability to make us smile, pulls at the heartstrings of the audience and sucks us into an alternate reality. So for anyone looking to watch tv shows that are guaranteed to bring on a chuckle, here are seven broad-ranging British comedies. While we all have a favourite go-to show or series, discovering new ones could be as simple as checking out this list.

The Upcoming, 23rd November 2021

Early Doors Live released for NHS charity

A recording of the Early Doors Live stage show has been released for rental, in aid of Manchester-based NHS cancer treatment charity The Christie.

British Comedy Guide, 13th September 2021

Rodney Litchfield, Old Tommy in Early Doors, dies

Actor Rodney Litchfield, who played gloomy pub regular Old Tommy in the hit BBC sitcom Early Doors, has died.

Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 8th September 2020

Early Doors creators confirm show won't return to TV

The comedy duo are bringing their Manchester-based pub sitcom back to The Lowry.

Katie Fitzpatrick, Manchester Evening News, 19th March 2019

Early Doors profile

It ran for just 12 episodes on BBC2, but to fans like me, it's a timeless masterpiece.

Colin Drury, i Newspaper, 28th September 2018

Early Doors Live review

Millennial pub sitcom makes effortless transfer from screen to stage.

Marissa Burgess, The List, 11th September 2018

Craig Cash and Phil Mealey interview

Early Doors stars Craig Cash and Phil Mealey on bringing their Stockport pub comedy back to life on stage.

Dianne Bourne, Manchester Evening News, 1st December 2017

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